Ingredients
– 1 pound lean ground beef or half Italian sausage Provides the hearty protein base, adding rich flavor and texture to the soup
– 1 yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth, serving as an aromatic foundation for the dish
– 4-5 garlic cloves Infuses a pungent, savory note that enhances the overall taste of the lasagna-style soup
– ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Brings a mild heat that balances the richness and makes the soup more exciting
– 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce Forms the tomato base, offering a convenient way to achieve that classic lasagna flavor
– 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided Acts as the liquid backbone, allowing you to adjust consistency for the perfect hearty lasagna soup
– 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes Contributes to the thick, saucy texture essential for a satisfying easy lasagna soup
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste Boosts the tomato intensity and helps thicken the soup for a more robust feel
– 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar Adds acidity to brighten flavors and balance the soup’s richness
– 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar Counters acidity in the tomatoes, ensuring a well-rounded taste in your lasagna soup recipe
– 1 tablespoon dried basil Infuses an herby, Italian essence that defines the soup’s comforting profile
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley Provides subtle freshness and complements the other herbs in the mix
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano Delivers that authentic Italian flavor, enhancing the overall aroma of easy lasagna soup
– 1 teaspoon salt Seasons the dish perfectly, bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients
– ½ teaspoon thyme Adds an earthy note that deepens the soup’s complexity
– 1 bay leaf Imparts a gentle, aromatic flavor during cooking, though it’s removed before serving
– 10 uncooked regular lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces Serves as the pasta element, absorbing flavors and giving the soup its signature texture
– ½ cup heavy cream (optional) Creates a creamy finish if desired, making the soup even more indulgent
– Shredded mozzarella (amount to taste) Melts into a cheesy topping that mimics traditional lasagna for garnish
– Finely grated Parmesan (amount to taste) Adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the soup’s flavor profile
– Ricotta (amount to taste; e.g., a dollop per serving) Provides a creamy, dollop of richness on top for the full lasagna experience
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pot Start by gathering all your ingredients and heating a large 7-9 quart pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, which takes about 2 minutes. Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef or half Italian sausage with 1 diced yellow onion, stirring occasionally until the meat is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. For dietary adaptations, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles here if you’re making a vegetarian version, adjusting the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure everything heats through evenly.
2-Second Step: Add Aromatics and Spices Stir in 4-5 garlic cloves and ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds on medium heat until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup lighter. If you’re adapting for a low-sodium diet, reduce the red pepper flakes or use a milder version while this easy lasagna soup simmers, ensuring the flavors remain balanced without overwhelming spice.
3-Third Step: Build the Soup Base Add 1 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth, 1 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 ½ teaspoons of granulated sugar, and the dried herbs (1 tablespoon basil, 1 teaspoon parsley, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon thyme, and 1 bay leaf). Break 10 uncooked regular lasagna noodles into 1-2 inch pieces and add them to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, which takes about 5 minutes, then reduce to a simmer on low heat and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free noodles and add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft, maintaining the hearty texture of your lasagna soup recipe.
4-Fourth Step: Adjust and Finish the Soup Once the noodles are tender, remove the bay leaf and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream if desired, which adds creaminess in about 1 minute. Add 2-4 cups of the remaining chicken broth to reach your preferred consistency, simmering for another 2-3 minutes. For vegan adaptations, skip the cream and finish with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream, blending it in gently to keep the soup’s rich, comforting profile intact. This step ensures your easy lasagna soup has the right balance for everyone.
5-Final Step: Serve and Garnish Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly for 2 minutes before serving. Top each bowl with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a dollop of ricotta to taste, then broil for 2-3 minutes if you want a bubbly cheese finish. If you’re serving those with dietary needs, use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it inclusive. Your easy hearty lasagna soup comfort meal is now ready to enjoy, offering the classic flavors of lasagna in a simple bowl.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍲 Use a large 7-9 quart pot for even cooking and sufficient capacity.
🍜 Avoid freezing soup with noodles; store base separately and cook noodles fresh when reheating.
🌿 Customize by adding extra vegetables or swapping proteins like Italian sausage or ground turkey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl