Easy Hearty Lasagna Soup ️
Easy Hearty Lasagna Soup ❤️ is a easy Italian recipe that serves 6. 360 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step on YouTube.
Prep: 14 min | Cook: 34 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min
Cost: $15.78 total, $2.63 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio, raw)
- 0.5 pound Italian Sausage (Mild or sweet, removed from casing)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Large, minced)
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Canned)
- 15 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (Canned)
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (Canned)
- 7 cups Chicken Broth (Low‑sodium, homemade or store‑bought)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (Dried)
- 1.5 teaspoons Basil (Dried)
- 1 teaspoon Thyme Leaves (Dried)
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for heat)
- 1 pinch Fennel Seeds (Optional)
- 8 sheets Lasagna Sheets (Broken into bite‑sized pieces)
- 10 ounces Ricotta Cheese (Full‑fat, refrigerated)
- 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Freshly grated)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
- to taste Salt (Kosher or table salt)
- to taste Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- optional garnish Fresh Basil Leaves (Torn just before serving)
Instructions
Brown the Meat
Heat the stockpot over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Season and Drain
Season the meat with a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Cook another 2 minutes, then transfer the meat to a bowl and drain excess grease.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Onion
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same pot. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until slightly translucent, about 4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Tomato Paste
Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
Time: PT1M
Build the Soup Base
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, 7 cups chicken broth, oregano, dried basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of fennel seeds. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Time: PT5M
Break Lasagna Sheets
While the broth is heating, break 8 lasagna sheets into bite‑sized pieces.
Time: PT2M
Cook Pasta in Soup
Once the broth is boiling, lower to a gentle boil and add the broken lasagna pieces. Stir and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep pasta from sticking.
Time: PT12M
Prepare Ricotta Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine 10 oz ricotta, ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella, ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth; optionally stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Time: PT5M
Re‑Add the Meat
Stir the previously browned ground beef and sausage back into the soup. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to heat through.
Time: PT3M
Final Seasoning and Finish
Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or extra basil as needed. Turn off the heat.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Ladle soup into bowls, add a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture on top, and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 360
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Italian Sausage: Chicken sausage, Turkey sausage
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Whole peeled tomatoes, blended
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Basil: Fresh basil (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Thyme Leaves: Fresh thyme
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch)
- Instead of Fennel Seeds: Anise seeds
- Instead of Lasagna Sheets: Penne, Rigatoni
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese (drained)
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Parsley
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the meat ensures deep flavor and prevents a greasy soup.
- Adding pasta only after the broth reaches a boil prevents soggy noodles.
- Preparing the ricotta topping ahead allows for a creamy finish.
- Re‑adding the meat at the end keeps it tender.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
- A pinch of fennel seeds adds a subtle anise note reminiscent of classic lasagna.
- Break the lasagna sheets into uniform bite‑size pieces for even cooking.
- If you like extra richness, stir a tablespoon of butter into the soup just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Pasta becomes mushy.
Reduce cooking time by 2‑3 minutes or add pasta later in the simmer.
Soup is too thick.
Stir in additional chicken broth or water, a few tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency.
Flavor is bland.
Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of extra dried basil and oregano; finish with a splash of good olive oil.
Meat is dry.
Do not over‑cook the meat after it’s returned; keep the final heating step brief.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ricotta topping up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
- Cook the broth and store it in the fridge; combine with other ingredients when ready.
- The soup reheats well; add a splash of broth when warming to restore consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lasagna Soup in Italian cuisine?
Lasagna Soup is a modern, comfort‑food adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna, created to capture the layered flavors of the classic dish in a single‑pot, broth‑based form. It reflects Italy’s tradition of turning hearty, home‑cooked meals into easy, weeknight variations while preserving the beloved combination of meat, cheese, tomato, and herbs.
What are the traditional regional variations of Lasagna Soup in Italian cooking?
While Lasagna Soup itself is a contemporary invention, regional Italian soups such as Tuscan ribollita or Roman minestrone often feature similar ingredients like beans, vegetables, and pasta. Some cooks add regional cheeses—like pecorino in central Italy—or substitute pork sausage with spicy Calabrian sausage for a southern twist.
How is Lasagna Soup authentically served in Italy?
In Italy, a lasagna‑style soup would be served hot in deep bowls, topped with a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, and finished with fresh basil leaves. It is often accompanied by crusty bread and a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.
What occasions or celebrations is Lasagna Soup traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Although not tied to a specific holiday, hearty soups like this are popular during cooler months, family gatherings, and after‑work meals. They embody the Italian value of sharing a warm, comforting dish with loved ones.
How does Lasagna Soup fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?
Italian cuisine emphasizes simple, high‑quality ingredients and balanced flavors. Lasagna Soup mirrors that philosophy by using classic components—ground meat, tomatoes, herbs, and cheeses—in a streamlined, one‑pot format that still honors the original lasagna’s taste profile.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Lasagna Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef, Italian sausage, crushed and diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, lasagna sheets, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for beef, chicken broth for vegetable broth, penne or rigatoni for lasagna sheets, and cottage cheese for ricotta.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Lasagna Soup?
Pair the soup with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, garlic‑infused focaccia or store‑bought garlic bread, and a glass of Chianti or a light Italian white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
What makes Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in translating the layered, baked experience of lasagna into a comforting soup, allowing the flavors to meld instantly while eliminating the need for an oven and multiple dishes. This one‑pot approach highlights Italian comfort food in a quicker, more casual format.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Soup?
Common mistakes include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy; adding the meat too early, which can dry it out; and not draining the excess fat, resulting in a greasy broth. Follow the step‑by‑step timing and add the meat back at the end for best results.
How do I know when the pasta in Lasagna Soup is done cooking?
Taste a piece of the broken lasagna sheet after about 10 minutes; it should be tender yet still have a slight bite (al dente). The soup should be slightly thickened but still broth‑like. If the pasta is too firm, continue simmering in 1‑minute increments.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. The ricotta topping can be made separately and kept refrigerated, then added just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specializes in clear, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on approachable, family‑friendly recipes with an emphasis on minimizing cleanup and simplifying classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Rachel's Step by Step emphasizes one‑pot and quick‑prep Italian meals, often adapting traditional dishes into faster versions while still preserving authentic flavors. Unlike some channels that focus on elaborate techniques, Rachel prioritizes practicality for everyday home cooks.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
