If you’re craving all the rich, comforting flavors of a traditional lasagna but want it in a quick and easy bowl, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, savory tomato broth, and tender pasta that mimics the classic layers of lasagna, all simmered together for a heartwarming meal that’s perfect any time of year. Each spoonful delivers that familiar cheesy, herby goodness with a joyful, soupy twist that makes it both cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients will set you up for success, as each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this soup so irresistible. From the meaty base to the creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, this list covers all the essentials for a perfect, hearty dish.
- Olive oil (1-2 tbsp): Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and enhances the soup’s richness.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds a savory, hearty protein that brings classic lasagna taste to the soup.
- Large onion, diced: Builds depth and sweetness as it softens while cooking.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth.
- Canned diced tomatoes (15 oz): Offers a fresh, tangy texture with bursts of juiciness.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz): Creates a smooth, rich tomato base for the soup.
- Tomato paste (3 ounces): Concentrates the tomato flavor to give the broth boldness.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Lights up the soup with savory, comforting notes and necessary liquid for cooking pasta.
- Water (1-2 cups): Helps adjust the soup consistency to your preference.
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): Sprinkles in that classic herb blend that signals “lasagna.”
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors—taste and tweak as you go.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- Bowtie pasta (8 ounces): Provides a fun, chewy texture similar to lasagna noodles.
- Ricotta cheese (½ cup): Brings creamy richness that finishes the soup beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts into gooey, cheesy bites that make every spoonful joyful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a salty, nutty punch of flavor for authenticity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (¼ cup): Offers a fresh, herbal brightness as the perfect garnish.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pot
Start by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers with warmth—this is where your flavor foundation begins to build.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Add the ground beef alongside the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot. Sauté everything together until the beef is fully cooked and the onions have turned translucent and fragrant. If there’s excess fat pooling, go ahead and drain it so the soup doesn’t get greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Tomato Base
Pour in your diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything well to marry those rich tomato flavors with your savory beef mixture, creating the perfect base that will warm your soul.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Next, pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir so all those herbs and spices are evenly distributed—this is where your soup really starts smelling amazing.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Simmer
Now it’s time to stir in the bowtie pasta and bring the whole pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, partially cover, reduce the heat to medium, and let it gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and to help thicken the soup perfectly.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency if Needed
If your soup thickens more than you like during simmering, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up until it’s just right for your preference.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, your Lasagna Soup Recipe is ready for the final touches—time to ladle it into bowls and top with luscious ricotta, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley for the full lasagna experience in a comforting soup form.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! A dollop of creamy ricotta adds richness, the melted mozzarella creates cheesy comfort, a sprinkle of Parmesan provides sharpness, and the fresh parsley brings a pop of color and brightness that lifts every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside a crisp green salad or a warm crusty bread to sop up every last drop. Garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad pairs beautifully, adding crunchy and fresh elements to balance the hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or sprinkle with crispy bacon pieces for extra indulgence. You can even invite guests to customize their bowls with extra cheese, herbs, or a drizzle of chili oil to personalize their experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna Soup tastes fantastic as leftovers, so store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that pasta can get a bit softer after freezing and reheating. To preserve texture, consider cooking the pasta fresh when reheating or slightly undercooking it before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you do, do it in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add mushrooms or lentils for extra texture and protein.
What can I substitute for bowtie pasta?
Any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni, rotini, or small shells will work well and hold up nicely in the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can skip the cheeses or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The soup still tastes delicious and comforting without the cheese.
How spicy is this soup?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat to your liking.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the pasta towards the end to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Lasagna Soup Recipe that transforms classic lasagna into a steaming bowl of comfort. It’s friendly for busy weeknights, satisfying on chilly days, and endlessly adaptable to your taste. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with your loved ones—because the best meals are the ones that bring warmth and joy straight to the heart.
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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-American
Description
This hearty and comforting Lasagna Soup combines all the rich flavors of classic lasagna in a warming bowl of soup. Featuring ground beef, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bowtie pasta, it’s topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes.
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 & Garnishes
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Pot: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, preparing the pot for sautéing the ingredients.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Add 1 pound of ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- 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 everything well to combine.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Partially cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency: Check the soup’s thickness and add 1 to 2 cups of water or additional broth as needed if it becomes too thick during simmering.
- Cook Pasta: Continue simmering until the bowtie pasta is tender but still holds its shape, about 10-15 minutes total cooking time.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add a dollop of ricotta cheese, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it suitable for vegetarians (omit meat).
- Adjust the seasoning and salt to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
