Hearty Cheesy Italian Lasagna Soup with Savory Herbs Recipe

Introduction

This hearty cheesy Italian lasagna soup captures all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, satisfying bowl. Loaded with savory herbs, tender noodles, and three kinds of cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
4. Step 4: Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
5. Step 5: Add dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Stir in broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are submerged. Cook for 10-12 minutes until noodles are tender.
8. Step 8: In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan cheeses. Stir until well mixed.
9. Step 9: To serve, ladle soup into bowls and add a spoonful of the cheese mixture to each. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
10. Step 10: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful soup, or ground beef for a milder taste.
• Try substituting fresh lasagna noodles if available; reduce cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
• For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use a vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. The noodles may absorb liquid over time, so extra broth helps maintain the right consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. Just wait to add the cheese toppings until serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture in the cheese mixture.

Hearty Cheesy Italian Lasagna Soup with Savory Herbs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 121 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Hearty Cheesy Italian Lasagna Soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, combining savory ground meat, aromatic herbs, tender broken lasagna noodles, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup simmers gently to meld robust Italian flavors into a rich and satisfying bowl.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces

Cheeses

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Olive oil for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to release the garlic’s fragrance.
3. Brown Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup lighter.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
5. Season and Boil: Add dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Cook Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Continue cooking the soup uncovered for 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender but still hold their shape.
8. Mix Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended for a creamy cheese mixture.
9. Serve with Cheese: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add a generous spoonful of the ricotta-cheese mixture to each. Then top each serving with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for added richness and melted texture.
10. Garnish and Finish: Garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil on top to enhance the depth of flavor before serving.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth.
• Breaking the lasagna noodles helps them cook evenly in the soup and makes it easier to eat from a bowl.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• This soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth or water when reheating if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: lasagna soup, Italian soup, cheesy soup, hearty soup, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian herbs, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan