There’s nothing quite like the cozy, savory hug of a warm bowl of soup, and this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly that. It captures all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but in a quicker, lighter, and slurp-friendly way—I promise it’s a game-changer for chilly nights or when you want dinner with minimal fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely excited to share this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe with you because it simplifies one of my favorite comfort foods without losing any of its soul. It brings people running to the table, and I find the layers of flavor pair so beautifully, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or weekend treat.
- Rich, Layered Flavor: Every spoonful combines savory sausage, herby tomato broth, and cheesy goodness in a way that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.
- Quick Comfort: Unlike traditional lasagna, which can take hours to bake, this soup comes together in under an hour.
- Customizable: You can tweak the pasta, sausage, or even cheeses to suit what you have or crave.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love how approachable lasagna gets when it’s served in a bowl.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe balances hearty, savory ingredients with fresh aromatics and cheeses that melt into creamy clouds. Each component plays a pivotal role in the final flavor, so here’s why I choose each ingredient—and what to look for when shopping.
- Ground Italian sausage: This is the flavor powerhouse; the fennel and spices infuse the broth with depth and a comforting meaty richness.
- White onion: Adds subtle sweetness and soft texture when cooked down, mellowing the sausage’s intensity.
- Minced garlic: About five cloves pack the soup with an aromatic punch, just the right amount to brighten and complement.
- Beef broth: Gives the soup a robust, beefy body that tomato sauce alone can’t provide.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Both contribute acidity and sweetness, creating the classic lasagna tomato base but in soup form.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that tie every ingredient together, making sure no single flavor dominates.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat to round out the soup without overpowering the delicate balance.
- Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal note during simmering—don’t forget to remove them before serving!
- Lasagna pasta: I love breaking it into bite-sized pieces because it cooks evenly and carries the soup’s sauce perfectly.
- Ricotta cheese: For that creamy topping that melts beautifully on the hot soup.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and richness.
- Parmesan cheese: This sharp, nutty cheese enhances flavor complexity and gives a nice bite.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. I often swap ingredients or play with add-ins depending on my mood, what's in my pantry, or dietary needs—and I encourage you to do the same!
- Variation: When I want a lighter version, I swap the Italian sausage with lean ground turkey or chicken—and it still feels hearty and satisfying.
- Vegetarian option: Try using plant-based sausage and vegetable broth plus some mushrooms for umami depth.
- Pasta swap: Sometimes I use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta based on my pantry, and the soup holds up really well.
- Extra veggies: Adding chopped bell peppers or spinach just before adding pasta is a great way to sneak in more greens.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Soften the Onions
I start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and browning the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. You want it nicely browned but not burned—watch the edges and stir often. After draining any excess grease, I toss in the diced onion and let it cook down until translucent and soft, about 5–7 minutes. This combination makes the soup base rich and flavorful from the very start.
Step 2: Build the Broth with Tomatoes and Seasonings
Once the onions are softened, I stir in minced garlic for a minute or two until fragrant (heads up: don’t let it brown or burn to keep it sweet and mellow). Then I pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes straight from the can. Adding Italian seasoning, black pepper, and bay leaves is key here—this is where the soup starts to taste like classic lasagna simmering away. I bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it bubble away for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally so flavors mingle.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Soup
Breaking the lasagna noodles into bite-size pieces is a little trick that makes this soup easy to eat without a fork battle. I stir them in and cook for about 12–15 minutes until just tender with a little ‘bite’ left (al dente). Sometimes the pasta soaks up a little too much broth, so I keep extra beef broth nearby to thin out if needed. Once the pasta is ready, I carefully remove and discard the bay leaves—don’t want anyone crunching on those!
Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesy Topping
While the pasta cooks, I mix ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and a spoonful of Italian seasoning in a bowl. This mix is dreamy—creamy, cheesy, and herb-scented—making it the perfect contrast to the tomato broth. When serving, I scoop a generous dollop right on top of each bowlful. It melts slowly and adds that luscious lasagna vibe without the oven fuss.
Top Tip
Over years of making this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really elevate the experience and make cooking smoother. I’m sharing these so you can skip the learning curve and start enjoying it sooner.
- Don’t skip draining the sausage: The grease can make the soup too oily and heavy, so drain well before adding onions.
- Simmer gently: A slow simmer lets flavors develop fully—turning up the heat too high will give you a flat broth.
- Add pasta last: Cooking pasta right in the soup means you don’t have extra pots, but don’t overcook it or it will get mushy.
- Cheese mixture magic: Make the cheese topping ahead and keep it chilled—it melts better and tastes fresher.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or parsley on top of each bowl, adding a fresh herbal pop and a touch of color. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can take it up a notch if you want a slight heat and richness contrast.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is satisfying on its own, I usually keep sides simple. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread is my go-to for dipping. Sometimes, I serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls, which everyone loved for the rustic feel. Another fun idea is layering the soup and cheese mixture in clear mugs so guests can see all the delicious layers—great for casual entertaining!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up broth over time, so I recommend adding a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to keep it nice and soupy.
Freezing
This soup freezes well without the cheese topping. I cool it completely, then freeze in portions. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove, then add fresh cheese topping before serving to keep it creamy and fresh.
Reheating
For best results, I reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a little broth helps loosen the soup if it gets too thick. Microwave works too—just be sure to stir halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground beef works well, but you might want to add extra Italian seasoning or fennel seeds to replicate the distinctive Italian sausage flavors.
You can use bow tie, penne, rigatoni, or even small shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the pasta stays al dente and doesn’t overcook in the hot soup.
Yes! I recommend freezing without the cheese topping. Freeze in airtight containers, then add fresh cheese when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Swap the sausage with plant-based sausage or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding lentils can also add protein and a delicious meaty texture.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe holds a special place on my table because it reminds me that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or rushed. It’s an invitation to gather around, share stories, and savor something deliciously familiar but refreshed. I can’t wait for you to try it—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl, ready anytime you need it.
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Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Homemade Lasagna Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of ground Italian sausage, tender lasagna pasta, a rich tomato-based broth, and a creamy cheese topping. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup offers all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna in a warm, easy-to-eat bowl.
Ingredients
Soup
- 2 pounds ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 5 teaspoons minced garlic (about 5 cloves)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ pound lasagna pasta, broken into pieces (about 2 cups)
Cheese Topping
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease, then return the pot to medium-high heat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in 5 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 1 can tomato sauce, and 2 cans diced tomatoes. Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Stir to combine and increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta: Break lasagna pasta into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Stir into the soup and cook for 15 minutes, until noodles are tender but still slightly firm. Remove pot from heat and discard bay leaves.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: While noodles cook, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Mix well.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add more beef broth as needed to maintain desired soup consistency.
- Instead of lasagna pasta, bite-sized pasta shapes like bow tie or penne can be used as substitutes.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage.
- To make the soup spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg

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