Packed with lean ground beef, cottage cheese, and protein-rich bone broth, this dish is perfect for meal prep and keeps you full for hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Cost per Serving: ~$3
- Calories per Serving: ~350
Table of Contents
This is one of those high-protein recipes I wanted to roll my eyes at…but couldn’t. It’s not that I didn’t think lasagna soup sounded delicious—I mean, how could you go wrong with beef, cheese, and tomatoes in a rich broth? But does it really deserve all the hype? The answer: absolutely.
This soup is everything you love about lasagna—savory meat, creamy cheese, and comforting pasta—without the layers, the mess, or the hour-long bake time. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it the perfect post-workout meal or an easy weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s totally customizable. Stick with classic noodles, swap them for zucchini ribbons to make it low-carb, or boost the protein even more with extra cottage cheese. However you make it, one thing is guaranteed: this soup is a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This high protein lasagna soup Recipe
It’s everything you love about lasagna—without the hassle. No layering, no waiting for it to bake, no messy slicing. Just all the rich, cheesy, meaty flavors in a bowl, ready in under an hour.
Packed with protein. Thanks to lean ground beef, cottage cheese, and bone broth, this soup is loaded with protein to keep you full and satisfied.
Easy to customize. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Going low-carb? Swap the noodles for zucchini ribbons. Prefer turkey over beef? Go for it.
Great for meal prep. Make a big batch, and you’ve got easy lunches or dinners ready for the week. Plus, it tastes even better the next day.
One pot = minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in a single pot, which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the protein powerhouse of this soup, giving it that classic lasagna flavor without the need for layers. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey works just as well, though it won’t have quite the same depth of flavor.
Bone Broth: This isn’t just for liquid—it’s the secret to making this soup high in protein while adding a rich, slow-simmered taste. Beef bone broth gives the most robust flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth will work in a pinch.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes create the perfect base for this soup, giving it a thick, hearty texture. If you like a little extra tang, go for fire-roasted tomatoes—they add a subtle smokiness that takes the dish to another level.
Cottage Cheese: This is where the magic happens. Instead of traditional ricotta, cottage cheese brings extra protein and a creamy texture. If you’re skeptical, don’t be—it melts beautifully into the soup and makes every bite extra satisfying.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken-up lasagna noodles keep the spirit of the dish intact without the hassle of layering. If you’re looking for a low-carb swap, zucchini ribbons or palmini noodles will do the trick while keeping things light.
Olive Oil: A little goes a long way, but don’t skip it. It helps brown the beef and brings out the flavor of the aromatics, making sure your soup has a rich, well-developed base.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then toss in the diced onion. Let it cook for about three minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds—just long enough to wake up the flavor. Now, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about five to seven minutes. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef bone broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and drop them right into the pot. Stir well so they don’t stick together. Let the soup simmer for another 10-12 minutes, until the noodles are perfectly tender. If you’re going the low-carb route, hold off on adding zucchini or palmini noodles until the last two minutes—they don’t need much time to soften.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture
While the soup is simmering, grab a small bowl. Mix the cottage cheese (or ricotta) with the grated Parmesan. This step is optional, but trust me—it gives the soup that signature creamy lasagna taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella, let it melt for a minute, and finish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Don’t overcook the noodles. They’ll keep absorbing liquid even after you take the soup off the heat. To keep them from getting too soft, cook them until just shy of al dente—they’ll finish perfectly in the hot broth.
Bone broth makes a difference. Regular broth works fine, but bone broth gives the soup a richer, more robust flavor while adding extra protein. If you’re serious about packing in nutrients, this is the way to go.
The cheese mixture is non-negotiable. You might be tempted to skip the cottage cheese-Parmesan combo, but don’t. It melts into the soup and gives it that creamy, classic lasagna taste.
Make it low-carb without sacrificing texture. If you’re swapping out the lasagna noodles, zucchini ribbons or palmini noodles are the best substitutes. Add them toward the end so they stay firm and don’t turn mushy.
Leftovers taste even better. Like any great soup or sauce, this one gets better after a day in the fridge. The flavors deepen, the broth thickens, and the whole thing becomes even more satisfying. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of broth when reheating.
What to Serve with High Protein Lasagna Soup
A fresh, crisp salad balances things out. A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup. If you want to keep things low-carb, try a kale and Parmesan salad with a lemony dressing.
Garlic bread is always a good idea. Whether you go for a classic baguette or a keto-friendly version made with almond flour, you’ll want something to soak up that flavorful broth. A batch of Keto Garlic Breadsticks would be perfect here.
For a crispy, low-carb side to pair with your High-Protein Lasagna Soup, try making your own Melba Toast! These light and crunchy toasts are perfect for dipping into the rich, cheesy broth. Check out our Melba Toast Recipe for an easy homemade version.
Something light and refreshing to drink. Since this soup is hearty, pair it with something crisp and light, like a sugar-free lemonade or sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon. If you’re in the mood for wine, a dry red like Chianti or Pinot Noir works beautifully.
Need more protein? Add a side of roasted veggies. Roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or a simple tray of garlic-roasted mushrooms will complement the soup without making the meal feel too heavy.
Lasagna Soup Variations
This soup is meant to be played with—think of it as a starting point, not a set formula. Want more veggies? Toss in spinach or kale at the end for a little extra color and nutrients. Craving something heartier? Stir in sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Make it spicy. If you like heat, don’t hold back on the red pepper flakes. A drizzle of chili oil before serving adds even more of a kick.
Swap the protein. Ground turkey or chicken will lighten things up, while Italian sausage adds extra flavor. If you want a meatless version, lentils or crumbled tofu can step in.
Go low-carb. Skip the lasagna noodles and use zucchini ribbons or palmini noodles instead. Just add them toward the end so they don’t turn mushy.
Change up the cheese. Cottage cheese is great for extra protein, but ricotta will give you that classic lasagna taste. Want something even richer? Try mascarpone for a super creamy finish.
FAQs
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but if you’re planning to freeze it, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating. Otherwise, they’ll get too soft. Store the soup in airtight containers and freeze for up to three months.
What’s the best noodle substitute for a low-carb version?
Zucchini ribbons and palmini noodles both work well. Add them in the last couple of minutes so they stay firm and don’t turn to mush.
High Protein Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This high-protein lasagna soup has all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the layers or long bake time. Packed with lean ground beef, bone broth, and cottage cheese, it’s a hearty, protein-rich meal perfect for meal prep. Easily customizable with low-carb and dairy-free options!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
4 cups beef bone broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option)
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese (or ricotta)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh basil
Extra Parmesan
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Build the soup base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, bone broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook the noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles to the soup and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. If using zucchini noodles, add them in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Prepare the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, mix cottage cheese (or ricotta) with grated Parmesan.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a scoop of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, use zucchini ribbons or palmini noodles instead of lasagna noodles.
- Make it dairy-free by using plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezing tip: If freezing, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to avoid mushy pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: high-protein lasagna soup, healthy lasagna soup, keto lasagna soup, low-carb lasagna soup, meal prep soup, protein-packed soup, one-pot lasagna soup, easy lasagna soup
Must-have kitchen tools that will make preparing this High-Protein Lasagna Soup even easier:
- Dutch Oven (6-Quart) – A high-quality Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution and is perfect for simmering soups and stews. This Le Creuset 6-Quart Enameled Dutch Oven is a durable, long-lasting investment.
- Silicone Ladle – A heat-resistant ladle makes serving soup mess-free. This OXO Good Grips Silicone Ladle is non-stick safe and comfortable to hold.
These tools will make cooking (and serving) this lasagna soup effortless!
If you love lasagna but want a high-protein, lower-carb option, this soup is a must-try. Let me know in the comments how you made it your own.
a must-try i recomanded