🇮🇹 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Add Cheeses

    Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan until melted and fully incorporated. Remove pot from heat.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: off

  9. 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

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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🇮🇹 BEST lasagna soup recipe

Recipe by Melissajorealrecipes

A hearty Italian-inspired lasagna soup packed with ground beef, tomatoes, creamy broth, broken lasagna noodles, and topped with melty cheese balls. This comforting bowl combines classic lasagna flavors in a quick, one‑pot format, perfect for weeknight dinners.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
42m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.72
Total cost
$4.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw ground beef with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination
  • Beware of hot liquids when bringing the soup to a boil
  • Use oven mitts when handling hot pots

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian-American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does lasagna soup differ from traditional baked lasagna in terms of ingredients and preparation?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of lasagna soup exist within Italian cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian-American families?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic lasagna soup, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with lasagna soup?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lasagna soup?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this lasagna soup recipe add heavy cream after the noodles are cooked rather than at the beginning?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the lasagna soup is done?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Melissajorealrecipes specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Melissajorealrecipes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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