The Best Lasagna Soup
The Best Lasagna Soup is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by OneStopChop on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $32.50 total, $8.13 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 stalks Celery (diced)
- 2 medium Carrots (diced)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 8 oz Pepperoni (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Basil Paste
- 1 tbsp Italian Herb Paste
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 1 can (28 oz) Canned Tomato Puree
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic and Herb Seasoning (Kinders blend or similar)
- 6 Uncooked Lasagna Sheets (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Dice the vegetables
On a cutting board, dice the celery, carrots, onion and green bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
Time: PT5M
Brown the ground beef
Heat the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Drain excess fat
Place a paper towel on a plate and press it onto the surface of the meat to soak up excess fat.
Time: PT2M
Sauté vegetables and pastes
Add the diced vegetables, tomato paste, basil paste and Italian herb paste to the pot. Stir and cook for 3 minutes until the veggies soften slightly.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add liquids and seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and canned tomato puree. Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic‑herb seasoning. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add pasta and pepperoni
Break the uncooked lasagna sheets into bite‑size pieces and add them to the boiling soup along with the chopped pepperoni. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 12‑15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium
Finish with greens and cheese
Stir in the chopped spinach, ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan. Cook for another 3‑4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheeses melt into a creamy texture.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Serve and garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, top each serving with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground Italian sausage
- Instead of Pepperoni: salami, chorizo
- Instead of Tomato Paste: tomato sauce (reduced)
- Instead of Basil Paste: fresh basil, finely chopped
- Instead of Italian Herb Paste: Italian seasoning mixed with olive oil
- Instead of Beef Broth: chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Canned Tomato Puree: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Garlic and Herb Seasoning: garlic powder + dried oregano
- Instead of Uncooked Lasagna Sheets: penne, fusilli
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: cottage cheese (drained)
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, fontina
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: baby kale, Swiss chard
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
- Soup Bowls
- Grater (optional)
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly
- Drain excess fat to avoid greasy soup
- Add pasta and pepperoni while the broth is boiling to ensure even cooking
- Stir in cheese at the end to prevent curdling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sweet Italian sausage and ground beef for extra flavor
- Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for an ultra‑rich texture
- Toast the broken lasagna sheets in a dry pan for 1‑2 minutes before adding to deepen their flavor
Troubleshooting
Pasta is too soft or mushy
Reduce cooking time by 2‑3 minutes next time and add the pasta later in the simmering stage.
Soup is too thick
Stir in additional beef broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese separates or becomes grainy
Lower the heat before adding cheese and stir gently; add cheese off the heat for a smoother finish.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Can freeze for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice all vegetables a day ahead and store in a sealed bag in the fridge
- Prepare the broth and keep it chilled; add to the pot when ready
- The soup can be fully assembled and refrigerated; reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted the comforting layers of lasagna in a quicker, one‑pot format. It became popular in the United States during the 1990s as a hearty, family‑friendly dish that blends pasta, meat and cheese in a broth.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian cuisine?
While classic Italian cuisine does not have a soup version of lasagna, northern regions like Emilia‑Romagna feature broth‑based pasta dishes such as tortellini in brodo. In Italian‑American kitchens, variations include adding sausage, different cheeses, or substituting spinach for traditional ricotta layers.
How is authentic lasagna soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and fresh parsley. Some families also drizzle a little extra‑virgin olive oil or add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Lasagna soup is often made for casual family gatherings, game‑day meals, or as a comforting weeknight dinner. Its one‑pot nature makes it ideal for pot‑luck events and holiday leftovers.
What makes lasagna soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
It combines the layered flavors of lasagna—meat, tomato, cheese, and herbs—with the convenience of a soup, delivering a rich, cheesy broth and tender pasta in every spoonful. The addition of pepperoni adds a spicy, smoky note not found in traditional lasagna.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lasagna soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the pasta, which makes it mushy; not draining excess fat from the ground beef, resulting in a greasy broth; and adding cheese at too high a temperature, which can cause curdling. Follow the critical steps to ensure a smooth, hearty soup.
Why does this lasagna soup recipe use broken lasagna sheets instead of traditional pasta shapes?
Broken lasagna sheets mimic the layered texture of classic lasagna while still cooking quickly in a soup. Their flat shape absorbs broth well, creating a creamy mouthfeel that distinguishes the dish from other pasta soups.
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Cool it quickly, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the lasagna soup is done?
The broth should be rich red‑orange, the broken lasagna pieces should be al dente—tender but still with a slight bite—and the cheese should be fully melted, giving the soup a velvety, slightly creamy sheen.
What does the YouTube channel OneStopChop specialize in?
The YouTube channel OneStopChop specializes in quick, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that focus on one‑pot meals, easy weeknight dinners, and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel OneStopChop's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
OneStopChop emphasizes simplicity and speed, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment while still delivering authentic flavor. Their Italian‑American recipes, like this lasagna soup, prioritize one‑pot convenience without sacrificing the classic taste profile.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
