Cozy Lasagna Soup in 30 Minutes

When the weather turns chilly, nothing hits the spot like a steaming bowl of soup. But if you’re craving the rich flavors of lasagna without the time or fuss, this Cozy Lasagna Soup in 30 Minutes is the answer. Packed with hearty ground meat, tender pasta, tangy tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this soup gives you all the comfort of classic lasagna—without needing hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: you get bold flavors and filling ingredients, but it’s still quick enough for a weeknight meal. Using simple pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, broth, and pasta, plus a few fresh toppings, you can create a meal that feels slow-simmered in a fraction of the time.

Lasagna soup is also incredibly adaptable. You can make it with beef, turkey, or even plant-based proteins. Swap noodles if needed, adjust spices to taste, and don’t forget the cheesy dollop of ricotta and mozzarella on top—it’s the finishing touch that makes every spoonful taste like lasagna in a bowl.

If you’ve ever wished lasagna could be faster, cozier, and easier, this soup is for you. Ready in just half an hour, it’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or simply warming up after a long day.


What Makes This Cozy Lasagna Soup Special?

  • Ready in just 30 minutes – No waiting hours for baked pasta; you’ll have dinner on the table quickly.

  • All the flavor of lasagna without the layering – It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of the same Italian-inspired goodness.

  • One pot wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything comes together in a single pot.

  • Family-friendly and customizable – Kids love the cheesy topping, and you can adjust spice levels easily.

  • Perfect make-ahead meal – Tastes even better the next day, and it freezes well for later.

If you’re looking for comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or time, this soup is one to bookmark.


Ingredient Notes

  • Ground beef (or Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken) – Adds rich flavor. You can also use plant-based ground for a vegetarian option.

  • Onion & garlic – Build a flavorful base. If in a rush, use garlic powder and onion powder.

  • Crushed tomatoes – The main tomato base. You can substitute with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce if needed.

  • Tomato paste – Deepens flavor and gives a richer texture.

  • Chicken or beef broth – Adds savory depth; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.

  • Italian seasoning – Classic flavor profile. You can use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have a blend.

  • Lasagna noodles – Broken into bite-sized pieces. Substitute with bowties, rotini, or penne if preferred.

  • Ricotta cheese – Creamy and essential for that “lasagna” feel. Cottage cheese works as a swap.

  • Mozzarella – Melty, stretchy, and perfect for topping.

  • Parmesan – Adds sharp, salty flavor.


How To Make Cozy Lasagna Soup

  1. Cook the meat
    Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef (or sausage). Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add aromatics
    Stir in 1 chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. (Look for softened onions and a garlicky aroma.)

  3. Build the base
    Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor. Add 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and 4 cups broth. Season with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.

  4. Cook the pasta
    Bring to a boil. Add 8-10 broken lasagna noodles. Reduce to a simmer and cook until pasta is tender, about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick.

  5. Finish the soup
    Taste and adjust seasoning. The soup should be slightly thick, rich, and hearty.

  6. Prepare the cheese topping
    In a small bowl, mix 1 cup ricotta, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan.

  7. Serve
    Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. The heat of the soup will melt it into creamy perfection.


Storage Options

  • Room temperature: Do not leave soup out longer than 2 hours.

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, adding extra broth if too thick.


Variations and Substitutions

  • Swap beef for spicy Italian sausage for more flavor.

  • Make it vegetarian with lentils or plant-based meat.

  • Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-friendly.

  • Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.

  • Try a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or hot sausage.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Yes, bowtie, rotini, penne, or even shells work well.

  2. How can I make it ahead?
    Cook the soup base and store noodles separately to avoid sogginess. Combine when reheating.

  3. Why did my pasta absorb too much liquid?
    Pasta continues to soak up broth as it sits. Add more broth when reheating.

  4. Can I freeze lasagna soup?
    Yes, but freeze without the cheese topping for best results. Add cheese when serving.

  5. How do I make it dairy-free?
    Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, or skip the cheese topping altogether.

  6. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
    Yes, blend peeled fresh tomatoes until smooth, but you may need to simmer longer for depth.


Conclusion

This Cozy Lasagna Soup in 30 Minutes is the ultimate shortcut to comfort food. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and rich lasagna flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your rotation. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment, share with friends, or snap a photo of your bowl of comfort.

Print

Cozy Lasagna Soup in 30 Minutes

  • Author: Sophia Bennett

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or sausage

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth

  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

  • 810 lasagna noodles, broken

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella

  • ¼ cup Parmesan

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Brown meat in a large pot.

  • Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.

  • Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Season with herbs.

  • Add noodles; simmer until tender, about 12-15 minutes.

  • Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl.

  • Ladle soup into bowls, top with cheese mixture, and serve hot.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use ground turkey.

  • Add spinach at the end for extra veggies.

  • If reheating, add broth to adjust thickness.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g

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