If you are searching for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm bowl, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine cozying up with layers of rich tomato broth, perfectly cooked beef, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses all mingling together for a meal that feels like a hug in every spoonful. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional lasagna that saves time without sacrificing any of the mouthwatering goodness you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the savory ground beef and robust tomato components to the fresh herbs and luscious cheeses, every item plays a crucial role in building up the harmony of flavors and textures that define this soup.
- Olive oil (1-2 tbsp): The perfect base to sauté your beef and aromatics, creating a rich, fragrant start.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Brings hearty protein and a meaty depth that makes the soup satisfying and filling.
- Large onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture once sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the broth with a warm and appetizing aroma.
- Diced tomatoes (1 15-ounce can, undrained): Give the soup a fresh, vibrant tomato flavor and lovely texture.
- Tomato sauce (1 15-ounce can): Enhances the richness and provides a smooth tomato base.
- Tomato paste (3 ounces): Packs concentrated tomato taste for deeper color and savory punch.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Adds warmth and umami, balancing the acidity of the tomato.
- Water (1-2 cups): Allows flexibility in thickness — adjust to your favorite consistency.
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): Blends classic Mediterranean herbs that complement the entire dish.
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Elevates all the flavors; tune it to your taste.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and complexity to the savory profile.
- Bowtie pasta (8 ounces, uncooked): The charming shapes that soak up the broth perfectly without being mushy.
- Ricotta cheese (½ cup): For creamy dollops that melt into the soup, offering smooth richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Brings gooey, melty cheese goodness with every bite.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty finish that ties the dish together.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): A bright, fresh herbaceous note that lifts the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pot and Cook the Beef Mixture
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers invitingly. Add your ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic, letting them cook together until the beef is fully browned and fragrant. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy. This step builds a flavorful foundation that warms your kitchen and palate alike.
Step 2: Combine Tomato Base and Seasonings
Once your beef mixture is ready, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Pour in the chicken broth and add Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss in the uncooked bowtie pasta, all in one pot. This combination promises layers of flavor developing as the pasta cooks right in the savory broth.
Step 3: Bring It to a Boil and Let It Simmer
Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, cover the pot partially and reduce the heat to medium. Let the soup simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Keep an eye on your soup’s consistency and add extra water or broth if it thickens too much during this cozy cooking phase.
Step 4: Finish Cooking Pasta and Prepare to Serve
Keep an eye on the pasta—it should be tender yet firm to the bite in about 10 to 15 minutes. Once perfectly cooked, your lasagna soup is ready to scoop into bowls, inviting you to add those delightful cheese finishes and fresh herbs that turn comfort into indulgence.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this soup like a generous dollop of creamy ricotta cheese sitting atop a steaming bowl. Follow it with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan to create melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness. Finally, scatter chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and herby brightness that finishes the dish with finesse.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty but pairs beautifully with crunchy garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal. A simple Caesar salad or a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, while crusty bread invites you to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the lasagna soup in mini cast-iron skillets or wide mugs, making the experience cozy and inviting. Layer cheese dollops strategically and let them melt on top in the oven for a bubbly finish. Adding a Parmesan crisp on the side can also turn a bowl of soup into a visually stunning presentation that impresses everyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna soup leftovers are a gift to your future self! Transfer any remaining soup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the pasta will soak up the broth a bit, so a splash of water or broth when reheating is helpful.
Freezing
While you can freeze lasagna soup, keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and add fresh cooked pasta when reheating. This method keeps your soup tasting freshly prepared with every batch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat to prevent the cheese from separating or the pasta from overcooking. Add a little bit of chicken broth or water if the soup feels too thick, stirring occasionally until warm and comforting once again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work wonderfully and lighten up the soup while keeping all those rich flavors intact. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season well for the best taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or add beans and extra vegetables such as mushrooms and zucchini to maintain the hearty texture and flavor profile.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Bowtie pasta is ideal because its shape holds up well and clings nicely to the broth. However, any small pasta like rotini, penne, or even broken lasagna noodles will work just fine.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then add everything except the pasta into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours and add pasta in the last 20-30 minutes so it doesn’t get mushy.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add your Italian seasoning. Fresh diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper also work beautifully to bring some heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about this Lasagna Soup Recipe that combines warmth, cheesiness, and savory heartiness all in one pot. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends when you want lasagna without all the fuss. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try—it’s always a crowd-pleaser and one that will make you feel like wrapped in a blanket of home-cooked love. Bon appétit!
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Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Lasagna Soup recipe captures all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Using ground beef, tomatoes, Italian herbs, and tender pasta, it simmers to perfection before being topped with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that offers a cozy taste of Italy in bowl form.
Ingredients
Soup Base Ingredients
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
- 1 lb ground beef (any fat content)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (or tomato puree)
- 3 ounces tomato paste (about ¼ cup)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 cups water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnishes
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Pot: Prepare a large soup pot and get your ingredients ready for cooking.
- Heat Oil: Place the soup pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers and is hot enough for sautéing.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Add the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and uncooked bowtie pasta into the pot. Mix until well combined.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, partially cover the pot, reduce heat to medium, and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick during simmering, add additional water or broth as needed to maintain your desired soup consistency.
- Cook Pasta Until Tender: Continue cooking until the bowtie pasta is tender but not mushy, typically within the simmering time.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- This soup can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen after resting overnight.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef mixture.
- Bowtie pasta works well, but you can use any small-shaped pasta like rotini or elbow macaroni.
