Stove Top Lasagna Soup

This stove top lasagna soup is everything you love about traditional lasagna but in a rich, cozy bowl of goodness. Packed with ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, tomatoes, and three kinds of cheese, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold winter evenings, or when you’re craving the flavors of lasagna without the extra prep and baking time. With a one-pot cooking method, minimal cleanup, and bold, hearty flavors, this dish is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick and easy, ready in under 45 minutes
• Made in one pot for minimal cleanup
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Customizable with different meats, pasta, or seasonings

Taste & Texture

The broth is thick and velvety, packed with deep tomato flavor and hints of garlic, oregano, and basil. The beef and sausage add a rich, savory element, while the lasagna noodles provide the perfect texture. The best part is the cheese topping—creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan bring everything together.

Dietary Attributes

• High in protein
• Can be made gluten-free with GF pasta
• Easily adaptable for different diets

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• ½ pound ground beef
• ½ pound sweet Italian sausage
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 lasagna noodles
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Notes on Quality

Use high-quality grass-fed beef and fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a slightly smoky depth, while freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better than pre-packaged varieties.

Possible Substitutions

For a meatless version, replace the ground beef and sausage with mushrooms or lentils. To make it dairy-free, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute for regular lasagna noodles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon. Once browned, add the diced onion and cook until soft, about five minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Build the Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce. Cook for one to two minutes until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

4. Cook the Noodles

While the soup is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Drain, chop into bite-sized pieces, and stir them into the soup.

5. Add Cheese & Serve

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, and fresh parsley.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

Deglazing the pot with broth helps incorporate all the browned bits for extra flavor. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it should remain slightly firm.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the simmering step can result in a soup that lacks depth. If you overcook the noodles, they may become mushy, so add them just before serving.

Time-Saving Tips

Use pre-cooked ground beef and sausage for faster prep. To make this a one-pot meal, break the noodles and cook them directly in the soup, adding a bit more broth as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This soup pairs perfectly with heart-shaped grilled cheese sandwiches. A fresh arugula or Caesar salad on the side balances the richness of the soup.

Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, ladle the soup into deep bowls and swirl a spoonful of ricotta on top. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Beverage Pairings

A bold red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with the rich tomato base. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling Italian soda or lemon-infused water is a great choice.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months, but leave out the noodles, as they tend to get mushy.

Reheating Methods

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened. Alternatively, microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Bowtie, rotini, or gluten-free pasta all work well.

Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the meat for mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Troubleshooting

My soup is too thick. Add extra chicken broth or water to thin it out.

My noodles got soggy. To avoid this, cook and store the noodles separately, adding them to individual servings just before eating.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth is certified gluten-free. For a low-carb version, substitute zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Flavor Twists

For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne. Fresh basil stirred in at the end gives the soup a fresh, aromatic boost.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For a fall-inspired version, add a small amount of butternut squash puree for natural sweetness. For a holiday twist, use crumbled turkey sausage instead of pork.

Conclusion

This stove top lasagna soup is a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that brings all the best parts of lasagna into one easy dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy dinner at home. If you try this recipe, let me know what you think in the comments, and don’t forget to check out more recipes like classic French toast or French omelette with fines herbes.

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