Homemade Lasagna Soup with Cheese Topping Recipe

If you’ve been craving comfort in a bowl, trust me, this Homemade Lasagna Soup with Cheese Topping Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the cozy, hearty, and cheesy goodness of classic lasagna but in a wonderfully warm and slurpable soup form. I love how it comes together easily and makes your kitchen smell like an Italian restaurant, and you’re going to adore it as much as I do!

Ingredients & Why They Work

One of my favorite parts of this Homemade Lasagna Soup with Cheese Topping Recipe is how the ingredients play off each other to create those cozy, layered flavors of a traditional lasagna—without all the hassle of baking the whole thing. Every component balances nicely, and I’ll share some tips on picking the best each time you shop.

• Ground Italian sausage: This is your flavor base—the seasonings in the sausage add that classic Italian punch. I prefer a mild one for families or spicy if you want a bit of heat.
• White onion: It softens and sweetens as it sautés, building depth beneath the tomato layers.
• Minced garlic: Essential for that familiar, aromatic warmth. Fresh garlic really makes a difference here.
• Beef broth: The heartiness here replaces the traditional meat sauce flavors of lasagna, adding richness to the soup’s body.
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Together they give you that vibrant tomato base that’s not too thick or thin—perfect soup texture.
• Italian seasoning: A blend packs in herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, evoking that unmistakable Italian vibe.
• Bay leaves: Small but mighty for adding an earthy background note; just remember to pull them out before serving!
• Lasagna pasta: Breaking it into pieces means you get noodles in every bite, just like classic lasagna but trip-ready as soup.
• Ricotta cheese: This creamy base forms a dreamy, velvety cheese topping that mellows and complements the tangy tomato broth.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully with stringy, gooey texture, echoing that baked lasagna vibe.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth, balancing the mildness of the ricotta and mozzarella.

Make It Your Way

This soup is fantastic as-is, but I love switching things up depending on what I have on hand or who’s eating. You can easily customize your Homemade Lasagna Soup with Cheese Topping Recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary needs—just like I often do at home.

• Spicy Kick: Once, I swapped mild Italian sausage for hot and added a little crushed red pepper—my family couldn’t get enough of the extra heat!
• Vegetarian Swap: Using plant-based sausage crumbles and vegetable broth makes a hearty meat-free version without losing flavor.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Bow ties or penne work just as well if lasagna noodles aren’t handy—you’ll get little noodle pockets of deliciousness.
• Fresh Herbs: I sometimes throw in fresh basil or parsley at the end for a brighter, garden-fresh note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Lasagna Soup with Cheese Topping Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned and crumbled, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this part—it’s where so much flavor develops. Drain any excess grease before going to the next step to keep your soup from getting oily.

Next, add diced onion to the pot and cook it down until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This softens the onion’s sharpness and mellows it perfectly. Finally, stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes—so it doesn’t burn but wakes up the flavor.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Broth

Pour in your beef broth, canned tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, freshly cracked black pepper, and bay leaves for that authentic herbal touch. Give everything a good stir and turn the heat up to bring it all to a simmer.

Once bubbling gently, lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer helps all the flavors marry beautifully, so be patient—it’s worth it!

Step 3: Add the Pasta and Cook Till Perfect

Break your lasagna noodles into 1-2 inch pieces—they’ll cook faster and be perfectly bite-sized for spooning. Stir them into the soup and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until pasta is al dente—still slightly firm but tender. If the soup thickens too much as pasta absorbs liquid, just splash in some extra beef broth to keep the right consistency.

Remove the bay leaves before you move on to the final step—trust me, biting into one will surprise you (and not in a good way!).

Step 4: Mix Up Your Cheese Topping

While the noodles cook, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. This combo is seriously indulgent—creamy, melty, and bursting with herb flavor. Once your soup’s ready, ladle it into bowls and top with a generous dollop of this luscious cheese mix. It melts slightly into the hot soup for that dreamy lasagna finish.

How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Soup with Cheese Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley over the cheese topping—it adds a fresh pop and a lovely color contrast. Sometimes I hit it with an extra dusting of grated Parmesan because, why not? A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick too if you want to jazz it up a bit.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, crusty garlic bread is my go-to—it soaks up all the tomatoey broth perfectly. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, keeping the meal balanced and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, serve the soup in small bread bowls or mini ramekins with the cheese topping dolloped on before guests dig in. Adding a drizzle of basil pesto or a swirl of cream can add a fancy touch without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I store leftover lasagna soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better! Just keep your cheese topping separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully a few times by omitting the cheese topping before freezing. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth if it’s thickened too much. Once hot, add the cheese topping fresh or warmed separately—it keeps its creamy texture best when added at the end.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Lasagna Soup with Cheese Topping Recipe has become a little ritual for me whenever I want something rich, satisfying, and downright comforting. It’s like having the joy of lasagna without the long stay-at-home prep and clean-up. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving a cozy solo meal, I promise you’ll find this soup as rewarding to make as it is delicious to slurp. Give it a try—you’ll be smiling spoon after spoon!

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