Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup
Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup is like a comfy blanket in a bowl, packed with all the flavors you'd expect from classic lasagna but without the noodles. Think rich tomato broth, hearty…
Tip: save now, cook later.Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup is like a comfy blanket in a bowl, packed with all the flavors you’d expect from classic lasagna but without the noodles. Think rich tomato broth, hearty ground beef, plenty of Italian herbs, and gooey melted cheese melting into every spoonful. It’s warm, filling, and hits all those cozy comfort food notes without the gluten.
I love making this soup on chilly evenings when I want something satisfying but quicker than assembling a whole lasagna. It’s one of those meals where you don’t even miss the pasta because the tender rice or gluten-free pasta pieces soak up the sauce so well. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies—sometimes I add chopped spinach or zucchini for a little boost.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this soup is with a side of crunchy garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. It’s a perfect meal for sharing with family or friends, especially if you have someone who needs to avoid gluten but still wants those beloved Italian flavors. I always find that it warms everyone up and brings out smiles around the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Beef gives this soup its rich, hearty flavor. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try lentils or crumbled tofu.
Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles: These noodles are the pasta base here. If you can’t find gluten-free lasagna noodles, gluten-free pasta like penne or fusilli can work. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds the classic lasagna creaminess. For a dairy-free option, try a cashew-based ricotta substitute or omit and add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Choose a good-quality gluten-free marinara or tomato sauce for the best flavor. If you like a chunkier soup, use diced tomatoes with their juices.
How Do I Prevent Gluten-Free Pasta from Getting Mushy?
Gluten-free pasta tends to soften quickly and can get mushy if overcooked. To keep it perfect in soup:
- Break noodles into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.
- Add noodles to simmering soup last, just before serving—cook until tender but still slightly firm, usually 10-12 minutes.
- Stir gently and occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking together.
- If you plan to store leftovers, cook noodles separately and add just before reheating to avoid sogginess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large stockpot – perfect for cooking the soup evenly and letting flavors blend.
- Wooden spoon – makes stirring easy without scratching your pot.
- Knife and cutting board – you’ll need these to chop onions and garlic smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate spice and liquid amounts.
- Ladle – helps serve the soup without spilling a drop.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage to add a bit more spice and depth.
- Add chopped spinach or kale near the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella to make the soup vegan-friendly.
- Mix in sliced mushrooms for a nice earthy touch and extra texture.
Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups gluten-free beef or chicken broth
- 1 (24-ounce) jar gluten-free marinara sauce or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 ounces gluten-free lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh or dried parsley or basil, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have it ready in around 35 minutes total. It’s a relatively quick and cozy meal, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Aromatics and Meat:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft—about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any extra fat if needed.
2. Add Herbs and Liquids:
Stir in dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), plus salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together.
3. Cook the Noodles and Finish the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil. Add broken pieces of gluten-free lasagna noodles, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender but still hold their shape. Once noodles are cooked, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
4. Serve:
Ladle into bowls, top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, and sprinkle with parsley or basil. Serve hot, maybe alongside gluten-free crackers or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Soup?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results to ensure even cooking and to avoid excess water in the soup.
Can I Substitute Other Pasta for the Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! Use any gluten-free pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or broken spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, store noodles and soup separately if possible and combine them when reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh ricotta cheese on top just before serving for the best flavor.
