Lasagna Soup with Hidden Veggies for Kids

Why This Kid-Friendly Veggie-Loaded Lasagna Soup Works

This recipe is a clever way to get picky kids excited about eating their veggies—without any fuss. The familiar, cheesy comfort of lasagna gets reimagined as a hearty, spoonable soup with vegetables finely grated so they’re virtually “hidden.” It’s nutritious, flavorful, easy to make, and designed with family mealtime in mind: wholesome, one-pot, and garnished with a cheesy finish every child will welcome.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Yields 6–8 servings
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~55–60 minutes

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground turkey or chicken (lean)

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium zucchini, finely grated (no skin removal needed)

• 1 large carrot, finely grated

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (no salt added)

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 8 oz broken lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free)

For the Cheesy Finish:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh chopped parsley or basil (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Meat & Veggies

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add in the ground turkey and cook until it’s almost no longer pink—about 4–5 minutes—breaking it apart into small bites. Add the diced onion and continue cooking until softened (~3 minutes). Then stir in the garlic, grated zucchini, and grated carrot, cooking another minute until fragrant and well incorporated. This is the trick where the kids won’t notice those veggie powers at play.

2. Build the Soup Flavor

Add your dried herbs—basil and oregano—plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir together, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

3. Add Pasta & Simmer

Once simmering, carefully stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Keep the soup at a low simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente (about 10 minutes), stirring regularly to ensure noodles don’t stick.

4. Add Creamy Finish

Turn off the heat and stir in the ricotta, followed by the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until everything is silky and melted. The result is a comforting, cheesy mash-up of soup and lasagna.

5. Serve & Charm the Family

Ladle steaming hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese or chopped parsley if desired. Watch the kids dive in—chances are, they’ll be begging for more.

Wholesome Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu or plant-based crumbles in place of meat.

• Low-Carb Swap: Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini ribbons.

• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives.

• Extra Veg Boost: Blend in finely chopped bell pepper, mushrooms, or spinach midway through cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the veggies actually stay “hidden”?
They’re finely grated into the base, dispersing into the broth and pasta so kids don’t specially spot them—while still getting the nutrition.

Can I use shredded zucchini instead?
Yes! Finely shredded will still blend in invisibly. Just drain excess liquid before adding if it’s very watery.

Can this be made ahead?
Yes! Make the soup base and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Stir in cheeses and noodles when reheating.

Is it okay to freeze?
Yes—freeze without pasta. Reheat the base, then freshly cook a small batch of noodles to mix in before serving.

What if my kids don’t like red sauce?
Try a cheesy, creamy version with a lighter tomato base—blending half the soup with low-fat milk or broth for a “pink” sauce.

Nutritional Highlights (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: ~280–320

• Protein: ~18–22 g

• Fat: ~8–10 g

• Carbs: ~28–32 g (whole grain or gluten-free noodles used)

• Fiber: ~4–5 g

• Sodium: Moderate (use low-sodium broth or add less salt if desired)

What Makes This Recipe a “Family Dinner Win”

1. Nourishing: Packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains.

2. Picky-Eater Approved: Familiar lasagna flavor embraces ‘hidden’ veggies.

3. One-Pot Ease: Minimal prep and cleanup—parent-friendly all around.

4. Customizable: Tailor to dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian).

5. Meal-Preppable: Great for busy weeknight planning or leftovers.

Meal Pairing Ideas

• Serve with soft whole-grain breadsticks or garlic toast for dipping.

• Add a simple side salad dressed lightly in olive oil and lemon—great for handheld crunch.

• For dessert: fresh fruit salad or baked apples—a lighter sweet finish.

Make This Your Go-To Family Savory Soup

“Kid-friendly lasagna soup with hidden veggies” is exactly the kind of inventive, wholesome recipe that makes weeknight dinners manageable, tasty, and nourishing. It’s adaptable, family-approved, and a fun way to sneak in nutrients—without any battle over broccoli.

Pin it to your “Family Meals,” “Soup Night,” or “Picky Eater Wins” boards—and let that rainbow of grated goodness brighten many dinner tables.