Turkey Lasagna Soup: Hearty, Delicious One-Pot Wonder
Do you love lasagna but hate all the work? Me too! That’s why this Turkey Lasagna Soup is such a game changer. You get all those yummy lasagna flavors in a cozy bowl. Rich tomato sauce, Italian herbs, soft noodles, and creamy cheese. Everything you love!
The best part? It all comes together in one pot. No layering. No long baking. Just simple, delicious comfort food.
I make this on busy weeknights when my family wants something filling and tasty. Plus, cleanup is SO easy. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it cooks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup uses simple stuff you probably already have. Easy ingredients make the best comfort food. Check the recipe card for the full ingredients list and amounts.
- Ground Turkey: Lean meat that keeps this soup hearty and filling without extra fat.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These add a nice smoky taste to your soup broth base.
- Lasagna Noodles: Just break them up and toss them right into the soup pot.
- Chicken Broth: This creates the yummy liquid base that holds everything together nicely.
- Italian Seasonings: Basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes bring those classic Italian flavors alive.
- Tomato Paste: Thick tomato goodness that makes your soup rich and deeply flavored.
- Three-Cheese Blend: Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan make it taste just like real lasagna.
- Onion and Garlic: These are the flavor builders that make everything taste so good.
How to Make Turkey Lasagna Soup
This easy recipe comes together fast. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Blend
Grab a small bowl. Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan together. Stir it all up really well. Pop it in the fridge while you make the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey and Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your big pot. Turn the heat to medium-high. Add 2 pounds ground turkey, 1 chopped onion, and your seasonings. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir it often until the meat looks brown.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Now add 3 cloves minced garlic. Stir it around for 1 minute. Your kitchen will smell SO good! Don’t let the garlic burn. It should just get nice and fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Base
Time for tomatoes! Add 3 tablespoons tomato paste, two cans of fire-roasted tomatoes, and 4-6 cups chicken broth. Give it a good stir. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This is when all those flavors get to know each other.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Break up 8 ounces lasagna noodles into small pieces. Toss them into the soup. Cook for 10-12 minutes until they’re soft but not mushy. Stir them now and then. Add more broth if it looks too thick.
Step 6: Serve with Cheese
Grab your bowls and ladle in that hot soup. Add a big scoop of cheese on top of each bowl. Sprinkle some fresh basil and black pepper. Serve it up while it’s hot and ENJOY!
Tips for the Best Turkey Lasagna Soup
- Pick good ground turkey – Go for 93% lean turkey. It tastes great and isn’t too fatty.
- Cook noodles on the side for leftovers – This keeps them from getting soggy later.
- Throw in a parmesan rind – It adds extra yummy flavor while the soup simmers.
- Don’t skip the cheese – Those three cheeses mixed together taste just like lasagna!
- Make a double batch – This freezes really well for easy meals later.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up? This soup is super flexible and easy to change.
- Change the meat – Try ground beef, Italian sausage, or even plant-based meat instead of turkey.
- Go meatless – Skip the meat and add white beans or lentils for a veggie version that’s really tasty.
- Use white cheese – Try cream cheese and white cheddar for a creamy white lasagna soup twist.
- Add more veggies – Toss in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or peppers for extra goodness.
If you love lasagna soups, you might also enjoy this lasagna soup with ricotta, white lasagna soup, or try a vegan lasagna soup for a plant-based twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make turkey lasagna soup ahead?
Yes, you can! Make the soup without noodles. Keep it in the fridge for three days. When you’re ready to eat, heat it up and add fresh cooked noodles.
How do I store leftover lasagna soup?
Let the soup cool down first. Put it in containers with tight lids. Store in the fridge for four days. Keep the cheese separate and add it fresh when you reheat.
Can I freeze turkey lasagna soup?
You bet! Freeze it without noodles in freezer containers. It keeps for 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight. Heat it up and add fresh noodles when you want to eat.
What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread is perfect for dipping! You can also make garlic bread or a simple green salad. A Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad works great, too. Some people like adding breadsticks on the side.
Why are my noodles mushy?
They got cooked too long. Cook pasta just until it’s al dente. Or cook noodles separately and add them to bowls when serving. This keeps them perfect every time.
Can I use different pasta?
Sure thing! Use penne, rigatoni, rotini, or any short pasta you like. Just follow the cooking time on the pasta box.
How do I thicken lasagna soup?
If it’s too watery, let it simmer with the lid off. This cooks off extra liquid. You can also add more tomato paste. The noodles will soak up liquid, too.
Is turkey lasagna soup healthy?
Yes, it is! Lean turkey, veggies, and just enough cheese make this pretty healthy. You get good protein and vitamins. Plus, it fills you up without feeling heavy.
Turkey Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Firstly, mix the cheese blend. Put ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in a small bowl. Stir them together really well. Put the bowl in the fridge until you need it.
- Brown the turkey. Heat olive oil in your pot. Make it medium-high heat. Add turkey, onion, and seasonings, and cook until the meat is fully browned.
- Stir in the garlic and keep stirring for one minute. It should smell really good. Don't let it turn brown. You just want it to smell nice and garlicky.
- Make the tomato base by stirring in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook your noodles. Add broken lasagna pieces directly to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
- Serve in bowls by pouring hot soup into each bowl. Put a big spoonful of cheese on top. Add some fresh basil and pepper. Enjoy it while it's nice and hot!
Notes
- Cook noodles separately if you’re saving this soup for later. They stay better that way.
- A parmesan rind in the soup while it cooks adds amazing flavor. Save those rinds!
- Keep soup and cheese in separate containers. They last four days in the fridge this way.
- Freeze the soup base without noodles. It keeps for 2-3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Double the recipe and freeze half. Then you have quick dinners ready anytime you need them.
