You’ll Never Believe This Lasagna Soup Recipe

You’ll Never Believe This Lasagna Soup Recipe is a medium Turkish recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Refika's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min

Cost: $18.43 total, $4.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 large Onion (diced)
  • 350 grams Ground Beef (80% lean, minced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (plus extra to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • ½ teaspoon Thyme (dried)
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste (concentrated)
  • 400 grams Tomato Sauce (plain or Italian style)
  • ½ liter Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 750 ml Water
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
  • ½ cup Fresh Basil (roughly chopped, divided)
  • 250 grams Lasagna Sheets (uncooked, broken into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 Bay Leaves (crushed lightly)
  • 200 grams String Cheese (shredded; mozzarella works as substitute)
  • 200 ml Heavy Cream (18% fat)
  • 50 grams Parmesan Cheese (grated; plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it begins to turn translucent, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  2. Brown the Meat

    Add the ground beef to the pot with the onion. Break it up and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat loses its pink color and starts to brown, about 6 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Add Aromatics

    Stir in the minced garlic, black pepper, thyme, and grated nutmeg. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Incorporate Tomato Paste

    Add the tablespoon of tomato paste and fry for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Build the Broth

    Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken stock, and water. Stir in the sugar and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Add Herbs and Basil

    Add half of the chopped fresh basil and the crushed bay leaves to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Cook Lasagna Sheets

    Break the uncooked lasagna sheets into bite‑size pieces and add them to the simmering broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sheets have opened, about 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Prepare Cheese‑Cream Sauce

    While the pasta cooks, combine shredded string cheese, heavy cream, grated nutmeg, and half of the grated Parmesan in a separate saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a little milk. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low

  9. Finish the Soup

    When the lasagna sheets are cooked, stir the cheese‑cream sauce into the pot. Add the remaining Parmesan and the rest of the fresh basil. Heat gently for 2 minutes to meld flavors.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low

  10. Serve

    Ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls, garnish with a final sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
560
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
25g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Shellfish (none, but note stock may contain traces)

Last updated: April 25, 2026

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You’ll Never Believe This Lasagna Soup Recipe

Recipe by Refika's Kitchen

A comforting, hearty soup that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna in a bowl. Ground meat, caramelized onions, tomato broth, lasagna sheets, and a rich cheese‑cream sauce come together for a satisfying main‑course soup inspired by Turkish‑Italian cuisine.

MediumTurkishServes 4

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

Source Video
1m
Prep
50m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.43
Total cost
$4.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Caramelize the onion and brown the meat together before adding garlic.
  • Fry the tomato paste before adding liquid to deepen flavor and color.
  • Cook the lasagna sheets just until al dente; overcooking makes them mushy.
  • Emulsify the cheese‑cream sauce over low heat to avoid curdling.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Boiling broth may splosh – keep lid slightly ajar and stir carefully.
  • Cheese‑cream sauce can curdle if boiled; keep temperature low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lasagna Soup in Turkish cuisine?

A

Lasagna Soup is a modern Turkish adaptation of Italian lasagna, created to offer a comforting, one‑pot version that fits Turkish home‑cooking habits. It became popular in Turkey as a quick, filling meal that combines familiar pasta with rich meat and tomato flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Lasagna Soup within Turkish cuisine?

A

While the core concept stays the same, some Turkish cooks add local spices like Aleppo pepper or use sujuk instead of ground beef. In the Aegean region, fresh herbs such as oregano and mint are added, and occasionally feta replaces the cheese‑cream sauce.

cultural
Q

How is Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Turkey?

A

It is served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Kashar cheese and fresh basil leaves. A side of crusty Turkish bread (ekmek) is often offered for dipping the thick broth.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Lasagna Soup traditionally enjoyed in Turkish culture?

A

Because it is hearty and easy to make in large quantities, Lasagna Soup is popular for family gatherings, weekend lunches, and even during Ramadan evenings when a warm, filling dish is appreciated after fasting.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Lasagna Soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Essential ingredients include ground beef, tomato sauce, lasagna sheets, and a cheese‑cream component (string cheese or mozzarella). Substitutes can be ground lamb for beef, short pasta instead of lasagna sheets, and heavy cream mixed with any meltable cheese if string cheese is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Turkish dishes pair well with Lasagna Soup?

A

A simple cucumber‑yogurt salad (cacık), roasted red pepper ezme, and fresh flatbread make excellent accompaniments, balancing the richness of the soup with cool, tangy flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Soup at home?

A

Common errors include adding garlic too early (it burns), not allowing the onion and meat to caramelize, overcooking the lasagna sheets, and boiling the cheese‑cream sauce which causes curdling. Follow the critical steps to prevent these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this Lasagna Soup recipe use tomato paste before adding tomato sauce?

A

Frying tomato paste first deepens its flavor and intensifies the color, creating a richer base. Adding the paste later would not give it enough time to caramelize, resulting in a flatter taste.

technical
Q

Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the broth and pasta separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the broth, add freshly cooked pasta or re‑heat the stored pasta briefly, then stir in the cheese‑cream sauce just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the lasagna sheets are done?

A

The sheets should be tender but still hold their shape, slightly translucent where they have opened, and should not be mushy. The soup should have a thick, velvety consistency with a deep red hue.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Refika's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Refika's Kitchen, hosted by Refika Birgül, specializes in creative, approachable Turkish home cooking that blends traditional flavors with modern twists, often featuring quick, one‑pot meals and vibrant ingredient pairings.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Refika's Kitchen's approach to Turkish cooking differ from other Turkish cooking channels?

A

Refika's Kitchen focuses on playful experimentation, using everyday pantry items and emphasizing visual storytelling, whereas many other Turkish channels stick strictly to classic recipes. Refika often adds unexpected herbs, spices, or presentation ideas while keeping the dishes accessible.

channel

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