I Try The Viral Lasagna Soup Recipe
I Try The Viral LASAGNA SOUP Recipe is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Quang Tran on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $16.49 total, $2.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Avocado Oil (for sautéing aromatics)
- 3 tbsp Garlic (minced (about 6 cloves))
- 3 tbsp Shallot (minced (about 2 shallots))
- 1 Large Onion (diced)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, broken into pieces while cooking)
- 1 tbsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1 tbsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tbsp Dried Basil
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 3 cans Crushed Tomatoes (28‑oz cans, preferably San Marzano style)
- 2 L Low Sodium Chicken Stock (Can substitute beef or vegetable stock)
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles (Broken into bite‑size pieces, slightly undercooked before adding)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Aromatics
Dice the onion, mince the garlic and shallots, and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Vegetables
Heat 3 tbsp avocado oil in the large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and shallots; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with the wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium
Add Herbs and Spices
Stir in 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp dried basil, 1 tbsp paprika, and a pinch of extra black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Incorporate Tomatoes and Stock
Pour in the three cans of crushed tomatoes and 2 L of low‑sodium chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Simmer the Soup
Let the soup simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This develops the classic lasagna flavor base.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: Low simmer
Add Spinach and Noodles
Stir in the washed spinach and broken lasagna noodles (still slightly undercooked). Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until noodles are al dente.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Finish with Cheese
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan and 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted and incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Serve and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Avocado Oil: Olive oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Shallot: Red onion (finely diced)
- Instead of Large Onion: Yellow onion
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Plant‑based mince
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Ground black pepper
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Dried Basil: Fresh basil (1 tbsp, chopped)
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes
- Instead of Low Sodium Chicken Stock: Beef stock, Vegetable stock
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Broken penne, Rotini
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: Kale (stems removed)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté aromatics without burning the garlic.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly for flavor.
- Simmer the soup for a full hour to develop depth.
- Add noodles slightly undercooked so they finish in the broth.
- Stir in cheese off the heat to keep it smooth.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces before cooking for easier eating.
- Use a high‑quality canned San Marzano tomato for authentic Italian flavor.
- Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for restaurant‑style richness.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too watery.
Simmer uncovered longer to reduce, or add a handful of tomato paste for thickness.
Noodles are mushy.
Add noodles later or use slightly less cooking time; remember they continue to soften in the hot broth.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe bags; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup tastes even better the next day; reheat gently on the stove.
- If making ahead, keep cheese separate and stir in just before serving.
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 emerged in Italian‑American households as a quick way to enjoy the flavors of traditional lasagna without the layered baking process. It reflects the American love for one‑pot meals while honoring classic Italian ingredients like tomato, beef, and cheese.
What are the traditional regional variations of Lasagna Soup in Italian‑American cooking?
While there is no historic regional version, cooks often vary the soup by using different pasta shapes (penne, rotini), swapping ground beef for Italian sausage, or adding vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms. Some Southern‑style versions replace the stock with beef broth for a richer base.
How is Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American families?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and sometimes a drizzle of olive oil. A side of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is common to soak up the flavorful broth.
What occasions or celebrations is Lasagna Soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Because it is quick and comforting, Lasagna Soup is popular for casual family dinners, game‑day gatherings, and pot‑luck events. It is also a go‑to dish for busy weeknights when a hearty meal is needed fast.
What makes Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The soup captures the layered flavors of classic lasagna—meaty tomato sauce, herbs, cheese, and pasta—in a single, spoon‑able bowl. Its “lazy” preparation eliminates the need for baking, making it accessible to home cooks of any skill level.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Lasagna Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef, San Marzano crushed tomatoes, dried oregano and basil, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and broken lasagna noodles. Substitutes can be ground turkey or plant‑based mince, canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Pecorino Romano, or any short‑shape pasta.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Lasagna Soup?
Serve it alongside a simple Caesar salad, roasted garlic bread, or a side of sautéed broccoli rabe. A light dessert such as tiramisu or cannoli balances the hearty soup nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Soup?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes the broth gummy; adding too much liquid, resulting in a watery soup; and forgetting to season the broth adequately. Follow the timing cues and taste before serving.
Why does this Lasagna Soup recipe use avocado oil instead of olive oil for sautéing?
Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than most olive oils, allowing the aromatics to sauté at medium‑high heat without burning. It also adds a neutral flavor that lets the herbs and tomatoes shine.
What does the YouTube channel Quang Tran specialize in?
The YouTube channel Quang Tran focuses on quick, budget‑friendly Asian‑inspired and fusion home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring creative twists on classic comfort foods and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








