Ree Drummond's Lasagna Soup
Ree Drummond's Lasagna Soup is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $16.35 total, $2.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (sliced into half‑moon strips)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Oregano (leaves stripped and minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped and minced)
- 1/2 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 lb Pork Sausage (remove casing if needed; Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (adds depth)
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (any dry white wine)
- 28 oz Canned Whole Tomatoes (crushed with a spoon)
- 4 cup Vegetable Stock (can substitute beef or chicken stock)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped; reserve a small amount for ricotta mixture)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (roughly chopped; extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (optional, adds richness)
Instructions
Break Noodles
Snap the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and set them aside in a bowl.
Time: PT2M
Slice Onion
Trim the root end, peel, halve, then slice each half into half‑moon strips.
Time: PT3M
Mince Garlic
Smash each garlic clove with the side of the knife, then mince finely.
Time: PT2M
Prep Herbs
Strip oregano and thyme leaves from stems and mince together.
Time: PT2M
Heat Oil
Place the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat and add 1/4 cup olive oil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Onion
Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Garlic & Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped oregano‑thyme mixture; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Brown Meat
Add ground beef and pork sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring, until fully browned, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Drain Excess Fat
Tilt the pot and spoon out excess grease, leaving a thin coating for flavor.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Tomato Paste
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, scraping the bottom, and cook for about 30 seconds.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: medium‑high
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, stirring to loosen browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half, roughly 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Tomatoes
Add the 28‑oz can of whole tomatoes. Use a spoon to crush them into the broth.
Time: PT2M
Add Stock & Parsley
Stir in 4 cups vegetable stock and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: high
Cook Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook 10 minutes until just al dente.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: low‑medium
Prepare Ricotta Mixture
While the soup simmers, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, remaining parsley, chopped basil, a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix until just combined.
Time: PT5M
Finish Soup (Optional Cream)
Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream for extra richness, then taste and adjust seasoning.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Ladle soup into wide‑rimmed bowls. Drop 1‑2 spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture onto each bowl, then garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs (if using pasta made with egg), Soy (possible in some sausage brands)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: broken penne, broken rigatoni
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallot
- Instead of Garlic: pre‑peeled garlic, garlic paste
- Instead of Fresh Oregano: 1 tsp dried oregano
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: 1 tsp dried thyme
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Pork Sausage: Italian sausage, chicken sausage
- Instead of Kosher Salt: table salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Tomato Paste: tomato puree
- Instead of Dry White Wine: dry red wine, white grape juice with a splash of vinegar
- Instead of Canned Whole Tomatoes: diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Vegetable Stock: beef broth, chicken broth, bouillon cubes dissolved in water
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: flat‑leaf parsley
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: cottage cheese (drained)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Thai basil, dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, whole milk
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Cheese Grater
- Ladle
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Breaking the lasagna noodles before cooking
- Browning the meat fully
- Reducing the wine to concentrate flavor
- Cooking noodles just to al dente
- Preparing the ricotta mixture before adding to soup
Chef Tips from the Video
- Break the lasagna noodles before boiling to avoid large clumps in the soup.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum aroma; add a handful of basil at the end for freshness.
- Leave a thin layer of rendered fat in the pot; it adds depth without making the soup greasy.
- When crushing canned tomatoes, use the back of a spoon to keep the texture rustic.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy.
Cook noodles only 8‑10 minutes and remove them as soon as they are al dente; they will finish cooking in the hot broth.
Soup is too thin.
Simmer uncovered for an extra 5‑10 minutes to reduce, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Ricotta mixture is watery.
Drain excess whey from ricotta before mixing, or add a bit more grated Parmesan to thicken.
Soup tastes flat.
Finish with a splash of heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and fresh basil for brightness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to 4°C within 2 hours; store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; omit ricotta dumplings until reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ricotta mixture up to 24 hours ahead; keep covered in the fridge.
- Soup can be made a day ahead; reheat and add fresh noodles and ricotta just before serving.
- Freeze the broth without noodles; add fresh noodles when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lasagna Soup in Italian-American cuisine?
Lasagna Soup is a modern comfort‑food twist that originated in the United States, blending the classic layers of Italian lasagna with a broth‑based format. It reflects the American tradition of adapting beloved dishes into quicker, family‑friendly meals while preserving the flavors of meat, cheese, and herbs.
What are the traditional regional variations of Lasagna Soup in Italian-American cooking?
While there is no historic regional version, cooks often vary the protein (ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey) and the cheese blend (ricotta with mozzarella or Pecorino). Some Southern Italian‑influenced families add a splash of red wine, while others keep it simple with just tomato broth.
How is Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian-American households?
It is typically served hot in wide‑rimmed bowls, topped with a dollop of ricotta or mozzarella, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves. A side of crusty bread or garlic knots is common to soak up the flavorful broth.
What occasions or celebrations is Lasagna Soup traditionally associated with in Italian-American culture?
Lasagna Soup is popular for casual family dinners, especially during cooler months, and is often prepared for sports gatherings, after‑school meals, or as a hearty lunch on busy weekdays. Its one‑pot nature makes it ideal for feeding a crowd at pot‑luck events.
What other Italian-American dishes pair well with Lasagna Soup?
Pair it with a simple Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a classic antipasto platter. For a full meal, serve alongside garlic bread, a crisp white wine, or a light dessert such as tiramisu.
What makes Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian-American cuisine?
The soup captures the layered flavors of lasagna—meat, tomato, cheese, and herbs—in a comforting broth, offering the heartiness of a casserole with the speed of a soup. The ricotta “dumplings” add a creamy texture that sets it apart from ordinary tomato soups.
How has Lasagna Soup evolved over time in Italian-American cooking?
Originally a home‑cooked shortcut, Lasagna Soup has evolved with modern ingredients like pre‑peeled garlic and ready‑made ricotta, and chefs now experiment with additions such as heavy cream, smoked paprika, or gluten‑free pasta to adapt to contemporary tastes and dietary needs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Soup at home?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes them mushy; not browning the meat enough, resulting in a flat flavor; and forgetting to add the ricotta mixture, which provides the signature creamy pockets.
Why does this Lasagna Soup recipe use white wine instead of red wine?
White wine adds acidity and bright fruit notes without deepening the color of the broth, allowing the tomato base to stay vibrant. It also complements the herbs and ricotta without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the broth can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Store the ricotta mixture separately; reheat the soup, add fresh noodles and dollops of ricotta just before serving for the best texture.
What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Network showcases a wide range of cooking shows, celebrity chef demonstrations, and recipe tutorials covering many cuisines, with a focus on approachable home cooking, technique education, and food entertainment.
How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Italian-American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Food Network often blends professional chef expertise with home‑cook accessibility, offering clear step‑by‑step visuals, ingredient substitutions, and tips for busy families, whereas some niche channels may focus solely on traditional techniques or gourmet presentation.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
