Simple Lasagna Soup with Sausage and Ground Beef

Simple lasagna soup is the cozy weeknight dinner I never knew I needed until I made it for the first time on a cold Tuesday night with a pot full of pantry staples. It brings every classic lasagna flavor you love into a warm, slurpable bowl that comes together fast. If you have been craving lasagna but want something easier with far less cleanup, this is your recipe.

I still remember the first time I layered all those familiar smells together in one pot. the sizzling sausage, the garlic hitting the pan, and that deep tomato broth bubbling away on the stove. It felt like a shortcut to one of my favorite comfort meals without sacrificing any of the flavor. This simple lasagna soup skips the layering and the baking but keeps every bit of the richness. Broken lasagna noodles, hearty Italian sausage, ground beef, and a creamy ricotta topping make this a one-pot meal my whole family asks for again and again.

Everything You Need in Your Bowl

I always keep these ingredients stocked during soup season because this recipe comes together so quickly once everything is prepped. Pro tip: use full-fat ricotta for the topping. it makes a real difference in creaminess and flavor.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (I prefer beef over chicken here for a richer, deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, skip for a milder soup)
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat recommended)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
• Shredded mozzarella for serving
• Extra Parmesan for serving

How to Make Simple Lasagna Soup Step by Step

I recommend reading through all the steps before you start so nothing sneaks up on you. This simple lasagna soup moves quickly once the pot heats up.

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat so the soup does not feel greasy.

Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Do not skip this step. building that garlic and onion base is what gives the broth so much depth.

Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors come together.

Step 4: While the soup simmers, make the ricotta topping. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside until serving.

Step 5: Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the noodles do not stick to the bottom.

Step 6: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each one with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Best Sides to Serve Alongside Your Lasagna Soup

This hearty soup pairs well with simple sides that complement its bold tomato and herb flavors. Here are the best sides for simple lasagna soup:

Garlic bread or breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, tomatoey broth. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, garlic bread is the classic companion here.

Simple green salad with Italian vinaigrette: A fresh, lightly dressed salad cuts through the richness of the soup and adds a bright, crunchy contrast to every bite.

Roasted zucchini or asparagus: A light vegetable side keeps the meal feeling balanced and adds color and nutrition to your plate.

A glass of red wine: A Chianti or Merlot echoes the Italian flavors in the soup and makes the whole meal feel a little more special on a weeknight.

More Cozy Soup Recipes to Try Next

If this simple lasagna soup hit the spot, there are plenty of other hearty one-pot meals worth adding to the dinner rotation. The Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup brings similar bold Italian sausage flavors in a rich, cheesy broth, while the Creamy Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is a fun and comforting twist on classic tomato soup that the whole family will love.

For more filling weeknight options, the Spicy Italian Sausage Soup is a great pick for anyone who loves a little heat, and the Best Italian Lasagna Soup is another crowd-pleasing variation worth bookmarking. Serve any of these alongside crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Keeping Your Soup Fresh All Week Long

Leftover simple lasagna soup stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you are freezing, store the soup without the noodles or ricotta topping in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

When reheating, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat and add a splash of beef broth if the soup has thickened too much. The noodles absorb a lot of liquid as the soup sits, so extra broth will bring it right back to the right consistency.

Pro tip: If you made this simple lasagna soup for meal prep, store the ricotta topping separately in the fridge and add it fresh to each bowl when serving. It stays creamier and tastes much better that way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Lasagna Soup

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