Comfort food meets muscle fuel in this Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup—a dish that tastes like a cozy Italian dinner but fuels you like a post-workout meal. Creamy, cheesy, tomato-rich and bursting with beefy flavor, this soup has all the elements of a hearty lasagna packed into a single, spoonable bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing yet indulgent.

Instead of layering noodles and cheese in a baking dish, everything simmers together in one pot, making this lasagna soup not just faster, but also more nutritious with strategic swaps like cottage cheese for extra protein. You’ll love how it hits all the right notes: savory, cheesy, filling, and surprisingly balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup

This soup isn’t just high in protein; it’s high in satisfaction. It’s made in one pot, uses lean ground beef and cottage cheese for a protein boost, and brings all the beloved lasagna flavors with a fraction of the effort. Even picky eaters will be going back for seconds, and leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short-cut pastas work best here—think rotini, mafalda, or egg noodles like in the photo. They mimic lasagna noodles without the fuss of boiling and layering. Their ridges and curves hold the sauce beautifully and stay tender without getting mushy.

Ingredients for the Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup

Ground Beef: The heart of this soup, providing rich flavor and plenty of protein.

Olive Oil: For sautéing and bringing out the aroma of the aromatics.

Onion and Garlic: Essential flavor builders in any Italian-inspired dish.

Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: Create a robust, thick tomato base that mimics traditional lasagna sauce.

Italian Seasoning and Red Pepper Flakes: For classic herb flavor and just a hint of heat.

Beef Broth: Adds depth and forms the soup base.

Uncooked Pasta: Adds heartiness and soaks up the sauce.

Cottage Cheese and Ricotta Cheese: Blended together, they create a protein-rich, creamy topping that melts into the hot soup.

Mozzarella and Parmesan: For that classic cheesy lasagna feel.

Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.

How To Make the Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Build the Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer with Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Topping

In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta, and a bit of mozzarella. Mix until smooth. This will be dolloped on top of each bowl before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle hot soup into bowls, top with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture, then sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley.

How to Serve High Protein Lasagna Soup

This recipe yields 6 generous servings. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad. Each bowl gets a melty scoop of the cheese topping for that full lasagna vibe.

How to Store This Lasagna Soup

Let the soup cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating.

For longer storage, freeze without the cheese topping in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative and still packs plenty of protein. Just be sure to season generously.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cheese topping?
Absolutely. You can substitute the ricotta and cottage cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use a plant-based shredded mozzarella.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. Check cooking times as they may vary.

How can I make this even higher in protein?
Add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the broth or stir in some cooked lentils or beans.

Can I meal prep this soup?
Totally! Make the base in advance and store the cheese topping separately. Assemble when ready to eat.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Protein Boost?

If you love this Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup, check out these filling and delicious dishes:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add spinach? Try a different cheese? I love seeing how you make it your own. And if you want more recipe inspo, visit my Pinterest: Life With Livia

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Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Comfort food meets muscle fuel in this Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup—a dish that tastes like a cozy Italian dinner but fuels you like a post-workout meal. Creamy, cheesy, tomato-rich and bursting with beefy flavor, this soup has all the elements of a hearty lasagna packed into a single, spoonable bowl. Perfect as a quick dinner, healthy snack, or cozy lunch, it’s one of those easy recipes that checks every box when you’re hunting for wholesome food ideas.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.

4. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

5. In a small bowl, mix cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella until smooth.

6. Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a scoop of the cheese mixture, then sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Notes

Use lean ground beef (90/10 or better) to reduce fat without sacrificing protein.

You can blend the cheese topping in a food processor for an ultra-smooth finish.

Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to maintain a soupy consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: lasagna soup, high protein dinner, healthy soup, easy dinner, one pot meal