When I first made this creamy lasagna soup with sausage and ground beef, I knew it was going to become one of my most comforting go-to meals. It combines all the rich, cozy flavors of a classic lasagna—savory tomato sauce, Italian herbs, hearty meat, and creamy cheese—but transforms them into a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for chilly nights. There’s something deeply satisfying about that creamy broth mingling with the tender noodles and juicy meat, making each bite feel like a warm hug.

What I love most about this soup is how much easier it is to pull together than a traditional lasagna. No layering, no baking—just a big pot and about 30 minutes of your time. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or something hearty to share with friends, this soup brings all the flavor with half the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef
This soup delivers all the flavor of lasagna without the assembly. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with both sausage and ground beef for a meaty, comforting bowl. The lasagna noodles give it that familiar texture, while a touch of cream cheese and mozzarella adds indulgent creaminess. It’s an ideal option when you’re craving Italian comfort food but don’t have the time or energy to build a traditional lasagna.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Classic lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces work best to recreate the feel of traditional lasagna in soup form. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use mafalda, bowtie, or even rotini. Just avoid overly delicate pastas that might break down too quickly in the broth. You want something that holds its texture and soaks up that rich, meaty flavor.
Options for Substitutions
Don’t eat pork? Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage. Need it dairy-free? Use coconut cream or a plant-based cheese alternative instead of the cream cheese. Gluten-free? Choose your favorite gluten-free pasta. And if you’re looking for a veggie boost, spinach or kale stirred in at the end adds nutrition without compromising flavor.
Ingredients for This Creamy Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef
Ground Beef – Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the soup. Choose lean ground beef for less grease, but still plenty of taste.
Italian Sausage – Brings a flavorful, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the beef. Use sweet or hot based on your preference.
Yellow Onion – Provides aromatic depth to the base of the soup and balances the richness of the meats.
Garlic – Essential for building a bold, classic Italian flavor profile.
Crushed Tomatoes – Acts as the tangy tomato base, giving that signature lasagna taste.
Tomato Paste – Thickens the soup and enhances the tomato richness.
Beef Broth – Creates the body of the soup while deepening the meaty flavor.
Italian Seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to infuse classic Italian notes.
Salt and Pepper – Season to taste to bring all the flavors into balance.
Lasagna Noodles – Broken into pieces, they mimic traditional lasagna layers in soup form.
Cream Cheese – Adds a velvety, creamy texture and subtle tang that makes this soup luxurious.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into the soup for gooey goodness in every spoonful.
Parmesan Cheese – Finishes the soup with a nutty, salty kick.
Fresh Parsley – Optional, but great for a bright, fresh garnish.

Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook until both are browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Add broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
Step 6: Stir in the Creaminess
Reduce the heat to low. Add cream cheese in small pieces and stir gently until melted and fully incorporated. Then stir in mozzarella until melted through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How Long to Prepare the Creamy Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef
Prep Time:
The prep for this soup is quite manageable. It takes about 10-15 minutes to chop the onion, mince the garlic, and gather your ingredients. Breaking the lasagna noodles into pieces also takes just a minute or two. If you use pre-chopped aromatics or store-bought minced garlic, it can be even faster.
Cook Time:
The actual cooking process takes about 30 minutes. You’ll brown the meats first (6-8 minutes), then simmer the tomato base (15-20 minutes), and finally cook the noodles and stir in the cheeses (another 10-12 minutes). In total, you can expect to have this on the table in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef
- Break noodles unevenly: For a rustic, authentic lasagna vibe, don’t worry about uniform pieces.
- Stir often after adding pasta: This prevents noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Use full-fat cream cheese: It melts better and gives a richer texture.
- Add cheese at low heat: To avoid curdling or grainy texture, melt cheese slowly on low heat.
- Let it rest a bit before serving: A few minutes off the heat helps everything thicken and flavors blend even more.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Overcooking the pasta – Noodles can go mushy quickly, so keep an eye on them and check early.
- Not draining the fat – Too much grease from the meat can make the broth oily.
- Adding dairy too early – High heat can break the cream cheese and mozzarella; always reduce the heat before stirring them in.
- Not seasoning properly – Taste before serving; a little extra salt or pepper at the end can make a big difference.
- Skipping the simmer time – Letting the soup simmer ensures the flavors deepen and develop.
What to Serve With Creamy Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef?
1. Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate pairing for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with creamy dressing balances the richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for a lighter, veggie-packed side.
4. Caprese Skewers
Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil skewers add a refreshing contrast.
5. Antipasto Platter
A small plate of olives, cured meats, and marinated artichokes complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup may thicken over time.
Freezer:
If you want to freeze this soup, it’s best to do so before adding the noodles and cheese. Freeze the base (meat, broth, tomatoes, etc.) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat and then cook fresh noodles and stir in the dairy ingredients.
Reheating:
Reheat gently over medium heat on the stove. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and melt any cheese that may have firmed up in the fridge.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (approximate, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming soggy in the leftovers?
Only cook the amount of pasta you plan to eat immediately. Store the noodles separately or slightly undercook them if making ahead.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but brown the meat first. Then cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add noodles and dairy in the last 30 minutes.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the meats and use veggie broth. Add mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, ricotta or provolone can be subbed in. Just make sure the cheese melts smoothly.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
You can use bowtie, penne, or even broken spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Creamy Lasagna Soup with Sausage and Ground Beef is everything you love about lasagna—but in a warm, comforting bowl. It’s hearty, rich, and ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or cozy gatherings. With a flexible ingredient list and easy prep, this soup has become one of my favorite Italian-inspired meals, and I bet it’ll become one of yours too.
Creamy Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Lasagna Soup with Sausage and Ground Beef transforms the comfort of classic lasagna into a one-pot, cozy soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or lazy weeknight dinners. It’s rich, creamy, loaded with savory sausage, hearty ground beef, and tender pasta, all simmered in a tomato-herb broth and finished with melty cheese. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a hearty meal prep solution, or a healthy-ish indulgence, this easy recipe is a standout among dinner ideas and cozy food ideas. Ready in under an hour, this is a delicious, filling soup you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking up the meat as it browns. Cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes, until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
4. Add broken lasagna noodles directly into the soup. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese in small pieces and stir until melted. Then stir in mozzarella until fully incorporated.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll continue to soften in the hot soup.
If freezing, freeze the broth and meat mixture without noodles or cheese for best texture upon reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy lasagna soup, easy dinner recipe, one pot meal, comfort food, Italian soup










