If you’re craving all the hearty comfort of lasagna but want something a little quicker and cozier to enjoy, you absolutely have to try this Savory Italian Baked Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s everything you love about classic lasagna packed into a warm, luscious bowl of soup with layers of rich meat, tangy tomatoes, tender noodles, and melty cheeses. This dish brings together bold Italian flavors in a way that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for sharing on a chilly evening or whenever you need a big, comforting hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step toward creating a soup that bursts with authentic Italian charm. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the juicy meat, the vibrant herbs, or the creamy cheeses that provide that irresistible texture and flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a fragrant, fruity base for sautéing your meat and veggies.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Offers rich, savory depth and satisfying heartiness to the soup.
- Medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and texture that mellows as it cooks.
- Garlic, minced: Delivers sharp, aromatic punch to elevate the sauce.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the broth with authenticity.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat for those who like some spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Chicken or beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful base that ties everything together.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup’s sauce with bright sweetness and acidity.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds body.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creamy richness and a subtle tang to each spoonful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the cheese blend.
- Lasagna noodles, broken: The classic pasta element transformed for easy soup eating.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Offers freshness, color, and a nutritious boost.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that perfect cheesy crown.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Adds vibrant herbal aroma and the final touch of authenticity for serving.
How to Make Savory Italian Baked Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking it until it’s browned and crumbly. This step lays a rich, savory foundation that makes the soup feel like a proper, hearty meal. Then toss in diced onions and cook until they soften and become deliciously sweet. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if you want some heat, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute to deeply develop those fragrant notes that will shine through your soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken or beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, stirring everything into a thick, flavorful mixture. This is where the tomato character deepens, melding beautifully with the meat and herbs. Bring the contents to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This low and slow approach melds the flavors perfectly, making the soup rich and comforting with every spoonful.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles and Add the Greens
Now it’s time to add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. They’ll cook right in the broth until just al dente, soaking up the savory flavors without sticking together. Once the noodles are tender, stir in fresh spinach leaves for 2 to 3 minutes, letting them wilt gently and add a fresh, vibrant touch to the soup’s texture and color.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheeses
In a separate small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy blend. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture right into the hot soup, stirring gently to swirl the cheeses throughout and add silky richness that melts into the broth. Finally, pull the pot off the heat, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes until the mozzarella melts into gooey perfection.
How to Serve Savory Italian Baked Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a bright, herbal finish and an inviting burst of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. A little extra Parmesan on the side lets everyone adjust cheesiness to their liking, enhancing that irresistible Italian vibe.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crisp garlic bread or buttery focaccia to scoop up every last bit of sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the warmth and richness of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive family-style dinner, serve the Savory Italian Baked Lasagna Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with mini lasagna rolls or oven-baked Parmesan crisps on the side. You can even layer the soup in clear mugs or small jars for a fun, portable option that’s perfect for casual get-togethers or cozy nights in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Savory Italian Baked Lasagna Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the cheese and pasta.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead meal. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to three months, so you can enjoy a bowl of this hearty comfort at any time with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it has thickened. Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan to revive the cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make lighter alternatives that still work well in this soup. Just brown them thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed to boost flavor.
Is it okay to use dried spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best for texture and color, but if you only have dried spinach, add it earlier in the cooking process with the broth so it can rehydrate properly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the meat for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based mince, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken or beef. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
What’s the best way to avoid mushy noodles?
Add the broken noodles toward the end of cooking and keep an eye on them until they reach just al dente. Overcooking is easy to avoid by testing frequently as they soften.
Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead and assemble later?
Definitely. You can cook the meat and sauce base ahead, refrigerate it, then add noodles, spinach, and cheeses when ready to serve for the freshest taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Italian Baked Lasagna Soup Recipe is hands down one of the most comforting and flavorful dishes to warm your soul and brighten your dinner table. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become a beloved favorite that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Savory Italian Baked Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Savory Italian Baked Lasagna Soup is a comforting one-pot dish that captures the flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty, warming soup. Combining ground meat, aromatic herbs, crushed tomatoes, tender lasagna noodles, and a creamy ricotta-Parmesan blend, it is topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil for an authentic Italian-inspired meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Tomato Base
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Cheeses and Pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes to meld the flavors together deeply.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, approximately 10 minutes, ensuring the noodles absorb the soup flavors.
- Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and incorporated.
- Mix Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. Drop spoonfuls of this cheese mixture into the soup, gently stirring to blend some creamy richness throughout.
- Top with Mozzarella: Remove the pot from heat, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese melts beautifully into the soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil for a fragrant, flavorful finish.
Notes
- This recipe offers flexibility in meat choice: ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination can be used based on preference.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add crushed chili.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- The soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth or water if reheating and it becomes too thick.
- Leftover soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes nicely for up to 2 months.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute ground meat with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
