Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe! Ultimate Version! Cheap Dinner
EASY LASAGNA SOUP RECIPE! ULTIMATE VERSION! CHEAP DINNER is a medium Italian recipe that serves 6. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Dave on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $16.30 total, $2.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (canned, no added salt)
- 6 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (plain tomato sauce or passata)
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 0.5 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded; freeze briefly for easier shredding)
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
Instructions
Prep Aromatics
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh basil and parsley. Set aside in separate small bowls.
Time: PT5M
Grate Parmesan
Finely grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Make Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. Mix until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Brown Ground Beef
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium
Add Liquids & Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Simmer Soup
Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: Low
Cook Pasta
Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Finish & Serve
Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta‑Parmesan‑mozzarella mixture, a sprinkle of chopped basil, parsley, and extra shredded mozzarella if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground sausage (remove casings)
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: diced tomatoes, san marzano whole tomatoes (crushed)
- Instead of Beef Broth: chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: additional crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Sugar: honey (1 tsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano + dried basil (1 tsp each)
- Instead of Fennel Seeds: anise seeds (1 tsp)
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: hot sauce (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Basil: dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: cottage cheese (1 cup)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano (0.5 cup)
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone (0.5 cup)
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Mafaldine pasta, penne
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Box Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Ladle
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté onion until translucent without browning.
- Brown ground beef completely.
- Simmer the soup for at least 20 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook broken lasagna noodles until al dente without over‑cooking.
- Add the cheese dollop just before serving for creamy texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Freeze mozzarella for 10‑15 minutes before shredding to prevent clumping.
- Break lasagna noodles into small pieces before adding to the pot for easier eating.
- A splash of red wine (½ cup) can be added with the broth for deeper flavor if desired.
Troubleshooting
Pasta becomes mushy.
Add pasta later in the simmer or reduce cooking time; use al dente pasta and monitor closely.
Soup is too thick.
Add additional beef broth or water, 1/4 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese mixture separates or looks watery.
Keep the cheese mixture chilled until serving; stir gently into hot soup rather than blending vigorously.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep cheese mixture separate and add fresh before reheating.
Freezer: Freeze soup (without cheese topping) in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat; add fresh cheese mixture after reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
- Soup can be made a day in advance; flavors improve after resting.
- If freezing, omit the cheese topping and add fresh dollops after reheating.
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 to capture the hearty, layered flavors of the classic dish in a quick, one‑pot soup format. It reflects the Italian‑American tradition of adapting beloved recipes for convenience while still honoring the original ingredients like pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian cuisine?
While lasagna soup itself is not a historic Italian dish, regional Italian soups such as Tuscan ribollita or Roman minestrone use similar vegetables and beans. Some cooks substitute regional pasta shapes (e.g., pappardelle or rigatoni) and add local cheeses like pecorino or ricotta salata for a more authentic feel.
How is ultimate lasagna soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous spoonful of ricotta‑Parmesan‑mozzarella mixture, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. A side of crusty Italian bread or garlic toast is often offered to soak up the flavorful broth.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Lasagna soup is popular during cooler months, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings when a comforting, crowd‑pleasing dish is desired. Its one‑pot nature makes it ideal for pot‑luck style events and casual dinner parties.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for ultimate lasagna soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Key authentic ingredients include ground beef (or Italian sausage), crushed tomatoes, beef broth, lasagna noodles, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella, plus fresh basil and parsley. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for beef, chicken broth for beef broth, and shredded provolone or cheddar in place of mozzarella.
What other Italian dishes pair well with ultimate lasagna soup?
Pairs nicely with a simple Caesar salad, roasted garlic bread, or a side of sautéed spinach with lemon. For a fuller meal, serve alongside meatballs or a crisp antipasto platter featuring olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ultimate lasagna soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the pasta, which makes it mushy; not sautéing the onion long enough, resulting in a raw flavor; and adding the cheese mixture too early, causing it to separate. Follow the timing steps and add the cheese topping only at serving.
Why does this ultimate lasagna soup recipe use broken lasagna noodles instead of whole sheets?
Breaking the lasagna noodles creates bite‑size pieces that mimic the layered texture of traditional lasagna while allowing the pasta to cook evenly in the soup. Whole sheets would be difficult to eat with a spoon and could become overly soft.
Can I make ultimate lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator, keeping the cheese mixture separate. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed, and stir in fresh cheese topping before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making ultimate lasagna soup?
The broth should be rich, slightly thick from the tomatoes, and speckled with herbs. Pasta pieces should be tender yet still firm to the bite (al dente). The cheese dollop should melt into a creamy swirl without fully dissolving, creating a velvety contrast.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Dave specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cooking With Dave specializes in approachable, fun home‑cooking videos that blend classic comfort foods with creative twists. Dave focuses on step‑by‑step tutorials, humor, and encouraging viewers to experiment in the kitchen.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Dave's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Cooking With Dave emphasizes a relaxed, experimental style, often improvising with ingredients and sharing personal anecdotes, whereas many traditional Italian channels stick strictly to authentic techniques. Dave’s videos blend humor with practical tips, making Italian‑inspired dishes feel accessible to beginners.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
