How to Turn Lasagna into a Cozy Bowl: The Unexpected Charm of Lasagna Soup

Imagine capturing the essence of lasagna in a single, comforting bowl. That’s exactly what this lasagna soup does—a warm embrace in every spoonful, perfect for chilly evenings. It brings together the gooey cheese, robust tomato broth, and tender noodles into a stew you can eat with a spoon, not a fork.

I stumbled upon this idea during a hectic week when I craved lasagna but didn’t want to deal with layers or wait for baking. The aroma alone—rich tomato, melted cheese, fresh basil—filled my kitchen and made me forget about leftovers. Now, I make this soup whenever I need a quick, satisfying dinner that feels like a hug.

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup combines the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty, spoonable stew. It features a tomato-based broth, tender noodles, and melted cheese, creating a rich and satisfying dish with a thick, soupy texture. The dish is made by simmering ingredients together and adding cheese at the end for a gooey finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes with juices
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz small pasta noodles such as ditalini or shells
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
    1 lb ground beef
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
    1 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with their juices and stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
    1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
    4 cups chicken broth, to taste salt and pepper
  5. Add the small pasta noodles directly into the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until noodles are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
    8 oz small pasta noodles
  6. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and gooey, creating a creamy layer on top of the soup. Let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly and absorb some of the broth.
    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
    fresh basil or parsley
  8. Serve the lasagna soup hot, with additional cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors in every spoonful.

This dish isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a new way to enjoy familiar flavors. It’s perfect for those nights when time is short but comfort food is a must. The melty cheese topping and fragrant herbs make each spoonful a little celebration of good, simple ingredients.

As the seasons shift and the air turns crisper, this soup is an easy way to bring a hearty, nostalgic meal to your table. It’s a dish that respects tradition while embracing fast, fuss-free cooking. Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that come together in under 30 minutes and taste like a Sunday feast.

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