How I Make my Favorite Lasagna Soup it’s Quick & Easy
How I Make my Favorite LASAGNA SOUP it’s Quick & Easy!!! is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 47 min
Cost: $26.43 total, $6.61 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 small Onion (peeled and diced)
- 1 small Red Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce
- 6 cups Beef Broth
- 2 cups Broken Lasagna Noodles (Calavita brand or any lasagna sheets broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (Garnish) (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil (Garnish) (chopped)
Instructions
Heat Oil
Add olive oil to the large stockpot and heat over medium‑high until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Herbs and Garlic
Stir in the chopped parsley, basil, and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds just until fragrant.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: medium‑high
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Break the meat up with the spoon and cook for about 7 minutes, until fully browned and no pink remains.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium‑high
Drain Excess Fat
Tilt the pot and spoon out any excess fat, or carefully pour it off into a heat‑proof container.
Time: PT1M
Stir in Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly and blend with the meat.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high
Cook the Pasta
Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium
Finish and Serve
Ladle soup into bowls, add a dollop of ricotta, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and a garnish of fresh parsley and basil.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Non-Vegetarian, High-Protein, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Red Bell Pepper: yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley
- Instead of Fresh Basil: dried basil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano and thyme blend
- Instead of Tomato Paste: crushed tomatoes (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups)
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Beef Broth: chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Broken Lasagna Noodles: broken penne, small pasta shapes
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: cottage cheese
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef properly
- Removing excess fat from the pot
- Simmering the broken lasagna noodles until tender without overcooking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor; dried herbs can be added earlier but will be less vibrant.
- Break the lasagna sheets into bite‑size pieces before adding; they soften quickly and give a hearty texture.
- Add the cheeses as a topping right before serving to keep them melty and fresh.
Troubleshooting
Noodles are too mushy
Reduce simmer time by 2‑3 minutes and check texture frequently.
Soup is too salty
Add a splash of unsalted beef broth or water and taste again.
Broth is too thin
Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or let the soup reduce an extra 5 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice the onion, pepper, and mince garlic up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.
- The soup can be fully cooked, cooled, and refrigerated; reheat on the stove over medium heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Lasagna Soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Lasagna Soup is a modern American twist on traditional Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted a comforting, quick‑cook version of the layered casserole. It became popular in the Midwest as a hearty winter dish that captures the flavors of lasagna in a bowl.
What are the traditional regional variations of Lasagna Soup in Italian‑American cooking?
Some families use meatballs instead of ground beef, others add spinach or ricotta swirls throughout the broth. In the Northeast, a cream‑based version with milk or heavy cream is common, while the Southwest may add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
How is Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically ladled into deep bowls, topped with a generous spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and fresh chopped parsley or basil. It is often accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is Lasagna Soup associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Because it is warm and filling, Lasagna Soup is a favorite for family gatherings during the colder months, holiday potlucks, and casual weekend dinners. It’s also a popular “comfort food” for game‑day gatherings.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Lasagna Soup?
Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic bread, or a side of sautéed broccoli rabe. For a full meal, pair with a simple antipasto platter of cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables.
What makes Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
It captures the layered flavors of classic lasagna—meat, tomato, cheese, and herbs—in a single‑pot soup, making it faster to prepare while still delivering the comforting richness of the original dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Soup at home?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta (which makes it mushy), not draining excess fat from the ground beef (resulting in a greasy broth), and forgetting to skim the foam after boiling, which can cloud the soup.
Why does this Lasagna Soup recipe use broken lasagna noodles instead of traditional pasta shapes?
Broken lasagna noodles mimic the bite‑size layers of a baked lasagna and absorb the broth well, giving the soup a heartier texture that feels more like the original casserole.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can fully cook the soup, let it cool, and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened, and add fresh cheese just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia focuses on easy, family‑friendly comfort food recipes, often featuring one‑pot meals, quick weeknight dinners, and approachable twists on classic dishes, all presented with clear step‑by‑step instructions.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
