Turkey Lasagna Soup is a cozy, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines the essence of lasagna with the warmth of a soup. Made with ground turkey, pasta, and a tomato-based broth, it’s topped with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture for added indulgence. This easy, 30-minute recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, paired with fresh bread and a simple salad.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2–3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro, divided
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2½ cups water
- 26 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- Salt and fresh-cracked black pepper to taste
- 9 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (whole wheat or gluten-free if desired)
- For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or sharp white cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
- Prepare the Base:
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil and sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add Garlic and Base Ingredients:
- Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add cilantro, chicken broth, water, marinara sauce, black beans, diced tomatoes, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and cilantro. Mix well.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Top each serving of soup with 2 tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh-cracked pepper and extra cilantro if desired.
Nutrients
- Calories: 430 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 69mg
- Sodium: 1294mg
- Potassium: 843mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 1778 IU
- Vitamin C: 14mg
- Calcium: 214mg
- Iron: 3mg
Enjoy this comforting and easy-to-make Turkey Lasagna Soup for a warm and satisfying meal!
What Is Turkey Lasagna Soup?
Turkey Lasagna Soup takes all the components of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a one-pot, spoonable dish. Unlike layered lasagna, this soup offers the same rich flavors with a fraction of the effort, making it an excellent option for busy cooks.
- Base Ingredients
The soup starts with a savory base of ground turkey, onions, and garlic, which are cooked with marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to create a rich, flavorful broth. - Pasta as the Star
Broken lasagna noodles give the soup its signature texture and hearty appeal. The pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing the flavors and thickening the soup. - Cheese Topping
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese provides the creamy, indulgent element that ties the dish together. When dolloped on top of the soup, it melts slightly, mimicking the cheesy layers of traditional lasagna. - One-Pot Wonder
This recipe is a one-pot dish, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development as the ingredients simmer together.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Turkey Lasagna Soup is more than just a creative twist on a classic—it’s a meal that delivers on multiple fronts:
- Rich Flavor Profile
The combination of marinara sauce, fresh garlic, and a blend of cheeses creates a depth of flavor reminiscent of homemade lasagna. - Hearty and Satisfying
The inclusion of ground turkey, pasta, and black beans ensures that every spoonful is filling and nutritious, making it a complete meal. - Quick and Easy
Unlike traditional lasagna, which can take hours to prepare and bake, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for busy schedules. - Kid-Friendly
Its cheesy, tomato-based flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, making it a family favorite.
Nutritional Benefits
Turkey Lasagna Soup isn’t just comforting—it’s packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome choice:
- High in Protein
Ground turkey provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The added cheese contributes additional protein to the dish. - Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
- Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which promote heart health.
- Cilantro and garlic add flavor while offering vitamins and immune-boosting properties.
- Low in Saturated Fat
Using ground turkey instead of beef reduces the overall saturated fat content, making the soup a healthier option. - Good Source of Fiber
The addition of black beans not only enhances the flavor but also provides fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey Lasagna Soup is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different occasions:
- As a Standalone Meal
Serve the soup in large bowls with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top for a complete, satisfying dinner. - With Bread
Pair the soup with crusty garlic bread, baguettes, or even breadsticks for dipping into the flavorful broth. - With a Side Salad
Complement the richness of the soup with a fresh green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers works beautifully. - For Meal Prep
Store the soup in individual containers for a week of ready-to-eat lunches or dinners. Keep the cheese topping separate to add just before serving. - Paired with Drinks
A light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, or a sparkling water infused with lemon or lime complements the flavors of the soup.
Customization Options
Turkey Lasagna Soup is highly adaptable, making it easy to adjust to your preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Version
Replace the ground turkey with plant-based crumbles, extra beans, or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with zucchini ribbons or rice for a similar texture. - Extra Vegetables
Add chopped spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional content and create a more filling dish. - Spice It Up
For those who enjoy a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the broth. - Cheese Variations
Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gouda, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano, to create a unique flavor profile. - Alternative Proteins
Swap ground turkey for chicken, beef, or Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
Tips for Perfecting Turkey Lasagna Soup
- Brown the Turkey Well
Sauté the ground turkey until it’s fully browned and slightly caramelized. This step adds depth to the soup’s flavor. - Break the Pasta Evenly
Break the lasagna noodles into roughly equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. - Stir Frequently
Stir the soup occasionally while the pasta is cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even distribution of ingredients. - Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preferences. - Keep the Cheese Separate Until Serving
Adding the cheese topping just before serving keeps it fresh and prevents it from melting too much into the soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turkey Lasagna Soup takes all the best parts of a traditional lasagna—savory meat, rich tomato sauce, cheesy goodness—and transforms them into an easy-to-make soup. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Its adaptability ensures that it can be tailored to your family’s tastes or dietary requirements, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Conclusion
Turkey Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. Its rich, tomato-based broth, tender pasta, and creamy cheese topping capture the essence of lasagna while offering the simplicity of a one-pot dish. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this recipe is sure to delight.
With its quick preparation, balanced nutrition, and endless customization options, Turkey Lasagna Soup is a must-try recipe that you’ll return to again and again. Try it today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make this dish truly special.