Hearty Lasagna Soup with Cheese Recipe

If you’ve been craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Hearty Lasagna Soup with Cheese Recipe. It’s basically all the best parts of traditional lasagna—rich tomato broth, savory sausage and beef, tender noodles—melted together with creamy cheeses that make every spoonful absolute bliss. Trust me, I’ve made plenty of soups, but this one has quickly become a go-to comfort dish that never disappoints.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hearty Lasagna Soup with Cheese Recipe is all about classic Italian flavors working harmoniously—meaty sausage, savory beef, tangy tomato, and fresh herbs unite with rich cheeses. When shopping, try to find quality Italian sausage and fresh spinach to keep it vibrant.

• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor in your sauteed veggies.
• Yellow onion: Diced finely so it softens evenly and sweetens the broth.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch—don’t even think about jarred for this one.
• Sweet Italian sausage: The backbone of the meat flavor; I love the little spice it adds.
• 90% lean ground beef: Keeps the soup hearty without too much grease.
• Chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control saltiness perfectly.
• Crushed tomatoes: Brings in that tangy tomato base fundamental to lasagna.
• Tomato sauce: Smooth texture that complements the crushed tomatoes nicely.
• Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the soup with classic Italian flair.
• Dried basil: Sweet herbal notes that pair well with tomato.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to taste; don’t hesitate to adjust as you go.
• Crushed red pepper (optional): Just a pinch for those who like a little heat.
• Mafalda noodles: These curly-edged pasta add fun texture—if you can’t find them, rigatoni or orecchiette work too.
• Fresh spinach: Added at the end for freshness and a burst of green.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for that gooey melty goodness.
• Whole milk ricotta: Creamy and dreamy, it’s key to the cheese topping.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish.
• Cream cheese (optional): I love how it makes the cheese topping extra silky.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped for brightness and a pop of color.

Variations

One of the things I really enjoy about this Hearty Lasagna Soup with Cheese Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can personalize the recipe to fit your dietary needs or seasonal veggies—you’ll find it’s easy to make it your own, so don’t be shy to experiment!

• Meat-free version: I swapped sausage and beef for hearty mushrooms and lentils once and it was deliciously satisfying.
• Spicy twist: Adding extra crushed red pepper or even a splash of hot sauce gave the whole family a warm kick they loved.
• Veggie boost: Feel free to toss in zucchini or bell peppers when adding the spinach for an extra dose of color and nutrients.
• Gluten-free pasta: I’ve used gluten-free noodles without sacrificing texture, making it perfect for my gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Meat

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add your diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You’ll smell that lovely sweetness building. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it through for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Now, add the sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef. Crumble the meat as you cook it until it’s beautifully browned but still juicy—I like to skip draining the grease here because it adds flavor and richness to the broth.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Tomato Broth

Once your meat is browned, pour in the chicken broth, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the sugar, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if you want a little heat. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. This part fills your kitchen with such an irresistible aroma—you’ll know you’re onto something good.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Soup

When the broth reaches a boil, add your dry mafalda noodles directly into the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes or until they’re tender but still have a little bite. Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick or clump together. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup rest for another 15 minutes—it’s the perfect moment to start prepping your cheesy topping.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Make the Cheese Topping

Add the chopped fresh spinach to the soup, stirring until it wilted just perfectly—this usually only takes a minute or two. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese (if you’re using it), and freshly chopped parsley. This cheeses mixture is where all the creamy, dreamy magic happens, and it’s absolutely the best topping for this soup.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of your cheese mixture. As the cheese melts into the soup, it creates this luscious, velvety texture that’s downright irresistible. Grab a big spoon, dive in, and enjoy all the delicious layers of flavor!

How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup with Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a few torn basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, a small drizzle of good quality olive oil on top adds a glossy richness and makes the presentation pop. These little touches make the soup feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Crusty garlic bread is my go-to—its crisp exterior and buttery garlicky inside complement the soup perfectly. Sometimes I also like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten up the meal. Either way, keep sides light since this soup is so satisfying on its own!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or when friends are over, I serve this soup in mini mason jars or rustic mugs with a small piece of garlic bread perched on the side. It’s cozy, Instagram-worthy, and just plain fun to eat. Plus, the cheese topping melts beautifully in warm jars, making each bite a creamy delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the noodles from getting too soggy, you can store the cooked pasta separately and combine when reheating. The cheese topping I keep in a small bowl on the side and add fresh when serving.

Freezing

This soup freezes pretty well! I recommend freezing without the fresh spinach and cheese topping to keep textures at their best. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy thawing. When ready, thaw overnight and add fresh spinach and cheese when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Once warm, stir in fresh spinach to wilt and top with your prepared cheese mixture for that creamy finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Lasagna Soup with Cheese Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort and ease without sacrificing flavor. It’s cozy, cheesy, and totally satisfying—plus, it’s a fun family favorite that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I can’t recommend it enough; if you want that irresistible lasagna flavor in a heartwarming soup, give this recipe a try. You’ll enjoy every creamy, savory spoonful just as much as I do.

Print