Lasagna soup is one of my favorites
Lasagna soup is one of my favorites! is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Tina Farmer on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $19.60 total, $4.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (85% lean, crumbled)
- 1 each Onion (medium, diced)
- 1 each Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 14.5 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce (plain)
- 4 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 cup Water
- 6 oz Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
- 4 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese (room temperature, softened)
- 2 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- to taste pinch Salt
- to taste pinch Black Pepper
Instructions
Prep Vegetables & Cheese
Dice the onion and red bell pepper, mince the garlic, and set aside. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for 10 minutes. Grate the Parmesan and shred the mozzarella.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in the large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with the wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Add Tomatoes & Broth
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑High
Cook the Pasta
Add the broken lasagna noodle pieces. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8‑10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Simmer
Incorporate Cream Cheese & Cream
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the softened cream cheese until fully dissolved, then stir in the heavy whipping cream. Mix until the soup is smooth and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Season & Add Cheese
Add dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan. Let the cheese melt, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Low
Finish with Cheese Topping
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the remaining mozzarella. The residual heat will melt the topping.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 26g
- Carbohydrates
- 38g
- Fat
- 24g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein, Nut‑free
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Canned Diced Tomatoes: fresh tomatoes, blended
- Instead of Beef Broth: vegetable broth
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: any short pasta such as penne or rigatoni
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: half‑and‑half
- Instead of Philadelphia Cream Cheese: regular cream cheese
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: pecorino romano
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
- Box Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid lumps
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when reheated
- Do not let the soup boil after adding heavy cream and cream cheese
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash (¼ cup) of dry red wine with the tomatoes for extra depth.
- Toast the broken lasagna noodles in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding to the soup for a nutty flavor.
- Finish each bowl with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil for brightness.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick
Add additional broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Soup is too thin
Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or add a handful of broken lasagna noodles.
Cheese clumps or lumps of cream cheese
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature and whisk it in over low heat until fully smooth before adding cream.
Pasta becomes mushy
Cook the noodles al dente and remove the pot from heat a minute before the pasta is fully done; residual heat will finish cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
Freezer: Not recommended due to dairy separation; if frozen, thaw in refrigerator and reheat with extra cream.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup tastes even better the next day; reheat over low heat and add a little extra cream or broth.
- If making ahead, cook the pasta slightly under‑done (7 minutes) so it stays firm when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern twist on traditional Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted the comforting flavors of layered pasta, meat, and cheese in a quicker, one‑pot format. It reflects the adaptation of classic dishes to busy American lifestyles while preserving the beloved herb and cheese profile.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian‑American cooking?
In the Midwest, cooks often add sausage or use beef broth, while in the Southwest you might find a hint of chipotle. Some families substitute ricotta for cream cheese, and others add spinach for extra nutrition. The core concept—pasta, meat, tomato base, and cheese—remains consistent.
How is authentic lasagna soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically ladled into shallow bowls, topped with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella that melts from the soup’s heat, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. A side of crusty garlic bread is common.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Lasagna soup is popular for casual family gatherings, game‑day meals, and chilly fall evenings. Because it’s a one‑pot comfort dish, it’s often served at pot‑luck parties and holiday leftovers where a warm, filling option is appreciated.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with lasagna soup?
A crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic bread, or a simple antipasto platter of olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables complement the rich, creamy soup nicely. For a full meal, serve with a side of sautéed broccoli rabe.
What makes lasagna soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
It captures the layered flavors of classic lasagna—meat sauce, cheese, herbs—in a soup form, offering the same comfort with less assembly and cooking time. The addition of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a velvety texture that sets it apart from standard tomato soups.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lasagna soup?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which turns mushy; adding the cream cheese when the soup is boiling, causing lumps; and under‑seasoning the broth. Follow the critical steps: soften cream cheese, keep the soup at low heat after dairy, and cook pasta al dente.
Why does this lasagna soup recipe use cream cheese instead of ricotta?
Cream cheese melts more smoothly into the hot broth, creating a uniform, velvety consistency without curdling. Ricotta can separate when boiled, whereas cream cheese stays stable and adds a richer mouthfeel.
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. Add the final mozzarella topping just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tina Farmer focuses on approachable, family‑friendly comfort food recipes, often featuring hearty soups, casseroles, and quick weeknight meals with clear step‑by‑step instructions and practical kitchen tips.
How does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Tina Farmer emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, using everyday pantry staples while still delivering authentic flavor. She often adds personal twists—like the cream cheese in this lasagna soup—to classic dishes, making them faster to prepare without sacrificing taste.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
