Lasagna is a comfort food staple in many households. But what if you could enjoy all the rich, layered goodness of lasagna in a more casual, soup-like form? That’s exactly what Lasagna Soup With Marinara Sauce offers. It combines the savory, cheesy essence of traditional lasagna with the warmth and heartiness of a soup, making it perfect for colder weather or just when you want a cozy, easy meal.
This recipe packs all the flavors of lasagna-tomato, garlic, herbs, ground meat, and cheese-into a comforting bowl of soup. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s not only simple to make but incredibly filling. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna soup delivers all the nostalgia and satisfaction of the classic dish without the hassle of layering noodles and baking.
Ready to dive into this warm, cheesy delight? Let’s break it down step by step!
Lasagna Soup With Marinara Sauce Recipe
This recipe serves as a simplified yet incredibly satisfying version of lasagna. The ingredients meld together perfectly to form a flavorful soup that’s bursting with rich tomato and herb flavors, meaty chunks, and plenty of cheesy goodness. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish, along with the instructions to bring it all together in just one pot.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together to form a hearty and mouthwatering soup.
- Ground beef or ground turkey – The protein base of the soup, offering a savory, meaty flavor. You can swap for ground pork, sausage, or a plant-based alternative if you prefer.
- Marinara sauce – Adds a rich tomato flavor that gives the soup its classic Italian taste. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own for a more personalized touch.
- Crushed tomatoes – Deepens the soup’s tomato flavor and adds a thicker consistency. This is crucial for that hearty lasagna feel.
- Onion and garlic – Provides a base of aromatic flavors, forming the foundation of the soup’s taste.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – The liquid base that helps turn the ingredients into a soup. You can opt for low-sodium versions to control the salt content.
- Lasagna noodles – Instead of traditional wide lasagna noodles, broken-up pieces of lasagna noodles cook right in the soup, absorbing all the flavorful broth.
- Ricotta cheese – A staple ingredient in lasagna that adds creaminess and a touch of richness to the soup.
- Mozzarella cheese – For that melty, gooey cheesiness that makes lasagna irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to give the soup that authentic Italian flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – If you want a little kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will spice things up.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this incredible soup.
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Brown The Meat
- Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground meat (beef, turkey, or whatever protein you prefer). Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. The smell at this point is going to have you excited!
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Add The Tomatoes And Broth
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, so the flavors meld together. You’ll start to see the soup thicken up a bit.
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Cook The Lasagna Noodles
- Break the lasagna noodles into 2-3 inch pieces and add them to the pot. Let them cook in the broth for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still a bit al dente. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom.
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Cheese Time
- Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta cheese and about half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Let everything melt together until you have a creamy, cheesy soup base.
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Final Touches
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve the soup hot, topped with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe has a specific role in creating a well-balanced, flavorful soup:
- Ground meat: It’s the protein that adds substance and texture. Whether you go with beef, turkey, or another option, the meat becomes infused with the soup’s seasonings, giving it a savory depth.
- Marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes: These are the backbone of the soup’s flavor profile. While marinara sauce offers a rich, tangy tomato flavor, crushed tomatoes thicken the soup and give it a more substantial, hearty texture.
- Ricotta cheese: This soft cheese is traditionally used in lasagna, contributing creaminess and a mild flavor that complements the sharpness of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Lasagna noodles: Rather than the traditional layering, broken-up lasagna noodles absorb all the flavorful broth and become a comforting, tender part of the soup.
- Herbs and spices: The blend of Italian seasoning adds layers of basil, oregano, and thyme, while garlic and onions provide a foundational savory depth. Red pepper flakes give that extra zing, balancing the rich, cheesy elements.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Lasagna noodles are best when cooked to al dente. They’ll continue to absorb liquid as they sit, so slightly undercooking them will help maintain the right texture.
- Use high-quality marinara: If you’re using store-bought marinara, go for a high-quality brand with fewer additives. This will really elevate the taste of the soup.
- Layer in cheese: Add your ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese at different stages to get the best melt and flavor distribution.
- Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. It’s a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich, cheesy flavors of the soup.
Recipe Variations
This Lasagna Soup recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat entirely and load up on extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth and add in some extra spices to enhance the flavor.
- Use sausage: If you like a bit more spice, substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage. It’ll give the soup an extra burst of flavor.
- Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or skip the pasta altogether and focus on a hearty veggie base.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes, or even a diced jalapeño, for a spicy kick that will pair perfectly with the creamy cheese.
- Dairy-free: Replace the ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
Final Words
This Lasagna Soup With Marinara Sauce is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve indulged in something special without putting in all the hard work that traditional lasagna requires. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, bringing comfort, flavor, and satisfaction all in one pot. Plus, the beauty of this soup is that it’s totally customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to simplify your weeknight dinners, it’s a dish that works every time.
FAQs
What Is Lasagna Soup With Marinara Sauce?
Lasagna soup with marinara sauce is a hearty and flavorful soup that combines the comforting elements of traditional lasagna, such as pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce, in a soup form. It typically includes ingredients like ground meat, onions, garlic, herbs, and crushed tomatoes, served with lasagna noodles broken into pieces.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Marinara Sauce Vegetarian?
Yes, lasagna soup with marinara sauce can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using a combination of vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamy texture.
What Type Of Pasta Should I Use For Lasagna Soup?
You should use broken lasagna noodles for the soup, as they resemble the traditional lasagna but cook faster and absorb the flavors of the soup. If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can substitute with other pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli.
Can I Use Store-bought Marinara Sauce For This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience. However, for a more personalized flavor, consider adding extra garlic, herbs, or even a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce to enhance the taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna Soup With Marinara Sauce?
Leftover lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you can add a little extra broth or water when reheating to restore the soup’s consistency.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Soup With Marinara Sauce?
Yes, lasagna soup with marinara sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, you may need to add more liquid due to the pasta absorbing moisture.
What Meats Can I Use In Lasagna Soup With Marinara Sauce?
Traditional lasagna soup recipes use ground beef or ground pork, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor. For a more indulgent version, a combination of meats can be used for added richness.
How Can I Make The Lasagna Soup Spicier?
To add more spice to your lasagna soup, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or spicy Italian sausage. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance for the desired level of spice.
Can I Add Cheese Directly To The Soup?
Yes, adding cheese is a great way to enhance the flavor of lasagna soup. You can stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese while the soup is simmering, or sprinkle cheese on top just before serving for a melty, creamy finish.
How Do I Make The Lasagna Soup Thicker?
To thicken lasagna soup, you can reduce the liquid by simmering the soup longer or add a thickening agent like a slurry of cornstarch and water. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier, thicker texture.