🇮🇹 Best lasagna soup recipe
🇮🇹 BEST lasagna soup recipe is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Melissajorealrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min
Cost: $16.72 total, $4.18 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 1 large Onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated)
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
- 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (room temperature)
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn for garnish)
- 4 oz Mozzarella Cheese Balls (formed into small balls, chilled)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and set aside. Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and set aside in a bowl. Grate mozzarella and parmesan, and form mozzarella cheese balls (about 1‑inch diameter) and chill.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5‑6 minutes, then transfer to the large pot.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if needed, then add the diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Build the Soup Base
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir in tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute to release aromas.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Tomatoes and Stock
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat to a simmer and let the soup cook uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low
Finish with Cream and Noodles
Stir in the heavy cream, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Continue to simmer until noodles are al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium
Add Cheeses
Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan until melted and fully incorporated. Remove pot from heat.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: off
Plate and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls, top each with a chilled mozzarella cheese ball, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, and an extra pinch of grated parmesan if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: tomato sauce (increase quantity)
- Instead of Dried Basil: fresh basil, chopped (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: fresh oregano (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Dried Parsley: fresh parsley (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: mix of basil, oregano, thyme
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: cayenne pepper (pinch)
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: diced tomatoes
- Instead of Chicken Stock: vegetable stock
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: any short pasta
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: extra parsley
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese Balls: mini mozzarella pearls
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Skillet or Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
- Grater
- Small Bowl (for cheese balls)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef until fully cooked
- Cooking the noodles just until al dente to avoid mushiness
- Adding the cheese mixture off the heat to keep it smooth
- Placing chilled cheese balls on top after heat is removed
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the beef
- Toast the broken lasagna noodles in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding to the soup for a nuttier flavor
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after adding noodles
Add additional chicken stock or water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are mushy
Remove the pot from heat as soon as noodles are al dente; they will continue to soften slightly in residual heat.
Cheese becomes grainy
Add cheese off the heat and stir gently; avoid boiling after cheese is added.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep cheese balls separate and add before reheating.
Freezer: Freeze soup (without cheese balls) in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then add fresh cheese balls.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese mixture and cheese balls up to 24 hours ahead; keep refrigerated
- The soup broth can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before adding noodles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian-American cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern adaptation that emerged in Italian‑American households as a quick, comforting way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors without the lengthy layering process. It reflects the tradition of stretching pantry staples like pasta and canned tomatoes into a hearty one‑pot meal, especially popular in colder months.
How does lasagna soup differ from traditional baked lasagna in terms of ingredients and preparation?
While both dishes use ground beef, tomato sauce, cheese, and pasta, lasagna soup skips the layering and baking steps. The noodles are broken and cooked directly in the broth, and the cheese is melted into the soup or added as cheese balls, resulting in a lighter, broth‑based dish that cooks in under an hour.
What regional variations of lasagna soup exist within Italian cuisine?
In northern Italy, some versions replace ground beef with pork sausage and add creamier dairy like mascarpone. Southern variations may incorporate spicy Calabrian peppers and use short‑rib pasta instead of lasagna sheets. Each region tailors the spice blend and cheese choice to local tastes.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian-American families?
Lasagna soup is often served at casual family gatherings, game nights, and holiday leftovers when a quick, warming dish is needed. Its comforting nature makes it a favorite for Thanksgiving leftovers or post‑holiday meals.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic lasagna soup, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Core ingredients include ground beef, canned crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, heavy cream, broken lasagna noodles, mozzarella, and parmesan. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for beef, vegetable stock for chicken stock, half‑and‑half for heavy cream, and any short pasta shape if lasagna noodles are unavailable.
What other Italian dishes pair well with lasagna soup?
Serve lasagna soup alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, crusty Italian bread, or a side of roasted garlic focaccia. A light antipasto platter of olives, cured meats, and cheese also complements the rich soup.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lasagna soup?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes them mushy; adding cheese while the soup is still boiling, which can cause graininess; and not seasoning the broth enough before adding the cream. Follow the critical steps to ensure texture and flavor stay optimal.
Why does this lasagna soup recipe add heavy cream after the noodles are cooked rather than at the beginning?
Adding cream at the end preserves its silky texture and prevents it from curdling. If introduced too early, the high heat can cause the cream to separate, resulting in a grainy soup.
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and cheese mixture up to 24 hours ahead; store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the broth, add fresh noodles, and finish with the cheese balls just before serving for the best texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the lasagna soup is done?
The broth should be a rich, velvety red‑orange color with a slight sheen from the cream. Noodles should be tender yet firm to the bite (al dente), and the cheese should be fully melted, creating a glossy finish. The cheese balls on top should be slightly softened but still hold their shape.
What does the YouTube channel Melissajorealrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Melissajorealrecipes specializes in approachable, home‑cooked meals that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often featuring step‑by‑step guidance and practical tips for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Melissajorealrecipes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Melissajorealrecipes focuses on simplifying traditional Italian dishes into quicker, one‑pot or sheet‑pan versions without sacrificing flavor, whereas many other Italian channels emphasize authentic, multi‑step techniques and elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
