If you’re craving all the cozy, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna but want a quicker, fuss-free meal, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners need. Imagine rich tomato broth bubbling with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and that irresistible combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses melting on top. It’s like lasagna in a bowl, served up with fewer dishes to wash and loads of comforting warmth. This recipe brings the best of lasagna’s layers into a delightful, spoonable experience that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing your friends with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lasagna Soup Recipe plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the aromatic garlic and onions to the savory mix of cheeses that create that classic lasagna feel. Here’s a lineup of simple, pantry-friendly components that come together to deliver a rich and satisfying bowl.
- Olive oil (1-2 tbsp): Adds a fruity richness while preventing sticking and helping ingredients sauté beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Brings hearty, savory depth and a satisfying protein base to the soup.
- Large onion, diced: Provides a sweet and slightly sharp flavor to uplift the broth.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a warm, pungent aroma that is essential in Italian cooking.
- Canned diced tomatoes (15-ounce, undrained): Offers chunky texture and bright acidity to balance richness.
- Tomato sauce (15-ounce) or tomato puree: Creates a smooth, flavorful tomato base.
- Tomato paste (3 ounces): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup slightly.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides a savory, umami-rich foundation for the soup’s liquid.
- Water (1-2 cups): Used to adjust the soup’s consistency exactly how you like it.
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds classic Italian flair.
- Sea salt (1 tsp, adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle heat and spice depth.
- Bowtie pasta (8 ounces, uncooked): Holds shape wonderfully and adds a fun, chewy texture.
- Ricotta cheese (½ cup): Gives a creamy, cool contrast that lightens the soup.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts luxuriously over the soup’s surface for cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a nutty, salty punch to finish the dish perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Brings a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor on top.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pot and Ingredients
Start by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers—it’s the perfect moment to know it’s hot enough for sautéing. Meanwhile, have your diced onion and minced garlic ready so you can add them in promptly for that wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Add your ground beef along with the onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, stirring frequently to break it into crumbles. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the broth nice and light.
Step 3: Combine the Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This combination is where the heart of the lasagna flavor begins to build, layering tanginess, richness, and herbal warmth perfectly.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Bring to a Simmer
Mix in your uncooked bowtie pasta, then crank up the heat to bring the soup to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cover the pot partially, letting it simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to check on the thickness.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Check Pasta
If the soup thickens too much while simmering, don’t hesitate to add more water or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. The pasta should be tender yet still hold its shape—just like a good lasagna noodle.
Step 6: Prepare to Serve
Your lasagna soup is ready when the pasta is cooked through. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to pile on the cheesy goodness that really makes this soup special.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Once your soup is ladled into bowls, top each with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese—feel free to swirl it in or let it melt on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the surface for that glorious golden, cheesy finish. Finally, scatter chopped fresh parsley to brighten the dish with a fresh green pop and a delicate herbal note.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to create a fuller meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread. Both sides complement the rich, tomatoey flavors beautifully and add contrasting textures that make the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to soak up all that delicious broth or top it with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat. Another idea is layering a small amount of cooked pasta in individual ramekins and ladling the soup on top to mimic layers of lasagna, which is sure to impress anyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna Soup Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as the soup sits, though the pasta will absorb some of the broth, so it may thicken slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the pasta might become softer after thawing. To preserve texture, store the soup and cooked pasta separately if possible, then combine when reheating. Frozen soup is best used within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking and the cheese from clumping. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much while stored.
FAQs
Can I make this Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein or add extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant to keep that satisfying texture.
Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free bowtie or any other preferred gluten-free pasta works great. Just be mindful of cooking times, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster or become mushy if overcooked.
Can I use other cheeses besides ricotta and mozzarella?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a little goat cheese for a tangier twist. The key is to maintain that melty, creamy quality to evoke the spirit of lasagna.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the beef or sprinkle some chili powder or hot paprika into the broth. Serving with spicy Italian sausage instead of beef also amps up the heat and flavor.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but because pasta can become mushy after freezing, consider freezing the soup base and pasta separately. Thaw and heat them together when ready to serve for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, blending the best flavors of your favorite Italian classic without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something heartwarming, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish worth adding to your rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness anytime you want to feel like you’re indulging in a homemade lasagna with half the work!
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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 and comforting Lasagna Soup combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Featuring ground beef, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bowtie pasta, it’s topped with creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley for a delightful finish. Perfect for a quick family meal, this recipe takes just 40 minutes and yields 6 satisfying servings.
Ingredients
Main 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
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)
Toppings
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Pot: Begin by heating a large soup pot over medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the ingredients.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Add the olive oil to the heated pot until shimmering. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked and browned, then drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup lighter.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and uncooked bowtie pasta. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup mixture to a boil. Once boiling, partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Adjust as Needed: Monitor the soup’s consistency during simmering. If it thickens too much, add 1-2 cups of water or extra broth to reach your desired thickness, stirring well.
- Cook Pasta: Continue simmering until the bowtie pasta is tender and fully cooked, which should take around 10-15 minutes as well.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting lasagna soup!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid upon reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup.
- Adding fresh basil or oregano as alternate herbs can further enhance the flavor.
