Lasagna soup is a modern American adaptation that captures the classic flavors of traditional Italian lasagna—layers of meat, cheese, tomato, and herbs—into a comforting broth. It reflects the Italian tradition of turning beloved dishes into hearty soups for colder weather, especially in Italian‑American households.

While there is no historic Italian "lasagna soup," regional lasagna styles (e.g., Bolognese from Emilia‑Romagna, Neapolitan with ricotta and mozzarella) inspire the soup’s ingredients. Some cooks substitute pork sausage for beef or add regional cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a dollop of herbed ricotta or a swirl of mozzarella, and finished with fresh basil or parsley. A side of crusty bread or garlic toast is common to soak up the flavorful broth.

Lasagna soup is popular during cold winter months, family gatherings, and holiday meals such as Christmas Eve or New Year’s celebrations, where a warm, filling dish is appreciated.

Authentic ingredients include ground beef (or pork), Italian tomato products, fresh basil and parsley, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for a leaner meat, canned diced tomatoes for crushed, and shredded cheese blends if specific cheeses are unavailable.

Serve lasagna soup alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic focaccia, or a classic Caprese salad. A glass of Chianti or a light red wine complements the rich broth.

Common errors include over‑cooking the pasta, adding garlic too early (it burns), not developing a crust on the ground beef, and forgetting to balance the acidity with a pinch of sugar. Following the critical steps prevents these issues.

Garlic burns quickly at high heat, turning bitter. Adding it after the tomato paste and herbs have cooked gives flavor without the risk of scorching, ensuring a sweet, aromatic note.

Yes. Store the soup (without the ricotta topping) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the herbed ricotta separate and add a fresh dollop when reheating and serving.

The broth should be rich, slightly thickened, and glossy. The broken lasagna noodles should be al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. The cheese topping should be creamy and slightly melted on the surface.

Taste a piece of pasta; it should be al dente. The broth should have a balanced flavor—savory, slightly sweet, and not overly acidic. A quick visual check for a glossy, slightly reduced sauce confirms it’s ready.

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on practical, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that emphasize efficiency, meal‑prep friendliness, and approachable techniques for everyday cooks.

Mr. Make It Happen blends classic Italian flavors with modern convenience, often using one‑pot methods, quick ingredient swaps, and clear visual cues, whereas many traditional Italian channels may emphasize longer, multi‑step preparations and regional authenticity.

The channel is known for recipes like Quick Chicken Parmesan, One‑Pot Spaghetti Bolognese, Creamy Risotto in 30 Minutes, and Easy Margherita Pizza with store‑bought dough.