Lasagna Soup Recipe : A Flavorful and Comforting Twist on Classic Lasagna
Lasagna Soup Recipe 🍲: A Flavorful and Comforting Twist on Classic Lasagna is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 290 calories per serving. Recipe by Jessica Gavin on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $13.80 total, $3.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (peeled and finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.5 pound Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 0.5 pound Italian Sausage (remove casing, crumble)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (store‑bought blend)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 8 ounces Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, room temperature)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil (chopped)
Instructions
Prepare Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4‑5 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium heat
Brown the Meats
Add the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage to the pot. Break them up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5‑6 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Sauces and Broth
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium-high heat
Cook the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and add them to the boiling soup. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: simmer
Prepare Cheese Topping
While the soup simmers, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and chopped basil in a mixing bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a creamy finish.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 290
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: High Protein, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Meat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Italian Sausage: chorizo, spicy pork sausage
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano and basil (½ tsp each)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: crushed tomatoes with herbs
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes (1.5 cups)
- Instead of Beef Broth: vegetable broth, chicken broth
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: penne, rigatoni
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: cottage cheese (drained)
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, fontina
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Basil: dried basil (½ tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater
- Ladle
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Breaking the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces before adding to the pot
- Browning the ground beef and sausage until fully cooked
- Simmering the soup with noodles until al dente without overcooking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Break the lasagna noodles before cooking to ensure even pieces and faster cooking time.
- Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for depth of flavor and a hint of spice.
- Finish each bowl with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for extra aroma.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy
Add the noodles later or reduce simmer time; remember they continue cooking in the residual heat.
Soup is too thick
Stir in additional beef broth or water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Flavor is bland
Taste and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning; a splash of red‑wine vinegar can brighten the broth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
Freezer: Cool completely, then transfer to freezer‑safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, adding extra broth as needed.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to meat and dairy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ricotta‑mozzarella cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated.
- The soup base (meat, sauce, broth) can be made ahead and stored; add noodles and reheat when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lasagna Soup in Italian-American cuisine?
Lasagna Soup is a modern, convenience‑focused adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted the comforting layers of meat, cheese, and tomato in a quicker, one‑pot format. It reflects the American tradition of simplifying classic dishes for busy lifestyles while preserving authentic flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna in Italy compared to this lasagna soup version?
In Italy, lasagna varies by region—Northern versions often use béchamel and pork, while Southern versions feature tomato‑based sauces, ricotta, and mozzarella. The soup version condenses these layers into broth and breaks the noodles, offering a lighter texture while keeping the core ingredients.
How is Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian-American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous spoonful of ricotta‑mozzarella mixture, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Some families also add a drizzle of olive oil or a dash of red‑pepper flakes for heat.
What occasions or celebrations is Lasagna Soup commonly associated with in Italian-American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, Lasagna Soup is popular for casual family dinners, potlucks, and game‑day gatherings because it can be made in large batches and feeds a crowd with minimal fuss.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Lasagna Soup?
Serve it alongside a simple Caesar salad, crusty garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a fuller Italian meal, consider a antipasto platter with cured meats, olives, and marinated cheeses.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Soup?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes them mushy, and not seasoning the meat properly before adding the broth. Also, adding too much pasta at once can cause the soup to become overly thick.
Why does this Lasagna Soup recipe use both ground beef and Italian sausage instead of just one meat?
Combining beef and sausage provides a balance of lean protein and rich, seasoned fat, creating a deeper, more authentic flavor profile that mimics the layered meat layers of traditional lasagna.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the soup base (meat, sauce, broth) in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the cheese topping separate and add it just before serving to maintain texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Lasagna Soup is done cooking?
The broth should be rich and slightly thickened by the tomato base, the noodles should be tender but still hold their shape, and the meat should be fully cooked with no pink. A glossy surface and a sprinkle of fresh herbs indicate it’s ready.
What does the YouTube channel Jessica Gavin specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jessica Gavin focuses on quick, family‑friendly recipes that simplify classic comfort foods, offering step‑by‑step tutorials with a warm, approachable style for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Jessica Gavin's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Jessica Gavin emphasizes one‑pot, time‑saving techniques and uses readily available grocery‑store ingredients, whereas many traditional Italian channels may focus on multi‑step, artisanal methods. Her videos aim for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
