Lasagna Soup Recipe
Lasagna Soup Recipe is a medium Italian recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min
Cost: $21.09 total, $3.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Sweet Italian sausage, casings removed)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced)
- 2 tbsp Italian Herb Paste (Store‑bought or homemade blend of basil, oregano, garlic)
- 1 tsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (Mr. Make It Happen’s signature AP seasoning)
- 1 tsp Beef Bouillon Powder (Adds depth of flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 6 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Full‑fat for creaminess)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Herbs (Chopped parsley or basil)
- 2 cup Tomato Sauce (No‑added‑sugar)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
- 6 oz Lasagna Noodles (Broken into thirds)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Brown the Meats
Heat the large stockpot over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Onion and Seasonings
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the Italian herb paste, AP seasoning, and beef bouillon powder, cooking for another minute.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add Garlic and Broth
Stir in the minced garlic and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it simmer while you prepare the cheese mixture.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: simmer
Prepare Ricotta Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, a pinch of AP seasoning, and chopped fresh herbs. Mix until evenly incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Add Tomato Base
Stir the tomato sauce and undrained diced tomatoes into the simmering broth. Mix well and let the flavors meld for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Cook the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into thirds and add them to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: simmer
Plate and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Using an ice‑cream scoop, place a generous mound of the ricotta‑mozzarella mixture on top of each serving. Serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: hot
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Italian Sausage: Chorizo, Chicken sausage
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Italian Herb Paste: Dried Italian seasoning
- Instead of All‑Purpose Seasoning: Seasoned salt
- Instead of Beef Bouillon Powder: Beef stock cube
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
- Instead of Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs (use half amount)
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Marinara sauce
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Other short pasta like penne
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef and sausage for flavor
- Simmering the broth while preparing the cheese mixture to develop depth
- Cooking the broken lasagna noodles to al dente without over‑cooking
- Scooping the ricotta mixture on top for the signature presentation
Chef Tips from the Video
- Break lasagna noodles before adding to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
- Use an ice‑cream scoop for a uniform, restaurant‑style dollop of the cheese mixture.
- Finish with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for brightness.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy
Reduce simmer time and check pasta at the 12‑minute mark; remember that noodles continue cooking in residual heat.
Soup is too thick
Add additional beef broth or water a half‑cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese topping is watery
Drain excess liquid from ricotta before mixing, and use full‑fat ricotta for better texture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep the ricotta topping separate and add before reheating.
Freezer: Freeze soup (without cheese topping) in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat; add fresh topping when serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ricotta‑mozzarella mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator.
- Soup can be made a day ahead; reheat gently and add fresh cheese topping before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lasagna Soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Lasagna Soup is a modern twist on the classic Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted a comforting, one‑pot version for quick weeknight meals. It captures the layered flavors of meat, tomato sauce, cheese and pasta in a broth, reflecting the tradition of turning hearty dishes into soups for convenience.
What are the traditional regional variations of Lasagna Soup in Italian cuisine?
While Lasagna Soup itself is an American adaptation, traditional Italian regions have similar soup dishes such as "Pasta e Fagioli" in the north and "Minestrone" in the south, which feature meat, tomatoes and pasta. Some families add regional cheeses like Pecorino Romano or use local herbs like rosemary.
How is Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous scoop of a ricotta‑mozzarella mixture, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Crusty garlic bread or a side salad often accompanies the soup.
What occasions or celebrations is Lasagna Soup associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Because it is comforting and easy to make in large quantities, Lasagna Soup is popular for family gatherings, game‑day parties, and casual holiday meals like Christmas Eve when a warm, filling dish is desired.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Lasagna Soup?
Pairs beautifully with garlic‑butter focaccia, Caesar salad, or a simple antipasto platter of cured meats, olives and marinated vegetables. A glass of Chianti or a light red wine complements the rich broth.
What makes Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
It combines the beloved flavors of lasagna—ground meat, tomato sauce, cheese, and pasta—into a soup format, offering a quicker cooking time while preserving the dish’s heartiness. The ricotta topping adds a creamy contrast that is not typical in standard soups.
How has Lasagna Soup evolved over time in Italian‑American cooking?
Originally a home‑cooked shortcut, the recipe has been refined on platforms like YouTube, adding steps such as breaking noodles for even cooking and using a ricotta‑mozzarella scoop for visual appeal. Modern versions often incorporate fresh herbs and higher‑quality cheeses for a gourmet touch.
What are common misconceptions about Lasagna Soup?
Many think it is simply lasagna boiled in broth, but the key difference is the addition of a creamy cheese topping and the use of broken lasagna noodles that cook directly in the soup, creating a distinct texture and flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Soup?
Overcooking the noodles, which turns them mushy; not browning the meat enough, resulting in a flat flavor; and adding the cheese topping too early, which can melt completely and lose its creamy texture. Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this Lasagna Soup recipe use broken lasagna noodles instead of whole sheets?
Breaking the noodles into thirds ensures they cook evenly in the broth and prevents large sheets from clumping together. It also mimics the bite‑size pasta pieces found in traditional soups, giving a better mouthfeel.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the soup (without the cheese topping) up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove, then add a fresh scoop of the ricotta mixture just before serving for optimal texture.
What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on approachable, high‑energy cooking tutorials that turn classic comfort foods into quick, one‑pot meals, often adding playful twists and clear step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes speed, minimal cleanup, and bold flavor layering, using unconventional presentation tricks—like the ice‑cream scoop of cheese topping—to make familiar dishes feel fresh and exciting, unlike more traditional, technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
