Introduction
Does anyone else feel like the kitchen is the only room in the house where time actually slows down? Last Tuesday, the wind was rattling the windowpanes of our home here in Bend, and the kids, Adams and Jana, were particularly restless. My husband, Ethan Wallace, was hunched over his laptop, the telltale sign of a long workday. I knew exactly what we needed. I pulled out my heavy Dutch oven and started browning meat for what I consider the best lasagna soup I have ever developed. The Classic Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal to me. It is a shortcut to that specific, nostalgic comfort of a layered pasta bake without the hour and a half of prep work. This lasagna soup recipe fills the house with the scent of toasted garlic and sweet basil, promising everyone that, no matter how chaotic the day was, dinner will be a soft place to land. Finding connection, not perfection, is my goal, and this easy lasagna soup delivers that in every steaming bowl.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Classic Lasagna Soup
- Ingredients for Classic Lasagna Soup
- How to Make Classic Lasagna Soup
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Classic Lasagna Soup Serving Suggestions
- Classic Lasagna Soup Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about Classic Lasagna Soup
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Classic Lasagna Soup
In our household, we call this the unconstructed masterpiece. You will love this one pot lasagna soup because it offers the complex flavors of a traditional Italian dinner with a fraction of the cleanup. If you are looking for how to make lasagna soup that tastes like it simmered all day, you are in the right place. Here is why this recipe has become a staple in our “Stories from the Skillet” series:
- Kid-Approved Comfort: Adams and Jana love the mafalda pasta lasagna soup because the ribboned edges catch all the lasagna soup cheesy yum goodness.
- One Pot Wonder: Unlike traditional lasagna, you do not need five different bowls and three baking pans. This is truly a one pot lasagna soup recipe that respects your time.
- Customizable: Whether you want a lasagna soup with ground beef and sausage or a lighter vegetarian lasagna soup, the base is incredibly forgiving.
- Better Than The Original: Some even argue this is the ORIGINAL lasagna soup style that beats out the layered version because every bite is perfectly balanced with broth and cheese.
- Modern Pantry Friendly: We focus on whole ingredients and minimal waste, using up those broken noodles at the bottom of the box.
Ingredients for Classic Lasagna Soup
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in this culinary ritual. I always tell Ethan that the quality of our meal starts with the quality of our broth and spices. For this creamy lasagna soup recipe, you will need:
- Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: A mix of both provides the most authentic depth.
- Onion and Garlic: The aromatic foundation of any good comfort meal.
- Tomato Paste and Marinara Sauce: To create a rich, velvety red base.
- Crushed Tomatoes: For texture and acidity.
- Chicken Broth: Or vegetable broth if you are making vegetarian lasagna soup.
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into bite sized pieces.
- The Cheese Trio: lasagna soup with ricotta parmesan mozzarella is the only way to go for that authentic finish.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley add that bright, green finish.
How to Make Classic Lasagna Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let us begin. There is a specific rhythm to this lasagna soup stovetop crockpot instant pot method. We will focus on the stovetop version today as it allows for the best flavor development through browning.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large heavy bottomed pot, brown your ground beef and sausage over medium heat. As the fat renders, add your diced onions. Listen for that gentle sizzle. It is the sound of a good meal beginning.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Once the meat is no longer pink, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for two minutes until the paste turns a deep brick red. This step is crucial for eliminating that raw canned taste.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- The Noodle Element: Add your broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. I prefer using mafalda pasta if I can find it, but traditional noodles work perfectly. Cook until al dente. Do not overcook them, as they will continue to soften in the hot liquid.
- The Creamy Finish: Stir in a splash of heavy cream if you desire a creamy lasagna soup. Lower the heat and let the flavors meld.
- The Cheese Topping: While the soup simmers, mix your ricotta, parmesan, and a bit of salt in a small bowl. This “cheese dollop” is what makes this the best lasagna soup recipe on the internet.
Pro Tips & Variations
Every kitchen is a laboratory of love. If you want to experiment, here are a few ways to tweak this lasagna soup recipe to suit your family’s needs. For a lighter version, you can utilize ground turkey instead of beef. If you are feeding a crowd and want to set it and forget it, a slow cooker lasagna soup method works wonders. Simply brown the meat first, then toss everything except the noodles and cheese into the crockpot for 6 hours on low. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes. If you enjoy this flavor profile, you might also love our homemade winter minestrone soup for a vegetable forward alternative. For those who prefer a completely plant based lifestyle, a vegan lasagna soup can be achieved using cashew cream and nutritional yeast in place of the dairy components. According to experts at Tastes Better From Scratch, the key to a great soup is ensuring your noodles do not soak up all the broth, so always keep a little extra stock on hand.
Classic Lasagna Soup Serving Suggestions
I always serve this with a side of crusty garlic bread. Ethan loves to use the bread to swipe up the last bits of lasagna soup with ricotta parmesan mozzarella from the bottom of the bowl. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the lasagna soup cheesy yum. If you want a full soup night, consider pairing this with a small cup of creamy roasted garlic tomato soup for a duo of Italian favorites. It is about creating a table where everyone feels welcome and full.
Classic Lasagna Soup Storage & Reheating
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, be aware that the noodles will absorb more liquid over time. When reheating your Classic Lasagna Soup, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. I do not recommend freezing the soup with the noodles already in it, as they tend to become mushy. If you plan to freeze, make the broth base and freeze that, then add fresh noodles when you are ready to serve. This ensures the best lasagna soup experience every time.
FAQ about Classic Lasagna Soup
Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes. Use the sauté function for the meat, then cook the broth and noodles on high pressure for about 4 minutes with a quick release. It is a fantastic lasagna soup stovetop crockpot instant pot variation. What is the best pasta to use? While broken lasagna noodles are traditional, mafalda pasta lasagna soup is very popular because the little ruffles mimic the look of a sliced lasagna piece. How do I make it more creamy? Stirring in a half cup of heavy cream at the end or increasing the amount of ricotta atop each bowl will give you that creamy lasagna soup recipe feel you crave.
Final Thoughts
As I watched Jana take her last bite tonight, she looked up and said, “Mom, this tastes like a hug.” That is the ultimate goal, isn’t it? Beyond the SEO keywords and the perfect food photography, we cook to say I love you. This Classic Lasagna Soup is my way of leaning into the beauty of a shared meal. I hope it brings as much warmth to your table as it does to ours. If you enjoyed this journey, please save this recipe to your Pinterest boards and leave a comment below. I would love to hear how your family made this their own. Don’t forget to subscribe to MisterRecipes for more “Stories from the Skillet.” Until next time, find joy in the simple stir of the spoon.
Classic Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Once the meat is no longer pink, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for two minutes until the paste turns a deep brick red. This step is crucial for eliminating that raw canned taste.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Cook until al dente. Do not overcook them, as they will continue to soften in the hot liquid.
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream if you desire a creamy lasagna soup. Lower the heat and let the flavors meld.
- While the soup simmers, mix your ricotta, parmesan, and a bit of salt in a small bowl. This cheese mixture is what makes this the best lasagna soup recipe on the internet.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley.
