Easy No-Bake Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Meal (Stovetop, Slow Cooker, Instant Pot)

Discover the ultimate solution for a comforting, hearty, yet incredibly simple weeknight dinner with this **quick and easy no-bake lasagna soup recipe**. This innovative dish captures all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna – rich ground beef, aromatic marinara, and a creamy medley of parmesan and ricotta cheese – but transforms it into a convenient, delicious soup that comes together in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to the fuss of layering and baking, and hello to a bowl of warm, cheesy goodness that the whole family will adore.

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Why Choose No-Bake Lasagna Soup?

Traditional lasagna is a labor of love, but sometimes, time is of the essence. No-bake lasagna soup offers a fantastic alternative, providing all the familiar tastes and textures without the extensive prep work. This recipe streamlines the process by cooking pasta directly in a flavorful broth, eliminating the need for pre-boiling or oven baking. It’s a game-changer for busy evenings, offering a complete, satisfying meal in one pot (or your chosen appliance).

Beyond its convenience, lasagna soup is incredibly versatile. It’s easy to customize with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses, making it a perfect canvas for culinary creativity. The rich, savory broth, combined with tender pasta and creamy cheese, creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you feeling comforted and satisfied.

Versatile Cooking Methods for Every Kitchen

One of the best features of this lasagna soup is its adaptability to various cooking appliances. Whether you prefer the classic stovetop, the set-it-and-forget-it ease of a slow cooker, or the speed of an Instant Pot pressure cooker, this recipe has you covered. Each method yields a delicious result, allowing you to choose the approach that best fits your schedule and cooking style.

• Stovetop: The quickest method for a homemade meal, perfect for when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Slow Cooker: Ideal for hands-off cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully throughout the day.
• Instant Pot: Offers rapid cooking under pressure, significantly cutting down on total preparation time without sacrificing flavor.

While all methods are excellent, the stovetop often remains a favorite for its simplicity and the immediate gratification of seeing your soup come to life. Whichever you choose, get ready for a truly exceptional culinary experience.

What Type of Meat to Use

The foundation of a great lasagna soup often begins with flavorful ground meat. While I personally opt for organic, grass-finished ground beef for its rich taste and quality, this recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to use your preferred ground meat to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Consider these delicious alternatives:

• Ground Turkey: A leaner option that still offers a satisfying texture.
• Ground Chicken: Another great poultry choice for a lighter soup.
• Ground Sausage: Adds a fantastic depth of flavor, especially Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference), bringing an extra layer of spice and complexity to the broth.
• Plant-Based Ground “Meat”: For a vegetarian or vegan version, a good quality plant-based ground substitute works wonderfully.

When browning your meat, ensure it’s cooked through and any excess fat is drained for the best soup consistency and flavor. This step is crucial for building the savory base of your lasagna soup.

Choosing the Right Pasta

For this no-bake lasagna soup, standard lasagna noodles are my go-to choice, not the “oven-ready” variety. Oven-ready noodles are designed to cook directly in a saucy casserole without pre-boiling, which isn’t necessary here since our noodles will be simmering in a flavorful broth. Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces makes them perfect for spooning into a soup, creating that signature lasagna texture in every spoonful.

However, don’t limit yourself to just lasagna noodles! This soup is highly adaptable, and many other pasta shapes can be used to achieve a similar comforting effect. Consider:

• Campanelle or Rotini: These shapes have nooks and crannies that capture the broth and cheese beautifully.
• Penne or Ziti: Tube-shaped pasta adds a different bite and holds the sauce well.
• Farfalle (Bow Ties): A fun shape that adds visual appeal.
• Small Shells or Ditalini: For a more classic soup-like experience with smaller pasta pieces.

If you’re using an Instant Pot, remember a key tip for pasta: cook it for half the time recommended on the package, then subtract one additional minute. This helps prevent overcooking under pressure, especially important for whole wheat pasta which can become mushy quickly. Always aim for al dente pasta that maintains a slight chewiness, even in soup.

Selecting Your Marinara Sauce

The marinara sauce is the heart of this lasagna soup, providing its rich, tomato-infused flavor. You have complete freedom here to choose what works best for you. If you’re feeling ambitious and have a little extra time, my Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is an excellent choice, offering fresh, vibrant flavors that truly elevate the dish. Making your own marinara allows you to control the ingredients, adjust sweetness, and customize the herb profile to your liking.

However, for the sake of convenience and speed, feel free to grab any of your favorite store-bought sauces. When selecting a jarred marinara, look for one with high-quality ingredients, minimal added sugar, and a robust tomato flavor. Many brands offer excellent organic or specialty options that can significantly enhance your soup. Taste your sauce beforehand and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed to achieve your desired balance.

Crafting Your No-Bake Lasagna Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this no-bake lasagna soup is a straightforward process that delivers incredible results with minimal effort. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to prepare this comforting meal, ensuring maximum flavor and perfect texture:

1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking your lasagna noodles (or chosen pasta shape) according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, as they will continue to soften slightly in the soup. Break them into smaller, manageable pieces before or after cooking.
2. Brown the Meat Base: Heat a large Dutch oven or a sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef (or chosen meat alternative) along with diced onions and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Use a meat chopper or spoon to break up any large clumps.
3. Season Generously: Once the meat is browned, stir in Italian seasoning, dried basil (or fresh, if preferred), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the spices to toast with the meat for about a minute, releasing their full aroma and flavor.
4. Introduce the Liquids: Pour in your marinara sauce and beef broth (or any preferred broth). Stir everything together, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked lasagna noodles to the simmering broth. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is fully submerged and coated in the rich sauce.
6. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the soup to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
7. Finish with Cheesy Topping: Just before serving, dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese over the hot soup. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. The residual heat from the soup will gently melt the cheeses, creating that classic lasagna topping.

Serve immediately and watch as everyone enjoys this delightful twist on a classic Italian dish!

Storing Leftovers for Best Taste

This lasagna soup makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to deepen. To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For optimal freshness and to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, consider storing the cooked noodles separately from the soup base if you plan on meal prepping or anticipate reheating it multiple times. This simple step can make a big difference in the texture of your reheated soup.

Reheating Your Lasagna Soup

Reheating this soup is simple, whether you prefer the microwave or stovetop. If you’ve stored the noodles separately, add them to the hot soup after reheating. If the soup has thickened significantly in the fridge, you might need to add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency during reheating. Heat gently until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

• Microwave: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot.
• Stovetop: Transfer desired amount of soup to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and simmering gently. Add extra broth if it’s too thick.

Freezer-Friendly Tips

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this lasagna soup! It’s a fantastic meal prep option. To freeze, let the soup cool completely. I highly recommend using freezer molds from Amazon. These clever molds allow you to freeze the soup in individual portions, making it incredibly convenient to defrost only what you need. If you don’t have molds, any freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags work well.

When freezing, omit the cooked pasta from the soup base. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. This strategy ensures your noodles don’t become overly soft or mushy during the freezing and thawing process. To defrost, simply transfer a frozen portion to the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding freshly cooked pasta and your cheesy toppings.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This hearty lasagna soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to create a complete and satisfying dinner. Think about complements that offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor:

• Air Fryer Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s easy to make and perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth.
• Homemade Classic Southern Cornbread: For a different kind of warmth and comforting flavor.
• A Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini roasted with olive oil and garlic would make a healthy and delicious side.
• Crusty Bread or Breadsticks: Always a welcome addition for dipping.

Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes

If you loved this lasagna soup, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other comforting and flavorful soup recipes from our collection. Perfect for any season, these soups are designed to warm you from the inside out and offer diverse culinary experiences:

• Chicken Lasagna Soup: A delightful twist on this recipe, featuring tender chicken.
• Autumn Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy, sweet, and perfectly spiced for fall.
• Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup: A timeless classic that’s always a good idea.
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: A fun, hearty, and family-friendly favorite.
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup: Rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup: Indulgent and delicious, perfect for a cozy night.
• Roasted Poblano Soup: A smoky and slightly spicy option for those who love a kick.
• Pizza Soup: All the flavors of your favorite pizza in a warm, comforting bowl.

Delicious Pasta Dishes to Try Next

If you’re a pasta enthusiast, you’ll appreciate these other fantastic pasta recipes that offer diverse flavors and preparation styles. From comforting baked dishes to refreshing salads, there’s something for every craving:

• Chicken Spaghetti: A creamy, cheesy, and hearty baked pasta dish.
• Bow Tie Pasta Salad: A vibrant and refreshing cold pasta salad, perfect for gatherings.
• Cheesy Taco Pasta: A fun fusion dish combining the best of tacos and pasta.
• Air Fryer Ravioli: Crispy, golden-brown ravioli made easy in your air fryer.
• Lemon Chicken Pasta: A light, zesty, and flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken.

No Bake Lasagna Soup (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, Stovetop)

By Brandi Crawford

This quick and easy lasagna soup is the best recipe for a comforting weeknight meal. The dish is made with ground beef, marinara sauce, basil, and topped with parmesan and ricotta cheese.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 23 votes

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: 8 cups

Calories: 340 kcal

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Equipment

• Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• Meat Chopper

Ingredients

• 6-8 lasagna noodles (Broken into smaller pieces. For a thicker soup, use more.)
• ½ cup chopped onions (I used white onions.)
• 1 pound ground beef (Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be substituted.)
• 2-3 garlic cloves (Minced.)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil (Fresh basil is fine.)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups broth (Any broth: beef, chicken, vegetable, etc.)

Topping

• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the pasta package. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a Dutch oven or large pot on medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground beef to the Dutch oven or large pot with the onions, garlic, Italian Seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Break down the ground beef with a meat chopper.
4. Stir and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the beef if necessary.
5. Add in the marinara sauce, broth, and cooked pasta to the pot and stir.
6. Adjust the heat to low and place a lid on the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thick and the ingredients are well combined.
7. Top the soup with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef, onions, garlic, Italian Seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste in a separate skillet until browned, as noted in the stovetop instructions (Steps 2-4). Drain excess fat.
2. Add the cooked beef mixture, marinara sauce, and broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 7-8 hours. Reserve adding the cooked pasta for once the soup has finished cooking.
4. Once the soup base is cooked, stir in your cooked lasagna noodles.
5. Top the soup with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese just before serving.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Turn the Instant Pot on the Saute Function.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions, garlic, Italian Seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Break down the ground beef with a meat chopper.
3. Stir and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the beef if necessary.
4. Add in the marinara sauce and broth and stir.
5. Add the lasagna noodles (broken into pieces) to the top. Press down gently to make sure the noodles are covered in liquid. Add additional broth if needed to ensure full submersion.
6. Place the lid on the pot and cook for 5 minutes on Manual (or Pressure Cook) > High Pressure.
7. When the pot indicates it has finished cooking, quick release the steam.
8. Stir the soup and then top with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• You can also use ground turkey, ground sausage, or ground chicken in this recipe for varied flavor and leanness.
• If the soup becomes too thick for your liking, you can thin it out by adding additional broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Adjust the servings of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add more for an extra cheesy experience!
• Don’t hesitate to break your lasagna noodles down into super small pieces if that’s what you prefer for easier eating in a soup.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 cup

Calories: 340 kcal

Carbohydrates: 31g

Protein: 19g

Fat: 14g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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