When you crave the flavours of lasagna but want something lighter and quicker, this easy lasagna soup is your answer. I’ve perfected this recipe to bring you all the comfort of traditional lasagna in a warming bowl of soup in 30 minutes. As someone who’s tested countless variations, I assure you this recipe perfectly balances authenticity and convenience. Check out my other variation of the Easy Vegetable Lasagna recipe, too!
The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to satisfy your lasagna cravings without hours of preparation. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or someone who loves Italian flavours, this recipe will become your new go-to meal.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup
This quick lasagna soup combines classic Italian flavours with the convenience of a one-pot meal. Without the lengthy assembly time, you’ll get all the layered tastes of traditional lasagna—savoury meat, rich tomatoes, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cosy and satisfying! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can adjust the consistency and ingredients to match your preferences while maintaining that authentic lasagna taste.
Making Your Healthy Lasagna Soup
This soup is a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna because it uses less cheese and lean meat. You can also load it up with extra vegetables for added nutrition. The broth-based nature of the soup means you’ll feel satisfied without the heaviness of a traditional pasta dish.
Quick Lasagna Soup Ingredients List
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty base and rich flavour.
- Italian Seasoning: Creates authentic Italian taste.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds depth and tomato richness.
- Beef Broth: Creates the perfect soup consistency.
- Mafalda Noodles: Mimics traditional lasagna texture.
- Cheese Blend: Delivers the classic lasagna cheese pull
Smart Substitutions and Variations
The versatility of this one-pot lasagna soup means you can customize it to your dietary needs and preferences:
- Protein Options: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace beef. For a vegetarian version, try plant-based ground meat or mushrooms.
- Pasta Choices: While Mafalda noodles resemble mini lasagna sheets, you can use broken lasagna noodles, rotini, or gluten-free pasta
- Dairy Alternatives: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option
- Cheese Variations: Try ricotta or cottage cheese for a different twist, or use dairy-free alternatives
- Broth Selection: Vegetable broth works for a lighter option, or use chicken broth if preferred
Storing and Freezing Your Healthy Lasagna Soup
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this lasagna soup for days to come:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days
- Keep pasta separate if possible to maintain texture
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally
Freezing Guidelines:
- Freeze soup without pasta and dairy for up to 3 months
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Leave expansion space in containers
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Add fresh pasta and dairy when reheating
This lasagna soup recipe transforms a classic Italian dish into a comforting soup that’s perfect year-round. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this versatile recipe delivers the flavours you love with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. The one-pot approach means less cleanup, while the customizable nature ensures everyone at your table will find something to love about this cosy, satisfying meal.
What Makes This a Healthy Lasagna Soup
Traditional lasagna can be heavy on calories and carbs, but this soup version offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavour. By controlling portions and using lean meat, you can enjoy all the taste with better nutritional balance. Here’s why it’s a healthier choice:
- Lower in calories than traditional lasagna
- The option to use lean meat reduces fat content
- More broth means built-in portion control
- Easy to add extra vegetables for nutrients
- Customizable to fit various dietary needs
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
PrintLasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3–4 cloves)
- 2 pounds ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons each: ground pepper and kosher salt
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (choose low-sodium if preferred)
- 32 ounces beef broth (plus extra if desired)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 12 ounces Mafalda noodles
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mixed cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering
- Add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally
- Incorporate garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Add ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Cook meat mixture for 8-10 minutes until well-browned. Drain excess fat if needed
- Pour in marinara sauce, broth, and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer
- Add noodles and cook for approximately 8 minutes until al dente
- Stir in cream and cheese until fully melted and incorporated
- Finish with fresh parsley and serve hot
Slow-Cooker Method
- Follow steps 1-4 in a separate pan
- Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker
- Add all ingredients except pasta, cream, and cheese
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Add pasta during the final 30 minutes of cooking
- Stir in cream and cheese just before serving
- Adjust consistency with extra broth if needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (Dutch Oven) / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg