High Protein Lasagna Soup
High Protein Lasagna Soup is a easy Italian‑American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Ann Marie | Full Sail Wellness on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 60 min
Cost: $19.30 total, $3.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
- 2 pounds Lean Ground Beef (90 % lean, break up while cooking)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced fresh garlic)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (concentrated tomato paste)
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (canned, no‑salt added if possible)
- 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 16 ounces Cottage Cheese (blended smooth, low‑fat)
- 8 cups Chicken Bone Broth (store‑bought or homemade, low‑sodium)
- 1 pound Lasagna Noodles (break into bite‑size pieces; whole‑wheat optional)
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables
Dice the onion into small cubes and mince the garlic. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the 2 lb lean ground beef to the pot. Break it up with the wooden spoon and cook for 5–7 minutes, until no longer pink.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium
Build the Soup Base
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, then add the 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, and the 8 cups chicken bone broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑High
Add Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and add them to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low Simmer
Finish with Cottage Cheese
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the blended 16 oz cottage cheese until fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
Time: PT2M
Portion and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls or meal‑prep containers. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Low‑Sugar, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola Oil, Avocado Oil
- Instead of Onion: Leek, Shallot
- Instead of Lean Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt, Table Salt (use 2/3 amount)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper, Garlic Pepper
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Garlic Paste
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato Sauce (use 3 tbsp)
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced Tomatoes, Fresh Blended Tomatoes
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried Oregano + Dried Basil (1 tsp each)
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Ricotta Cheese, Greek Yogurt (plain)
- Instead of Chicken Bone Broth: Beef Bone Broth, Vegetable Broth
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Whole‑wheat Pasta, Gluten‑free Pasta
Equipment Needed
- Large Stock Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sautéing the onion until translucent without browning.
- Breaking up and fully browning the ground beef.
- Simmering the noodles just until tender to avoid mushiness.
- Stirring in cottage cheese off the heat to keep a smooth texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra protein, swap half of the ground beef with ground turkey.
- Add a pinch of red‑pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Use whole‑wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber.
Troubleshooting
Noodles are mushy.
Reduce simmer time to 12‑15 minutes and check texture frequently. Use al dente noodles for a firmer bite.
Soup is too thick.
Add additional chicken broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Cottage cheese curdles.
Stir cottage cheese in off the heat and ensure the soup is not boiling when added.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool quickly after cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Divide the soup into individual meal‑prep containers; reheat on the stove or microwave.
- Cottage cheese can be added just before serving if you prefer a fresher texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern American twist on traditional Italian lasagna, turning the layered pasta dish into a comforting broth‑based soup. It became popular in the United States as a quick, family‑friendly way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without the time‑intensive baking process.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian‑American cooking?
While the classic version uses ground beef, tomato sauce, and mozzarella, regional variations may include Italian sausage, spinach, or a blend of cheeses such as ricotta and Parmesan. Some cooks add beans or vegetables like zucchini for a heartier, more rustic style.
How is high protein lasagna soup traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, often garnished with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil. Many families pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
What occasions or celebrations is high protein lasagna soup associated with in American culture?
Because it is both comforting and nutritious, lasagna soup is popular for family weeknight dinners, post‑workout meals, and even casual gatherings like potlucks. Its meal‑prep friendly nature makes it a favorite for athletes and busy professionals.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic lasagna soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for leaner protein, cottage cheese or ricotta for a lighter texture, and whole‑wheat or gluten‑free pasta for dietary needs.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with high protein lasagna soup?
Serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic‑bread croutons, or a side of roasted vegetables. A light dessert such as lemon sorbet balances the richness of the soup.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making high protein lasagna soup?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes them mushy, and adding cottage cheese while the soup is still boiling, which can cause curdling. Also, under‑seasoning the broth before the noodles are added can result in a bland final dish.
Why does this high protein lasagna soup recipe use cottage cheese instead of mozzarella?
Cottage cheese adds a boost of protein while keeping the fat content lower than mozzarella. When blended and stirred in off the heat, it creates a creamy texture without the need for a cheese‑melting step, making the soup quicker to finish.
Can I make high protein lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup stores well in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for up to two months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the lasagna soup is done cooking?
The broth should be rich and slightly thickened from the tomatoes, the noodles should be al dente, and the cottage cheese should be fully incorporated, giving the soup a creamy, speckled appearance. A final garnish of fresh herbs adds a pop of color.
What does the YouTube channel Ann Marie | Full Sail Wellness specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ann Marie | Full Sail Wellness focuses on nutritious, fitness‑friendly recipes, meal‑prep ideas, and wellness tips that help viewers stay on track with health goals while enjoying flavorful home‑cooked meals.
How does the YouTube channel Ann Marie | Full Sail Wellness's approach to healthy cooking differ from other wellness channels?
Ann Marie emphasizes high‑protein, whole‑food meals that are quick to prepare and suitable for meal‑prepping. Unlike many channels that rely heavily on processed protein powders, she incorporates natural protein sources like lean meats, dairy, and legumes, providing balanced nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
