Name: Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms (optional – use an extra cup of stock if you’re not using them); 1 carrot; 1 onion; 2 celery stalks; 6 garlic cloves; 7 oz/200 g mushrooms; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional); 2 x 14 oz/400 g cans or jars of black beans, red kidney beans, butter beans, or chickpeas; 3 cups vegetable stock; 2 x 14 oz/400 g cans crushed or plum tomatoes; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 8 dried lasagne sheets; 1 cup ricotta; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; Black pepper (to taste); A handful of basil leaves

There’s nothing quite like a big, warm bowl of soup that surprises you with layers of flavor and vibrant nutrition. This Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe takes everything you love about a classic lasagna and transforms it into a cozy, bowl-friendly meal that’s both comforting and packed with sneaky veggies.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a thick, dark red stew that has soft pasta sheets mixed in. The stew looks chunky with small beans and tomato pieces throughout. On top of the stew are several dollops of white creamy cheese, sprinkled with red flakes. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on the dish, adding a bright green color contrast. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with some basil leaves and small white dishes with cheese and red seasoning scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe — it’s like the best of comfort food merged with a clever way to sneak in extra vegetables without anyone batting an eye. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy cozy moments.

Hidden Veggie Boost: The soup blends carrots, celery, and mushrooms subtly, great for picky eaters or anyone wanting more greens.
One-Pot Wonder: You make everything in just one pot, saving you time and cleanup — perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Lasagna Flavors: The tomato paste, herbs, and cheeses bring authentic lasagna taste without the layers and fuss.
Hearty & Filling: Beans and pasta give this soup plenty of protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe has a purpose—it harmonizes to create rich depth and texture while hiding nutritious veggies that sneak past those who might be veggie-shy. When shopping, look for fresh veggies and quality canned beans for the best results.

Flat lay of a whole fresh carrot, a whole brown onion, two celery stalks with leaves, six whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small cluster of fresh brown mushrooms, a small bowl of olive oil, a small bowl of coarse salt, a small bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl soaked dried porcini mushrooms with their dark soaking liquid, two simple white bowls each filled with mixed black beans, red kidney beans, butter beans and chickpeas, two small white bowls of crushed plum tomatoes, a small white bowl with dried oregano, eight rectangular dried lasagne sheets broken into uneven pieces, a small bowl of fresh white ricotta cheese, a small bowl of grated parmesan, a small bowl of freshly ground black pepper, and a small handful of vibrant green basil leaves placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dried Porcini Mushrooms: Adds an earthy umami punch; soak to rehydrate and use the soaking liquid for extra flavor.
Carrot: Sweetness that balances tomato acidity; finely diced so it blends seamlessly.
Onion: The classic base flavors, softened to give that comforting aroma.
Celery: Adds freshness and subtle crunch that melts into the soup.
Garlic: Essential for savory depth; crushed for more intense flavor.
Fresh Mushrooms: Earthiness and texture that complements the dried porcini.
Olive Oil: For sautéing veggies and building flavor layers.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances acidity.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for richness and color.
Fish Sauce (optional): Adds complexity and umami if you like a little depth beyond tomato.
Beans (Black, Kidney, Butter, or Chickpeas): Protein-packed and hearty, giving the soup substance.
Vegetable Stock: The flavorful liquid base that brings it all together.
Canned Tomatoes: Bright acidity and body for the broth.
Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb amplifying the lasagna vibes.
Dried Lasagna Sheets: Broken chunks for perfect bite-size pasta pieces.
Ricotta Cheese: Creates creamy dollops that add richness.
Grated Parmesan: Adds salty, nutty finish.
Black Pepper: A subtle spice kick to wake up the flavors.
Basil Leaves: Freshness and herbal brightness that finishes the dish perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This soup is super flexible – I often swap beans depending on what’s in my pantry. You can also skip the fish sauce for a strictly vegetarian version without losing much of the rich umami. I love tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little heat.

Variation: Adding Italian sausage or ground beef ups the protein and makes it a heartier meal, perfect for colder evenings.
Dietary tweaks: For gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta sheets or swap the pasta for zucchini noodles at the end (though it changes the texture).
Seasonal spins: In spring, fresh peas or spinach stirred in at the end brighten the dish beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe

A thick dark pot filled with a cooked mixture of small, soft bits of light brown and orange pieces, likely onions and carrots, spread around the edges with a little space in the middle where a bright red paste is being added and mixed with a red spatula held by a woman's hand wearing silver rings. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soak and Prep Your Mushrooms and Veggies

First, if you’re using those dried porcini mushrooms, toss them into a small bowl and cover with 1 cup of hot water to rehydrate. Meanwhile, finely dice your onion, carrot, celery, and fresh mushrooms—this takes a bit of prep but sets you up for that smooth veggie base. Don’t forget to crush those garlic cloves—they’re little flavor bombs.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies to Release Flavors

Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, garlic, and salt. Stir frequently and watch as they soften and begin to sweat out their flavors, about 5 minutes. When they look tender, stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple more minutes—this adds a caramelized tomato richness that's the cornerstone of that lasagna taste.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Drain the porcini mushrooms (save their soaking liquid!), chop them roughly, and add everything to the pot: porcini, soaking liquid, drained beans, canned tomatoes, vegetable stock, oregano, paprika, and that optional splash of fish sauce for depth. Use your spoon or spatula to mash the beans slightly—that thickens the soup and gives great texture. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the soup thickens just a bit.

Step 4: Make the Ricotta-Topped Finish

While the soup simmers, stir together ricotta, half the parmesan, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and some chopped basil in a small bowl. This creamy mix will be your perfect topping later, adding that melt-in-your-mouth lasagna cheesiness.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Final Touches

Break the lasagna sheets into chunks and stir them into the simmering soup. Cook for about 10 minutes until al dente—you want a little bite to the pasta that holds up well in the soup. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta pieces from sticking. Then, toss in the remaining parmesan, more basil, and a few cracks of black pepper. Give it a taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Ladle the soup into bowls and spoon the ricotta mixture on top. Serve immediately while it’s wonderfully hot, creamy, and fragrant.

Top Tip

After making this Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe many times, I’ve found a few tricks that really elevate it while making the process smoother for you.

Mushroom Magic: Don’t toss the porcini soaking liquid — it’s liquid gold for boosting umami without adding salt.
Vegetable Dicing: Dice veggies small and evenly so they cook quickly and blend invisibly into the soup’s texture.
Bean Mashing: Gently mash some of the beans right in the pot — it adds creaminess without extra dairy.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep an eye on your lasagna sheets as they cook; al dente texture makes all the difference so your soup doesn’t get mushy.

How to Serve Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this soup with extra fresh basil leaves—it adds that burst of herbal brightness against the rich broth. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan right before serving also makes a huge difference, melting into warm pockets of goodness. If you're feeling indulgent, a drizzle of good olive oil on top provides a silky finish.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple and hearty, I usually serve this Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dunking. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness nicely, especially if the day is warmer.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in individual oven-safe bowls topped with ricotta and parmesan, then broiled quickly to give a bubbly cheese crust—sort of like a French onion soup twist. It always impresses guests and feels extra cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool to room temperature and then store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen wonderfully overnight, and it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Freshen it up with some extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the dried lasagna sheets for gluten-free pasta or even broken rice noodles. The texture will be slightly different but just as satisfying.

Is the fish sauce necessary in this recipe?

No, the fish sauce is optional. It adds a deeper umami flavor, but the soup is still flavorful and delicious without it—especially if you want to keep it vegetarian.

Can I substitute fresh mushrooms for dried porcini mushrooms?

Yes, you can use all fresh mushrooms, but the dried porcini mushroom soaking liquid adds extra earthy flavor that's hard to replicate. If skipping dried porcini, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or mushroom broth for a similar effect.

How long does this soup keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup lasts about 4 days in the refrigerator. To enjoy the best quality and flavor, try to consume it within that time frame.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Hidden Vegetable Lasagna Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners when I want something warm, flavorful, and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for weekends or meal prep, and you can tweak it however you like while still getting that classic lasagna charm. Give it a try and let it bring some comforting magic to your dinner table—you won’t regret it!