This classic lasagna soup recipe will warm you up during the winter with a hearty combination of beef, Italian sausage, pasta, and chunky tomato sauce. A savory topping of cottage cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and basil combine forces to make the ideal cold-weather meal. Customize this easy lasagna soup with crushed red pepper flakes for heat and a melty, cheesy topping starring mozzarella and Parmesan.

Lasagna Soup Recipe Tips

The base of this soup is a hearty mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. Brown the meat, onions, and garlic first to infuse the broth with rich flavor. But the true secret to achieving that classic lasagna flavor is your favorite jar of marinara sauce. It's an easy shortcut that adds that simmered-all-day taste. A cheesy topping is the perfect melty finish. All that's missing is the crispy edges!

We opted for mini lasagna pasta in our recipe, but you can use your favorite pasta shape or even broken lasagna sheets. Simply break apart and add them as you would with any other pasta. Our recipe testers loved the nostalgic flavor of cottage cheese in the topping, but you could easily swap it for ricotta cheese if you're not a fan of the texture. If you can't find fresh basil, a sprinkle of dried basil or Italian seasoning makes a good substitute. Lightly crush it in your hand before adding to the topping to release the herb's oils and intensify the flavor.

Serve the lasagna soup with crusty bread and a fresh green salad.