Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of lasagna soup, especially when it’s packed with protein and all the flavors you love in a traditional lasagna. I’ve taken all the cozy richness of a baked lasagna and transformed it into a one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. This Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup is a weeknight lifesaver—rich tomato broth, hearty ground meat, tender noodles, and a cheesy topping that melts right into the bowl.

I created this recipe because I love lasagna but rarely have the time or patience to layer and bake. With this soup, you get the same creamy, meaty, cheesy experience in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or just warming up a chilly evening with something homemade and hearty. And with its protein boost, it’s a solid option for anyone trying to eat a little cleaner without giving up comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup

This soup is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. You’ll love how it captures the full lasagna experience without turning on the oven. It’s ideal for busy nights, it freezes well, and it’s customizable to your dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a high-protein option that keeps you fuller longer—win-win.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

For that classic lasagna texture, wide egg noodles or broken lasagna sheets work wonderfully. Egg noodles are quicker to cook and hold up well in the broth, while actual lasagna sheets (snapped into smaller pieces) add that nostalgic lasagna bite. Just avoid overly thin pasta like angel hair—they’ll get mushy too quickly in soup.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t have ground beef or prefer a leaner meat? Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative works great. You can swap in gluten-free noodles if needed, and dairy-free cheese shreds melt just as nicely if you’re keeping it vegan or lactose-free. Feel free to sneak in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms—they blend beautifully into the broth without overpowering the lasagna flavor.

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Ingredients for this Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup

• Ground beef or ground turkey – The main protein source that gives this soup its hearty, satisfying flavor. Choose lean meat to keep it healthy without losing richness.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the meat and aromatics, adding a touch of healthy fat.
• Onion and garlic – These aromatics are essential for building depth in the soup’s base flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste – Provide a rich, savory tomato base that mimics traditional lasagna sauce.
• Beef or chicken broth – Thins the sauce to a soup consistency while adding extra savory depth.
• Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes – These spices infuse the soup with classic lasagna-style flavor.
• Egg noodles or broken lasagna noodles – Bring that familiar lasagna texture without needing to layer or bake.
• Ricotta cheese – Added at the end or as a topping, it adds creaminess and mimics the cheesy layer in lasagna.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese – For melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Chopped parsley or basil – Optional, but adds a fresh, vibrant finish.

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Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onion to the pot with the browned meat and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

Stir in your noodles—egg noodles or broken lasagna sheets—and simmer until they’re tender, typically 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Toppings

Scoop the soup into bowls and top with a generous dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. If preferred, stir the cheeses directly into the pot before serving for a fully blended experience.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your bowl of lasagna comfort!

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How Long to Prepare the Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup

Prep Time: Most of the prep involves chopping onions and garlic, measuring spices, and gathering your ingredients. You’ll need about 10–15 minutes for this stage.

Cooking Time: Once the ingredients are ready, the soup comes together in roughly 30 minutes. Browning the meat, building the tomato base, and simmering the noodles all happen fairly quickly. From start to finish, expect about 40–45 minutes total to have this on the table.

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Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup

• Use lean ground meat to avoid excess grease and still get a satisfying meaty texture.
• Don’t overcook the noodles—add them only when the broth is hot and let them simmer just until al dente.
• Layer your cheeses: Spoon ricotta on top and finish with mozzarella and Parmesan just before serving.
• Let the soup rest for 5–10 minutes off the heat before serving so the flavors can deepen and the noodles can soak slightly.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; tomato-based soups often need a final touch of salt or acidity.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the browning step: Not properly browning your meat can result in bland soup.
• Adding noodles too early: They’ll overcook and become mushy.
• Overloading with cheese in the pot: Stirring in too much cheese can make the soup overly thick and gluey—better to top each bowl individually.
• Forgetting to simmer: The soup needs time for the spices to bloom and the tomato base to mellow.
• Neglecting the garnish: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in balancing the richness.

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What to Serve With Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the tomato-rich broth.

2. Simple Green Salad

A crisp side salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for a wholesome side.

4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Go classic comfort with a gooey grilled cheese on the side.

5. Cauliflower Breadsticks

For a low-carb option, cauliflower-based breadsticks pair surprisingly well with the soup.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the soup even better the next day.

Freezing: This soup freezes well without the noodles. If you’re planning to freeze it, hold off on adding the pasta until reheating. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Swap the ground meat for lentils, plant-based crumbles, or chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese is a high-protein alternative to ricotta and works well in this soup.

How do I prevent the noodles from soaking up all the broth?

Cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving. Or cook them directly in the soup and add extra broth when reheating.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based substitute.

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Conclusion

Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup is everything you love about lasagna, reimagined into a cozy, protein-packed soup that’s ready in under an hour. It’s a fuss-free, deeply satisfying meal that fits right into your weekly dinner rotation—perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or simply curling up with a warm, cheesy bowl of comfort.

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