I didn’t like Lasagna Soup at first so I tweaked the recipe
I didn’t like Lasagna Soup at first so I tweaked the recipe is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by MyHealthyDish on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $13.75 total, $3.44 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (regular tomato paste)
- 2 cans Tomato Sauce (15 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (optional)
- 1.5 quarts Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 8 ounces Broken Lasagna Noodles (roughly broken into 1‑inch pieces)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Mince the garlic, dice the onion, chop the basil, and roughly chop the spinach. Measure out all dry ingredients and cheeses.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics and Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until translucent (2‑3 min). Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5‑7 min.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Build the Soup Base
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 min. Add the two cans of tomato sauce, dried oregano, and 1.5 quarts of chicken stock. Bring to a gentle boil, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑High
Add Noodles and Simmer
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are al dente, about 8‑10 min. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash more stock or water.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Low
Finish with Greens and Cheese
Stir in the chopped spinach and basil; cook until spinach wilts (1‑2 min). Remove pot from heat and fold in ricotta, grated parmesan, and shredded mozzarella until melted and evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra basil or parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: High protein, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Onion: shallot (1)
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Tomato Paste: tomato purée (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: crushed tomatoes (2 cups)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Stock: vegetable stock, water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Broken Lasagna Noodles: small pasta shells, orzo
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: baby kale, Swiss chard
- Instead of Fresh Basil: dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: cottage cheese
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cheese Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring 1.5 quarts of chicken stock are used to keep the soup broth‑like
- Adding only the correct amount of broken lasagna noodles so they absorb stock without turning the dish into a stew
Chef Tips from the Video
- Break lasagna noodles before adding to the pot for even cooking
- Use low‑sodium stock to control salt level
- Finish with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil for a glossy finish
Troubleshooting
Soup turned into a stew, too thick
Add additional chicken stock or water, ½ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are mushy
Reduce cooking time; remove noodles a minute or two before they reach al dente.
Cheese clumps instead of melting smoothly
Stir cheese in off‑heat and whisk quickly; add a splash of warm stock to loosen.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soup can be made a day ahead; flavors improve after refrigeration
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of stock if it thickens
- Portion and freeze for quick meals
- Stir in fresh cheese after reheating for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian-American cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern, comfort‑food adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted a quicker, one‑pot version that still delivers the layered flavors of meat, tomato, cheese, and herbs.
How does lasagna soup differ from traditional Italian lasagna?
Traditional lasagna is baked in layers with pasta sheets, meat sauce, and cheese, while lasagna soup simmers broken pasta in a broth, creating a soupy texture that’s quicker to prepare and easier to serve in bowls.
What regional variations of lasagna soup exist within Italian-American cooking?
Some regions add sausage instead of ground beef, others incorporate roasted red peppers or use different cheeses like provolone. In the Southwest, a spicy version may include jalapeños and chipotle.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian-American families?
It’s often served as a hearty weeknight dinner, at pot‑luck gatherings, or as a comforting dish during colder months and holiday gatherings when families want a familiar flavor without the time‑intensive baking process.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional lasagna soup, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include ground beef, tomato sauce, chicken stock, broken lasagna noodles, mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and fresh basil. Substitutes can be ground turkey for beef, vegetable stock for chicken stock, and shredded provolone for mozzarella.
What other Italian dishes pair well with lasagna soup?
Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, crusty garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables to complement the rich, cheesy soup.
What makes lasagna soup special or unique in Italian-American cuisine?
It captures the comforting, layered flavors of classic lasagna in a quick, one‑pot format, making it accessible for busy home cooks while still delivering the cheesy, herb‑infused richness that defines Italian comfort food.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lasagna soup?
Common errors include using too little stock, which makes the soup stew‑like, and adding too many noodles, which absorb all the liquid. Also, overcooking the noodles or adding cheese while the pot is still boiling can cause clumping.
Why does this lasagna soup recipe use chicken stock instead of water?
Chicken stock adds depth of flavor and body to the broth, enhancing the meat and tomato base without making the soup taste flat, which water alone cannot provide.
What does the YouTube channel MyHealthyDish specialize in?
The YouTube channel MyHealthyDish focuses on nutritious, balanced meals that are easy to prepare at home, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize wholesome ingredients, portion control, and practical cooking tips for a healthier lifestyle.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
