Delicious and Easy Leftover Lasagna Soup Recipe
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As the weather starts to cool down and soup season arrives, there’s nothing better than having a comforting bowl of soup to warm you up. It’s that time of year when we’re all craving hearty, flavorful dishes that the whole family will love. Whether you’re coming home from a busy day or looking for a fun twist on a favorite meal, this Delicious and Easy Leftover Lasagna Soup Recipe is the perfect solution for your next dinner. For more delicious flavors, check out our recipe for Anne’s Easy Chicken and Dumplings.
Jump to Recipe
This recipe takes all the flavors of a classic traditional lasagna—ground beef, noodles, and cheese—and transforms them into a delicious soup form. If you’ve ever found yourself with leftover lasagna noodles, this is a great way to breathe new life into it, turning yesterday’s dinner into a whole new dish that will be gobbled up in no time! Plus, with simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, this easy lasagna soup is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick but satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use leftover lasagna casserole or cook fresh ingredients for a quick dinner. The dish can be made with ground beef, chicken broth, or even vegetable broth to suit your family’s preferences. For those looking for a richer flavor, beef broth adds depth to the dish, while fresh basil and Italian seasoning bring that signature Italian flavor. With Parmesan cheese melted on top, this soup is sure to become a favorite meal for the entire family!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the directions, let’s look at the simple ingredients that bring this delicious soup to life. Most of these items are pantry staples, making this recipe an excellent option when you don’t want to run to the grocery store.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz.)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth/vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups lasagna noodles (broken into small pieces)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Directions for Making Leftover Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This will create a rich base for your soup. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavors that will make this soup truly irresistible. Add the tomato paste and stir, allowing it to cook for 2 minutes to enhance its sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and the cooked ground beef. If you’re using beef broth or vegetable broth, substitute it here for a slightly different flavor. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt to taste. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles until they are tender but still firm (al dente). If you’re using leftover lasagna, break the noodles into small pieces before adding them to the soup. You want the noodles to retain some texture for the best results.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Once the noodles are done, add them to the pot of soup. If you want a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream at this stage. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. You’ll find that the flavors of lasagna are all there, from the tender noodles to the rich meat and tomato base.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve the soup hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. This final touch brings the dish to life with its bright, fresh flavor.
Tips for the Best Leftover Lasagna Soup
- Next time, if you want to speed up the process, try using an Instant Pot. Simply follow the same steps, using the sauté function for the beef and onions, then cook everything under pressure for 10 minutes before adding the noodles.
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip the heavy cream and keep the soup more broth-based. The chicken broth or vegetable broth will provide plenty of flavor on its own.
- This soup freezes well! Store any leftover soup in an airtight container, and you’ll have an easy, ready-to-reheat meal for another day.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
One of the biggest perks of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. With only a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand, it’s the perfect dish for those nights when you need something fast but still homemade. And because it’s a great way to use up leftover lasagna, you can feel good about reducing food waste and saving time on cleanup.
The flavors are classic yet exciting, with each bite delivering the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna in a much lighter soup form. The entire whole family will appreciate this twist on a classic, and it’s sure to earn a top star rating in your household’s regular meal rotation.
Recipe Variations
- Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to make the soup even more wholesome.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re using leftover lasagna or starting fresh, this easy lasagna soup is guaranteed to become a favorite meal in your home. The blend of simple ingredients, warm spices, and creamy Parmesan cheese makes this a delicious soup that’s perfect for those cozy fall evenings. We love using enameled dutch oven pots for our soup. This is a great option if you’re looking for something similar. With the ease of preparation and satisfying results, you’ll want to make this great recipe again and again. So, the next time you’re looking for a new dish to try, give this easy soup recipe a go—it’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Delicious and Easy Leftover Lasagna Soup Recipe
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, then remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add Liquids & Seasoning:
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cooked beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook Noodles Separately:
- Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until al dente, then add to the soup. For creaminess, stir in heavy cream.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Instant Pot Option: Follow steps using the sauté function, and then pressure cook for 10 minutes before adding the noodles.
- Variations: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and add more veggies.
