Lasagna soup (half the calories!!)
Lasagna soup (half the calories!!) is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mayra Wendolyne on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $19.81 total, $4.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or table salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 2 stalks Celery (Trimmed and diced)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 0.25 tsp Crushed Chili Flakes (Adjust for heat preference)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 cups Low‑Sugar Marinara Sauce (No added sugar)
- 4 cups Kettle & Fire Bone Broth (Beef flavor, rich in collagen)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Full‑fat for creaminess)
- 2 medium Zucchini (Spiralized or diced into bite‑size pieces)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the onion and celery, mince the garlic, and spiralize or dice the zucchini into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Meat
Heat the stockpot over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Add Seasonings
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and the minced garlic; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Incorporate Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to caramelize the sugars.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the low‑sugar marinara sauce and bone broth, stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Stir in Ricotta
Reduce heat to low and whisk in the ricotta cheese until fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Low
Add Zucchini Noodles
Add the zucchini pieces, return to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5‑7 minutes until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium
Finish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and serve hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 10g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Low Carb, Gluten Free, High Protein, Keto Friendly
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Italian sausage
- Instead of Celery: Carrot, Fennel
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: Additional fresh onion
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried basil and oregano mix
- Instead of Crushed Chili Flakes: Cayenne pepper
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (extra 1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato purée
- Instead of Low‑Sugar Marinara Sauce: Homemade sugar‑free marinara
- Instead of Kettle & Fire Bone Broth: Store‑bought beef broth, Homemade bone broth
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese (blended), Cream cheese (reduced amount)
- Instead of Zucchini: Spaghetti squash, Yellow squash
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop flavor.
- Incorporate tomato paste and cook briefly to avoid raw taste.
- Whisk in ricotta on low heat to achieve a creamy consistency without curdling.
- Cook zucchini just until tender to maintain low‑carb texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the meat.
- Use a hand‑held immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a silkier texture without losing the zucchini pieces.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Stir in an extra 1/4 cup of ricotta or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
Zucchini becomes mushy.
Add zucchini later, or cut into larger chunks and cook only 3‑4 minutes.
Soup tastes bland.
Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soup can be made a day ahead; refrigerate and reheat gently on the stove.
- Zucchini can become soggy if stored too long; add just before serving if making ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of low‑carb lasagna soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Low‑carb lasagna soup is a modern adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna, created for health‑focused diners who want the comforting flavors of meat, cheese, tomato and herbs without the high carbohydrate pasta. It reflects the American trend of re‑imagining classic dishes to fit keto and low‑carb lifestyles while preserving Italian flavor profiles.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italy and how does this recipe differ?
In Italy, lasagna is typically layered with pasta sheets, béchamel, and ragù, varying by region (e.g., meat‑rich ragù in Emilia‑Romagna, seafood in coastal areas). This soup replaces pasta sheets with zucchini to lower carbs and adds bone broth for extra protein, creating a broth‑based version rather than a baked casserole.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Traditional lasagna is served at family gatherings, holidays like Christmas and Easter, and festive Sunday meals. The soup version is ideal for everyday meals, post‑workout recovery, or low‑carb diet plans, making it a versatile dish for both casual and special occasions.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Italian lasagna soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef (or Italian sausage), tomato‑based sauce, Parmesan, and herbs like oregano and basil. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for leaner meat, low‑sugar marinara for reduced carbs, and zucchini noodles instead of pasta to keep the dish low‑carb.
What other Italian dishes pair well with low‑carb lasagna soup?
Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, roasted cauliflower steaks, or a side of grilled eggplant. These low‑carb sides complement the rich soup without adding excess starch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making low‑carb lasagna soup?
Common mistakes include overcooking the zucchini, which makes it mushy, and adding ricotta at too high a temperature, which can cause curdling. Also, failing to brown the meat properly reduces depth of flavor.
Why does this low‑carb lasagna soup recipe use bone broth instead of regular broth?
Bone broth adds collagen and extra protein, boosting the soup’s nutritional profile and giving it a richer mouthfeel. It also aligns with the low‑carb, high‑protein goals of the recipe.
Can I make low‑carb 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 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove. Add fresh zucchini just before serving if you plan to store it longer.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the low‑carb lasagna soup is done?
The broth should be slightly thickened from the ricotta, with a velvety sheen. Zucchini pieces should be tender but still retain a slight bite, and the meat should be fully cooked and broken into small crumbles.
What does the YouTube channel Mayra Wendolyne specialize in?
The YouTube channel Mayra Wendolyne focuses on low‑carb, high‑protein recipes for weight‑loss and healthy living, often featuring creative twists on classic comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel Mayra Wendolyne's approach to low‑carb cooking differ from other health‑focused cooking channels?
Mayra Wendolyne emphasizes whole‑food ingredients like bone broth, fresh vegetables, and dairy for creaminess, while keeping recipes simple and budget‑friendly. She often substitutes high‑carb staples with low‑carb alternatives such as zucchini noodles, which is less common on many other channels.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
