Cozy Lasagna Soup 2.0

This lasagna soup recipe is trending fast — cozy, bold, and perfect for busy nights. It takes everything you love about a big, cheesy pan of lasagna and turns it into a one-pot, spoonable soup that’s easier to make, easier to reheat, and just as comforting.

Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese in a dish, you simmer everything together in a rich tomato broth with tender pasta and a creamy, cheesy finish on top. You still get the tomato-garlic flavor, the melted cheese, and the cozy carbs—just in a form that works on a Tuesday night.

Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening, feeding a hungry family, or stocking your fridge with heat-and-eat lunches, this cozy lasagna soup 2.0 is ready to become a regular in your rotation.

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Cozy Lasagna Soup 2.0

This lasagna soup recipe is trending fast — cozy, bold, and perfect for busy nights. It takes everything you love about a big, cheesy pan of lasagna and turns it into a one‑pot, spoonable soup that’s easier to make, easier to reheat, and just as comforting.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian‑American

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

Protein & Aromatics

• 500 g lean ground beef or ground turkey you can mix beef and turkey if you like
• 1 large yellow onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced

Tomato‑Herb Base

• 425 g crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 30 g tomato paste about 2 tablespoons
• 4 cups broth (chicken, beef or vegetable)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (or Italian seasoning)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) for a little heat

Pasta

• 250 g broken lasagna noodles or other pasta (rotini, shells, bowtie) broken into smaller pieces if using lasagna sheets

Cheese Topping

• 200 g ricotta cheese
• 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

This soup is fantastic for meal‑prep: store the soup base separate from the pasta and cheese mixture if you’d like to keep the pasta from getting too soft. Reheat the soup gently and add freshly cooked pasta and the cheese topping at serving time. For a gluten‑free version use gluten‑free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten‑free. You can also swap in shredded chicken or plant‑based crumbles instead of ground meat, and sneak in extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Keyword cheesy lasagna soup 2.0, lasagna soup, one‑pot lasagna soup

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

Before we dive into ingredients and steps, here’s why this lasagna soup hits so hard:

• All the lasagna vibes, less effort
  No stacking layers, no fussy baking time. Everything cooks in one pot and the pasta simmers right in the sauce.
• Big, bold flavor
  Garlic, onion, herbs, tomatoes, and a savory broth build a deep flavor base, while the cheesy topping gives you that “lasagna pull” in every spoonful.
• Family-friendly and customizable
  You control the spice level, the veggies, and the type of meat. Make it milder for kids or more robust for adults.
• One pot + minimal dishes
  You cook the meat, build the sauce, simmer the pasta, and finish the soup all in the same pot.
• Meal-prep gold
  The soup thickens and gets even more flavorful as it rests. You can refrigerate or freeze portions for easy future dinners.

If you love lasagna but don’t always have the time or energy for a full pan, lasagna soup is the cozy shortcut you’ll actually keep using.

Lasagna Soup 2.0: What’s New?

The “2.0” here is all about balance and flexibility:

• A broth that’s rich and tomato-forward but not too heavy
• Enough pasta to feel like lasagna, without turning the pot into solid starch
• A cheesy finish you can customize for each bowl
• Extra room for veggies and protein swaps so the soup fits your life, not the other way around

Think of it as a smarter, more weeknight-friendly lasagna—no oven needed.

Key Ingredients for the Best Lasagna Soup

You don’t need anything fancy, but a few smart choices make a big difference. Here’s how to build a lasagna soup that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did.

Protein

You have options here:

• Lean ground beef or ground turkey – classic, hearty, and perfect for lasagna flavors.
• You can also do a 50/50 mix (half beef, half turkey) for a lighter but still rich result.

Browned in the pot with onion and garlic, the meat brings depth and that “pasta night” feeling to every spoonful.

Aromatics

The flavor starts with a simple trio:

• Onion – yellow or white, finely diced
• Garlic – minced or pressed
• Optional carrot and celery – finely chopped for extra body and a subtle sweetness

These melt into the broth as the soup simmers and keep the flavor from tasting flat or one-dimensional.

Tomatoes & Broth

To get that deep lasagna taste:

• Crushed tomatoes – for body and tomato richness
• Tomato paste – a spoon or two builds a thicker, more intense sauce base
• Broth – chicken or vegetable broth thins things out to “soup” level while adding savoriness

You can use fire-roasted tomatoes for a hint of smokiness, or regular crushed tomatoes for a classic profile.

Pasta

You want something that feels like lasagna noodles but works well in a soup:

• Broken lasagna noodles – classic choice; break them into smaller pieces so they fit on a spoon
• Mafalda or bowtie pasta – also great, with frilly edges or fun shapes that catch the sauce
• Small pasta like rotini or shells – good if you want a more “soupy” bite

Whatever you choose, cook it directly in the soup so it soaks up flavor from the broth.

Herbs & Seasoning

Lasagna is all about those Italian-style herbs:

• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Bay leaf (optional but nice for depth)
• Salt & black pepper

Finish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh note on top.

The “Cheesy Lasagna” Topping

The soup itself is savory and tomato-rich; the topping brings the full lasagna experience:

• Ricotta or cottage cheese – creamy, mild base
• Mozzarella – melts and stretches beautifully
• Parmesan – adds a salty, nutty kick
• A pinch of Italian seasoning or dried basil

You can mix this into a quick “cheese dollop” to add to each bowl, letting it soften and melt into the hot soup.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cozy Lasagna Soup 2.0

This soup comes together in clear, simple steps. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll be able to almost make it from memory.

1. Brown the Meat and Aromatics

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil if your meat is very lean.
• Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains.
• Stir in the onion (and carrot/celery if using) with a pinch of salt. Cook until softened.
• Add the garlic and cook another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

If there’s excess grease in the pot, you can spoon some off carefully before adding the next ingredients.

For food safety, make sure the ground meat is fully cooked before you add the tomatoes and broth. You can check the official safe minimum internal temperatures for ground meat here.

2. Build the Tomato-Herb Base

• Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or two, stirring, to deepen the flavor.
• Add the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well to combine.
• Season with oregano, basil, thyme or Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Let this tomato-herb mixture simmer for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to come together before you add the pasta.

3. Add the Pasta

• Add your broken lasagna noodles or chosen pasta directly to the pot.
• Stir well so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Simmer according to pasta package instructions, usually about 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.

Tip: If the soup starts to look too thick as the pasta cooks, add a splash more broth or water to keep it at your favorite soup consistency.

4. Adjust Thickness & Taste

Once the pasta is cooked:

• Check the consistency. Lasagna soup should be thick and hearty, but still spoonable.
• If it’s too thick, stir in more broth, a little at a time.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra herbs as needed.

At this point you can also stir in a small splash of milk or cream if you want a slightly richer, smoother broth—but it’s optional. Even without cream, the soup will feel cozy thanks to the starch from the pasta.

5. Make the Cheese Topping

While the soup simmers or just before serving, make your “lasagna topping”:

• In a small bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan.
• Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Stir until it’s creamy and well combined.

This mixture should be soft enough to scoop with a spoon and dollop on top of each bowl.

6. Serve and Garnish

To serve:

• Ladle hot lasagna soup into bowls.
• Add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each bowl.
• Let it soften and melt slightly, then sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

Serve immediately with warm bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad.

Make It Your Way: Variations & Swaps

Once you’ve made lasagna soup 2.0 once, you’ll see how easy it is to tweak. Here are some ideas to keep things exciting.

Protein Twists

• Ground turkey only – for a leaner bowl that still tastes rich.
• Shredded chicken – stir cooked, shredded chicken into the soup instead of ground meat.
• Plant-based crumbles or lentils – for a meatless version that still feels hearty and satisfying.

Hidden Veggie Boost

You can easily sneak in extra veggies without changing the lasagna feel:

• Add finely chopped mushrooms with the onion so they melt into the sauce.
• Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end until just wilted.
• Add small zucchini cubes or diced bell pepper while the soup simmers.

The soup base is robust enough that these extras blend right in.

Pasta Choices

• For a classic look, use broken lasagna noodles.
• For easier spoonfuls, try rotini, shells, bowties, or mafalda.
• If you’re cooking ahead or worry about pasta getting too soft, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl as you serve.

Cheese & Topping Ideas

You can keep the cheese mixture simple or go all in:

• Use all mozzarella and parmesan if you don’t have ricotta.
• Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the cheese mix for tang.
• Sprinkle extra parmesan or red pepper flakes on top.
• Finish each bowl with a tiny drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-style touch.

Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating

Lasagna soup 2.0 is made for busy weeks. Here’s how to store and reheat it without turning the pasta to mush.

Storing in the Fridge

• Let the soup cool slightly before packing.
• Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Keep the cheese mixture in a separate container, so you can add it fresh to each reheated bowl.

Because the pasta sits in the broth, the soup will thicken as it chills and the noodles absorb more liquid. That’s normal.

Reheating

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
• Or reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

Once hot, ladle into bowls and top with the cheese mixture so it melts into the soup.

Freezing Tips

Pasta doesn’t always freeze well, but you can still freeze this lasagna soup with a small tweak:

• For best results, freeze the soup base without the pasta, then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
• Cool the soup, pack in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat on the stove, then add freshly cooked pasta and the cheese topping.

If you do freeze soup that already has pasta in it, expect the noodles to be very soft after thawing—they’ll still taste good, just a bit more “stew-like.”

Most cooked soups and stews keep well in the fridge for a few days when cooled and stored properly. You can check the official cold food storage chart for soups and leftovers here.

Serving Ideas

Lasagna soup can absolutely be a full meal on its own, but a few simple sides make everything feel a bit more “restaurant-at-home.”

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette – perfect for dipping into the tomato-cheesy broth.
• Simple green salad – mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Roasted vegetables – like broccoli or carrots, for extra color and nutrition on the plate.
• Grated parmesan and red pepper flakes on the table so everyone can finish their bowl their way.

For a family night, put the cheese mix, extra herbs, and toppings in small bowls and let everyone customize their own bowl at the table.

Tastyinspo Notes

Lasagna soup is one of those recipes that started as a “lazy night” idea and turned into a requested favorite. The first time I made it, I was craving lasagna but didn’t want to deal with layers, long baking times, or a pile of pans in the sink. Turning it into soup was the shortcut—and it stuck.

What I love most is how forgiving it is. If you’re low on cheese, you can still make a great pot. If you only have one type of pasta, it’s fine. If your herbs are mostly dried instead of fresh, it still smells and tastes like comfort food the moment it hits the table.

I also love how well it works for mixed preferences. Some people want extra cheese; some want more broth; some like an extra sprinkle of chili flakes on top. With lasagna soup, you can keep the base cozy and classic, then let everyone customize their own ideal bowl in a few seconds.

Pasta is a classic source of complex carbohydrates that makes this bowl so satisfying. For more details, you can see a nutrition breakdown for cooked enriched pasta here.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

Exact numbers will depend on the type of meat, pasta, cheese, and how much you serve, but for a hearty bowl (about 1/6 of the pot) with meat, pasta, and cheese topping, you can roughly expect:

• Calories: ~500–650
• Protein: ~25–30 g
• Carbohydrates: ~55–70 g
• Fat: ~18–25 g
• Fiber: ~4–7 g

Using leaner meat, a bit less cheese, and extra veggies can bring the calories down while keeping the soup filling and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup