Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese – Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
This creamy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese delivers classic lasagna flavor in one cozy bowl — quick, hearty, and irresistibly comforting!
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If you love the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but don’t have time to layer noodles and bake for hours, this Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese will change your weeknight routine. It’s hearty, rich, and filled with that signature cheesy-tomato flavor everyone craves.
But here’s the twist — instead of ricotta, we’re using creamy cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-packed finish. With its satisfying texture and simple, one-pot method, this recipe transforms the lasagna experience into a soup that’s faster, fresher, and just as delicious.
This dish came to life one night when I was craving lasagna but didn’t have ricotta in the fridge. A tub of cottage cheese was sitting in the back, and I decided to give it a try. The result? A velvety, flavorful soup that actually felt lighter yet incredibly creamy.
Ever since that night, I’ve made it over and over again — it’s become my go-to comfort meal on busy evenings. Plus, it’s so easy that even after a long day, you’ll look forward to making it.
Kitchen Hacks
- Use wide noodles: Break regular lasagna noodles into pieces before adding them. They hold sauce beautifully.
- Simmer slowly: This helps flavors develop while keeping the noodles from getting too soft.
- Add cottage cheese last: Stir it in at the end or spoon it on top before serving for a creamy contrast.
- Want it extra hearty? Add a handful of spinach or kale toward the end for a nutritious boost.
- Storage tip: The soup thickens as it sits, so thin it with broth when reheating for the perfect consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot meal, perfect for easy cleanup.
- The cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein.
- Every bite tastes like lasagna, but without all the layers or baking time.
- It’s family-friendly, cozy, and perfect for both kids and adults.
- Great for leftovers, since the flavor gets even better the next day.
Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese
Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes30
minutes420
kcalThis creamy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese delivers classic lasagna flavor in one cozy bowl — quick, hearty, and irresistibly comforting!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 ½ cups cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When most of the pink is gone, drain any excess fat to keep the soup rich but not greasy.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds to release its aroma before moving to the next step.
- Now, add tomato paste and stir until it coats the beef mixture evenly. This step deepens the flavor, giving the soup its signature lasagna richness.
- Gradually pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Mix well, then add the Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to bring the base to life.
- Once everything is combined, bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After the soup has simmered, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Cook them uncovered until they are tender but not mushy, stirring often to make sure they don’t clump together.
- When the noodles are perfectly cooked, stir in the cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The cheese mixture will melt into the soup, making it creamy and thick like traditional lasagna in a bowl.
- Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot, topped with an extra dollop of cottage cheese, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or a dash of black pepper for that irresistible finishing touch.
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions / Variations
This Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, cheesy breadsticks, or a crisp side salad. You can easily make it vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles. For a spicy variation, add Italian sausage or a dash of smoked paprika. You can even mix in spinach or mushrooms for a wholesome twist.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese is everything you love about traditional lasagna — cheesy, comforting, and full of flavor — yet so much easier to make. Because it’s cooked entirely in one pot, cleanup is quick, and the results are always satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this recipe brings comfort, warmth, and nostalgia to the table. Once you try it, you might just forget about baked lasagna altogether!
