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Imagine the bold flavors of lasagna—meaty, cheesy, deeply savory—all in a bowl of comforting soup that comes together in a single pot. This Easy Viral Lasagna Soup captures all that goodness without the multi-layered prep of traditional lasagna. It’s become a viral favorite for its simplicity, comforting richness, and adaptability.
This recipe delivers hearty, layered Italian flavors quickly and perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking for a weeknight hero, this soup ticks every box: creamy, cozy, and easy to clean up.
Why You’ll Love It
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One-pot prep = minimal cleanup
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Lasagna in under 30 minutes
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Family-friendly—creamy, not spicy
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Easily customizable—make it veggie-rich, gluten-free, or lighter
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Versatile leftovers—rewarm well or freeze for later
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Olive oil – 1 tbsp
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Ground meat – 1 lb (beef, turkey, or Italian sausage if you skip pork)
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Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
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Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
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Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
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Crushed tomatoes – 1 (28 oz) can
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Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups
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Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
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Dried basil – ½ tsp
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Mini lasagna noodles – 8 oz (broken into pieces)
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Heavy cream or half-and-half – ½ cup
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Ricotta cheese – ½ cup (plus extra for serving)
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Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup shredded
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Parmesan cheese – ½ cup grated
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Salt and pepper – to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add ground meat and cook, stirring frequently until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Paste
Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute—this deepens flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquids & Seasoning
Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer with Pasta
Bring soup to a gentle boil, then add broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking, until pasta is tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream & Cheese
Stir in heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—heat on low just until cheese melts and soup becomes creamy.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with extra ricotta and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Pro Tips for Success
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For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of cream.
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Don’t overcook noodles—al dente texture holds up best.
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Allow cheese to melt naturally—high heat can make the cream curdle.
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Make it a speedy dinner by preparing ingredients ahead (onions minced, meat ready)
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Freeze without noodles if meal prepping—add noodles fresh when reheating for best texture.
Variations to Try
Vegetable Boost
Toss in chopped spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Vegetarian Version
Swap meat for beans (like chickpeas or white beans) and the broth for vegetable broth.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta options—adjust cooking time as directed.
Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Nutrition Highlights (per serving, serves 6)
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Calories: ~350–400 kcal
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Protein: ~20–25g
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Fat: ~18–22g
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Carbs: ~30–35g
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Fiber & micronutrients come from tomatoes and optional veggies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown meat separately, then mix all ingredients except dairy. Cook on low 4–6 hours or high 2–3 hours. Add dairy at the end.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
Absolutely—it reheats well on the stovetop or microwave. Stir in extra liquid if it thickens too much.
Q: How spicy is it?
This is mild. Add chili powder or hot sauce for spice if desired.
Q: Can I reduce dairy?
Yes—use reduced-fat cheese or skip the cream and add more broth or milk for lighter results.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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Fridge: Keeps well for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Store soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
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Make ahead: Perfect for prepping before work—just reheat on low and stir in cheese when warm.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread, side salad, or try serving it with roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Garnish with fresh basil flower petals or microgreens for presentation flair.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Viral Lasagna Soup brings all the comfort of classic lasagna minus the oven baking—and makes cleanup a breeze with its one-pot simplicity. Creamy, savory, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a go-to in your comforting dinner rotation.
Warm, cheesy, and satisfying—this is homemade comfort at its finest.
