30-Minute Weeknight Lasagna Soup

Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Lasagna Soup

When your weeknight schedule is packed, but you still crave that comforting, cheesy lasagna flavor — this soup is your superhero. It delivers all the familiar, cozy elements of lasagna in under 30 minutes. Minimal prep, one pot, and maximum comfort makes it ideal for family dinners that everyone will enjoy.

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Ingredients (Serves 6)

Pantry & Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce & Broth:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

Pasta & Cheese:

• 6 oz broken lasagna noodles (regular or whole wheat)

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Protein & Aromatics (About 7 Minutes)

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add ground meat and cook until no longer pink, about 4–5 minutes.

3. Stir in onion and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.

4. Add garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant (~30 seconds).

Build the Broth and Simmer the Pasta (About 15 Minutes)

5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and tomato sauce; stir to combine.

6. Bring to a gentle boil, then add broken lasagna noodles.

7. Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are al dente, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the Cheesy Finish (About 3 Minutes)

8. Off heat, stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until cheesy and smooth.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve & Garnish

10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Weeknight Shortcuts & Tips

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, reducing cleanup time.

• Skip the Dicing: Use minced garlic from a jar and frozen chopped onions to save time.

• Prep in Advance: Pre-measure spices or grate cheese during a free moment.

• Quick Cleanup Hack: Cover the pot mid-cook to reduce splatter.

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Variations Worth Trying

• Vegetarian Option: Omit meat; add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, and use veggie broth instead.

• Low-Carb Friendly: Substitute lasagna noodles with small cauliflower florets.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or swap half the mozzarella for pepper jack.

• Mediterranean Twist: Stir in black olives, chopped artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes! Just monitor cooking time because gluten-free pasta can soften faster.

What if I don’t have ricotta?
Try cream cheese or mascarpone for a rich substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can it be made ahead?
Absolutely! Make the base, refrigerate, and add cheese or reheat with noodles when ready to eat.

How to prevent noodles from soaking up broth later?
Store soup and noodles separately if you expect leftovers; combine and reheat when serving.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes — cool soup completely, freeze (ramen or biscuit-taught bowls work), then thaw and reheat with fresh cheese.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~350–400 kcal

• Protein: ~22–25g

• Fat: ~10–12g

• Carbs: ~35–40g

• Fiber: ~4g

• Sodium: moderate (use low-sodium products as needed)

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Why This Works for Busy Families

• Fast: Dinner in under 30 minutes

• Familiar: Lasagna flavors kids and adults love

• Nutritious: Lean protein, tomato nutrients, and cheese satisfaction

• Flexible: Mix and match ingredients to suit dietary preferences

• Cleanup Friendly: One pot, minimal dishes

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Dinner Pairing Ideas

• Serve with a simple green salad dressed in lemon-olive oil for freshness.

• Add garlic bread (or Whole wheat toast) for mopping up the flavorful broth.

• Offer a side of steamed broccoli or roasted veggies for extra color and fiber.

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Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Weeknight Lasagna Soup brings comfort, nostalgia, and flavor without needing a lot of time or effort. It’s an ideal answer for busy families looking for wholesome, delicious dinners that everyone will love. Easy to make, easy to clean — and hard not to fall in love with that cheesy, tomato richness.

Pin this under “Quick Weeknight Meals,” “One-Pot Recipes,” or “Cozy Comfort Food.” Want a crockpot or instant pot version next? I’d be happy to help!