Lasagna Soup: A Cozy, Beginner-Friendly Twist on a Classic Dish

Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods in the world. With its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, it is a dish that brings warmth to the table and joy to those who eat it. However, traditional lasagna can be time-consuming, requiring careful layering and baking. For beginner cooks or those looking for a quicker alternative, lasagna soup is a fantastic solution.

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This lasagna soup recipe captures all the flavors of a classic lasagna in a simple, one-pot dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. It eliminates the need for baking while still delivering the heartiness and satisfaction of the original. This version is made with ground beef or chicken instead of pork sausage, making it a great option for those who do not eat pork.

Whether you are cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy Sunday meal, this recipe is a perfect choice. It is beginner-friendly, time-efficient, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, with a few ingredient substitutions, it can easily be adjusted to fit your dietary preferences.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

For those just starting their cooking journey, finding recipes that are both easy to follow and rewarding is important. This lasagna soup checks all the boxes:

• Minimal Cooking Techniques – This recipe only requires basic chopping, sautéing, and simmering, making it accessible for novice cooks.
• One-Pot Convenience – Cooking everything in a single pot reduces cleanup and simplifies the cooking process.
• Quick Cooking Time – Unlike traditional lasagna, which takes over an hour to prepare and bake, this soup is ready in just 25 minutes.
• Customizable and Forgiving – If you make a mistake, it is easy to adjust along the way. Overcooked noodles? Add more broth. Want more flavor? Adjust the seasonings.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this delicious, hearty soup.

Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken (substituting for pork sausage)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 quarts chicken or beef stock
• 8 ounces (about 10) lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed or broken into chunks
• 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)

Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives

• Protein Options: Instead of ground beef or chicken, you can use ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, plant-based version.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella to make this soup suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out traditional lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Add ground beef or chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Tomato Base

Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Cook for 1 minute to allow the flavors to develop. Then, pour in 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce and 2 quarts of chicken or beef stock. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Spinach

Once the soup is boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles and frozen spinach. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the soup is cooking, mix 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan in a bowl. This mixture will be used to top the soup when serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with 1 to 2 dollops of the cheese mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Pasta Sticking Together – Stir the soup occasionally while the pasta is cooking to prevent the noodles from clumping.
• Overcooking the Noodles – If you prefer firmer pasta, check for doneness after 8 minutes instead of 10 to 12 minutes.
• Adjusting Consistency – If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Boosting Flavor – If you want a deeper flavor, let the soup simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta.

Helpful Kitchen Tips

• Prepping Efficiently – Chop the onion and garlic before you start cooking to streamline the process.
• Storage Tip – Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb liquid over time, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Freezing Instructions – To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, cook fresh pasta separately when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna soup is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal.

• Garlic Bread – A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Side Salad – A simple green salad with balsamic dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
• Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This lasagna soup is a perfect beginner-friendly recipe that delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna with a fraction of the effort. It is quick, comforting, and versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

If you have never made homemade soup before, this is a great place to start. The one-pot method simplifies the process, and the ingredient list is flexible enough to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs.

Conclusion

Lasagna soup is more than just a quick alternative to traditional lasagna—it is a delicious, satisfying meal that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you are new to cooking or just looking for a fast, easy, and hearty dinner, this recipe is one you will want to make again and again.

Now it’s your turn to try this simple and flavorful lasagna soup. Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out in the comments. What variations did you try? Did you add any extra ingredients? Share your experience, and let’s keep the conversation going!