Imagine the heartiness of lasagna and the soul-soothing comfort of a steamy bowl of soup, all in one glorious dish. That’s exactly what Short Rib Lasagna Soup brings to your table: lavishly tender beef short ribs, a savory tomato broth, ribbons of lasagna noodles, and loads of melty cheese, all working in perfect harmony. One spoonful and you’ll discover why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—simple enough for a cozy weeknight, yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll coax out layers of flavor, texture, and color in every bowl. Each component is chosen not just for taste, but also for the richness and nostalgia it brings to Short Rib Lasagna Soup.
- Beef short ribs: The star protein that adds robust, deeply savory flavor and decadently tender texture to the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that help every ingredient shine—don’t skimp on the seasoning!
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the base and helps brown the short ribs à la classic Italian soups.
- Onion: Provides a foundation of sweetness and depth that rounds out the broth.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with unmistakable Italian aroma; fresh garlic makes a difference.
- Carrots: Their gentle sweetness balances the tangy tomato and savory beef.
- Celery: Lends a subtle earthiness and classic soup flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes: The soul of the broth—use a good brand for rich, bold tomato flavor.
- Beef broth: Amplifies the umami and creates the perfect soup base for our lasagna flavors.
- Dried oregano: A must for that unmistakable Italian herb profile.
- Dried basil: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet undertone that makes everything pop.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of gentle heat—feel free to adjust or omit.
- No-boil lasagna noodles: These make it easy; broken into pieces, they give you perfect, noodle-y bites in every spoonful.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, cheesy topping you expect from any great lasagna.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch for nutty, salty complexity.
- Fresh basil: Brings color and a pop of freshness to tie the whole dish together.
How to Make Short Rib Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs
Kick things off by generously seasoning your short ribs with salt and pepper. Place a large pot over medium-high heat, swirl in the olive oil, and carefully add the short ribs. You’re aiming for a deep, golden-brown crust on each side—this step locks in flavor, gives body to the broth, and truly sets the stage for an unforgettable Short Rib Lasagna Soup. Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, then move the ribs to a plate while you get ready for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Without washing out all that glorious browned goodness from the short ribs, toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they start to soften and mingle. This is your chance to build the aromatic foundation for your Short Rib Lasagna Soup, as the vegetables soak up every bit of those savory pan drippings.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Time for the magic: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Return the short ribs (and any drippings!) to the pot. Stir everything together, bring to a boil, and then cover. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the short ribs are fall-apart tender and swimming in a richly developed, aromatic broth that’s worthy of your favorite Italian restaurant.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
Fishing out the short ribs might be the most mouthwatering moment of the process. Take them out onto a cutting board and, using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces (discard any bones if you used bone-in). Return the tender meat to the pot—your soup is now deeply meaty and loaded with texture.
Step 5: Add Lasagna Noodles
Now, for the lasagna twist: Break your no-boil lasagna noodles into bite-size pieces and stir them right in. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. As the noodles soften and release their starches, the soup will thicken slightly, capturing everything you love about lasagna in a spoon-friendly form.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Ladle the piping hot Short Rib Lasagna Soup into your favorite bowls, then finish each portion with a generous mound of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Top with fresh basil for that perfect herby flourish. The cheese melts instantly, the herbs give you color and fragrance, and every spoonful is pure comfort.
How to Serve Short Rib Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
A true showstopper deserves the right finishing touches. I always go big on the cheese: a cloud of mozzarella for creaminess, a dusting of Parmesan for savor, and plenty of chopped fresh basil for a burst of color and freshness. If you want extra zing, a crack of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil will elevate every bite of Short Rib Lasagna Soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with thick slices of crusty Italian bread—perfect for dunking. A simple mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. For something heartier, try a side of roasted vegetables or even a little antipasto platter to echo those Italian flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, serve Short Rib Lasagna Soup in wide, shallow bowls and let everyone sprinkle on their own cheese and herbs for a build-your-own lasagna bar vibe. For a fun twist at parties, ladle the soup into small mugs or cups with mini breadsticks for easy mingling. Or, make it the centerpiece of an Italian-themed dinner—just add good wine and great company!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Short Rib Lasagna Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cool the soup to room temperature, transfer into airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s just as delicious—if not better—the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions (minus the cheese garnish) for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing and remember to leave a little room in the container for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, bring the soup to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened up too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Dish into bowls, finish with your cheeses and basil, and it’ll taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make Short Rib Lasagna Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the short ribs and sauté the vegetables as directed on the stovetop, then transfer everything (except noodles and cheese) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or until tender. Add the noodles during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, then garnish as usual.
Do I have to use no-boil lasagna noodles?
No, but they are wonderfully convenient! If you use regular lasagna noodles, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from overcooking and getting mushy.
How can I make this soup lighter?
Swap out short ribs for leaner stew beef or even ground beef if you want to cut back on fat. You can also use part-skim mozzarella and low-sodium beef broth for a slightly lighter version of Short Rib Lasagna Soup.
Is this soup gluten free?
Not as written, but you can easily substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles. Just check their cooking time and add them toward the end so they hold their shape and texture.
Can I prep Short Rib Lasagna Soup ahead for a party?
Definitely! Make the soup up to the step before adding the noodles, then cool and refrigerate. Right before serving, reheat gently and cook the noodles directly in the hot soup. Finish with cheese and herbs for an easy, party-ready meal.
Final Thoughts
If you love the cozy layers and classic flavors of lasagna but crave the ease and warmth of a soup, you’re going to fall head over heels for Short Rib Lasagna Soup. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with personality—the kind of dish that leaves everyone reaching for seconds. I hope it becomes as big a favorite in your home as it has in mine!