Warm Lasagna Soup Cheese

This comforting lasagna inspired soup offers all the rich, cozy flavors of classic lasagna in an easy to eat bowl. Ground beef and Italian sausage are browned and simmered in a savory tomato broth with herbs and spices. Broken lasagna noodles cook in the flavorful broth joined by fresh spinach for a bit of brightness. A creamy cheese mixture of ricotta mozzarella and Parmesan tops each serving gently melting into the warm soup. It’s perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want the satisfaction of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking.

I first made this during a cold winter weekend and was amazed how everyone loved having their favorite comfort food in soup form. It quickly became one of the most requested dinners in my house on busy evenings.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Half a pound lean ground beef for meaty richness and depth
• Italian sausage: Half a pound Italian sausage adds savory flavor and a subtle spicy kick
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To enhance all the flavors
• Yellow onion: One yellow onion diced for mild sweetness and aroma
• Olive oil: Tablespoon olive oil for sautéing and a subtle fruity note
• Garlic: Three cloves garlic minced to add warmth and fragrance
• Tomato paste: Two tablespoons tomato paste to deepen the tomato flavor
• Marinara sauce: About 24 ounces marinara sauce to provide a hearty and robust base
• Red pepper flakes: Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes for a gentle touch of heat
• Fresh parsley: Two tablespoons fresh parsley chopped or dried to add brightness and freshness
• Dried oregano: Half teaspoon dried oregano for Italian herb authenticity
• Dried basil: One teaspoon dried basil adds herbal notes that complement the sauce
• Chicken broth: Seven cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to keep the soup light and flavorful
• Lasagna noodles: Nine lasagna noodles broken into pieces to mimic the layered pasta of traditional lasagna
• Fresh spinach: Two cups fresh spinach leaves optional but adds color and nutrients
• Ricotta cheese: Ten ounces ricotta cheese or cottage cheese for a creamy topping that adds indulgence
• Mozzarella cheese: One cup shredded mozzarella cheese melts perfectly and adds gooey texture
• Parmesan cheese: Half cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for sharpness and saltiness complexity
• Fresh basil leaves: For garnish and a burst of aroma

Instructions

Sauté the Meat:

In a large pot over medium high heat cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until they are browned throughout. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you cook to build layers of flavor. Once browned drain any excess grease and remove the meat from the pot to keep the broth from getting greasy.

Cook the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in the same pot. Add the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden stirring occasionally. Next add the minced garlic and cook for an additional one to two minutes until fragrant. This step creates a flavorful base for the soup.

Add Tomato and Herbs:

Stir in the tomato paste followed by marinara sauce along with red pepper flakes fresh parsley dried oregano dried basil and chicken broth into the pot. Return the cooked meat to the pot and stir everything until well combined. This mélange brings the essence of traditional lasagna into the soup.

Cook the Noodles and Spinach:

Bring the pot to a boil then add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer stirring occasionally to prevent sticking until noodles become tender which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. During the last few minutes stir in the fresh spinach leaves if using and cook until just wilted. This method cooks noodles perfectly in the broth.

Prepare the Cheese Mix:

In a small bowl mix together the ricotta mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until well blended. This creamy mixture will be spooned over the soup adding richness and velvety texture to each bite.

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle hot soup into individual bowls and spoon a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fresh aroma and beautiful color. Serve immediately to enjoy the cheeses melting into the warm soup.

My favorite part of this recipe has to be the creamy cheese blend on top which adds indulgence without extra effort. I still remember the first time my kids saw the cheese dolloped on their bowls their eyes lit up and they declared it the best soup ever. It has become a family tradition to make this soup on cold nights when comfort is most needed.

Storage Tips

Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. When reheating warm gently on the stove adding a little extra broth if the soup has thickened. Avoid adding the cheese topping before storing as it melts best when fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

To make this vegetarian leave out the ground beef and Italian sausage and add extra vegetables such as zucchini mushrooms or yellow squash for body and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For vegan versions replace ricotta cheese with cashew ricotta or another dairy free cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad pairs well to balance the richness of the soup. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like oregano on top to boost flavor even more.

This lasagna soup brings all the cozy flavors of lasagna to an easy weeknight meal. It reheats well and is simple to adapt for different diets.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ground beef and sausage and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or squash. Use vegetable broth to maintain flavor.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Freeze the soup without the cheese topping for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before adding fresh noodles and cheese.

→ What pasta can substitute broken lasagna noodles?

Any small or broken pasta shapes like penne or broken spaghetti can be used. Adjust cooking times to ensure tenderness.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth if needed to loosen consistency.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the base ahead without noodles. Refrigerate, then cook noodles fresh when ready to serve, topping with the cheese mixture.

→ How to enhance flavor with fresh herbs?

Add fresh basil leaves just before serving to boost the aroma and add a fresh, herbal note to each bowl.