If you’re craving all the cozy, comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna but want something a bit quicker and lighter, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is your dream come true. Imagine every layered bite transformed into a rich, savory bowl of tomatoey goodness, tender bowtie pasta, savory beef, and a creamy trio of cheeses all mingling effortlessly in a soup pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, large family dinners, or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl that satisfies those lasagna cravings without the fuss. Once you try this Lasagna Soup Recipe, it’ll become a top contender in your recipe rotation, guaranteed to impress even the most dedicated lasagna fans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is built on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an incredible depth of flavor and gorgeous texture. Each element plays a vital role—from the rich ground beef adding hearty warmth to the creamy cheeses that bring that classic lasagna feel right to your spoon.
- Olive oil: Use 1 to 2 tablespoons to gently brown your beef and soften your onions for a flavorful base.
- Ground beef: A full pound gives the soup its meaty, satisfying body.
- Large onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Four cloves provide an aromatic punch that infuses the whole pot.
- Diced tomatoes (15-ounce can): The cornerstone of the soup’s bright and tangy character, used with their juice for extra flavor.
- Tomato sauce (15-ounce can): Adds a smooth, rich tomato base layer.
- Tomato paste: Three ounces (about ¼ cup) deepen the tomato intensity and thicken the soup beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Four cups to keep everything flavorful and provide the perfect soup consistency.
- Water: One to two cups, adjust as needed to get your ideal soup thickness.
- Italian seasoning: One tablespoon to bring all the savory herbs together, evoking classic Italian flavors.
- Sea salt: One teaspoon to enhance every ingredient, with the option to add more to taste.
- Black pepper: To taste, for a gentle heat and depth.
- Bowtie pasta (uncooked): Eight ounces of this playful shape holds sauce perfectly and cooks right in the soup.
- Ricotta cheese: Half a cup to swirl in creamy, luscious spoonfuls as you serve.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Two ounces for melty, gooey bites that scream comfort food.
- Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup, shaved or grated, for that salty sharpness that rounds out the cheese trio.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A quarter cup to sprinkle over the top for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. As the beef browns and the onion softens, your kitchen will begin to smell like pure comfort. Be sure to drain any excess fat for a lighter soup while keeping all those wonderful flavors intact.
Step 2: Simmer Soup
Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together, then crank the heat until the mixture comes to a lively boil. This bubbling blend is where your soup’s rich, savory foundation truly begins to shine.
Step 3: Add Pasta
Once boiling, toss in the uncooked bowtie pasta and immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cooking the pasta right in the soup means it soaks up all that delicious tomato goodness while thickening the broth. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep an eye on the soup’s consistency, adding extra water or broth as you like. Aim for tender pasta, usually about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheeses and Finish
When your pasta is perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring in the lasagna magic with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. You can stir them right into the whole pot for a creamy finish or let everyone add their own cheese to their bowl. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley on top to brighten every spoonful with a little pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For the full lasagna experience in soup form, garnishes are your best friend. A generous dollop of ricotta adds creaminess, while a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella melts into warm, stringy goodness. Parmesan gives a salty bite, and chopped fresh parsley ties it all together with a herbaceous kick. Feel free to add a little crushed red pepper for some heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This Lasagna Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or rustic Italian bread is fantastic for dipping into every last drop, soaking up that luscious tomato broth and melted cheese. For a lighter touch, steamed or roasted vegetables make a lovely, complementary side.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family with a fun spin? Serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a charming presentation. You can also assemble individual cups with pasta and beef first, then ladle hot broth and cheese over at the table for a build-your-own lasagna soup experience. Either way, your presentation will be as memorable as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store promptly to preserve freshness and flavor. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid over time, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the pasta texture might soften slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and cook fresh pasta when ready to enjoy. Freeze in portioned containers for easy meals later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of water or broth if the soup feels too thick. Microwaving works too, just stir halfway through to ensure even warming. Don’t forget to stir in or add your cheeses fresh so they melt beautifully at serving time.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The tomato and cheese flavors will still shine beautifully.
What pasta works best in Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Bowtie pasta is traditional here because its shape holds the sauce wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or mini shells, which all work well.
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create that classic lasagna trio, you can add or substitute with fontina, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist.
Is this soup spicy?
The recipe itself isn’t spicy unless you add something like crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. It’s a warm, savory soup suitable for all ages, making it family-friendly.
How thick should the soup be?
The consistency is up to your preference. Some enjoy it brothier, like a traditional soup, while others prefer it thicker and stew-like. Adjust water or broth as you cook to reach your desired texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of this Lasagna Soup Recipe to bring comfort, joy, and a little Italian magic to your dinner table. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy all the familiar, beloved flavors of lasagna with less fuss and a cozy vibe. So grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and dive into a steaming bowl of happiness—you won’t regret making this your new favorite recipe for family and friends!
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Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lasagna Soup recipe brings all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting and easy-to-make soup form. Combining browned ground beef, savory tomato broth, Italian herbs, and tender bowtie pasta, it’s topped off with a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, making each spoonful rich and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this soup is ready in 45 minutes and serves 12.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred oil)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 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 (¼ cup)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 cups water (or more, as needed)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more, to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)
Cheese & Garnish
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 diced large onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Simmer Soup: Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with their juice, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce or puree, 3 ounces (¼ cup) of tomato paste, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1-2 cups of water depending on your preferred soup thickness. Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Pasta: Once boiling, add 8 ounces of uncooked bowtie pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more water or broth if it becomes too thick.
- Serve: When the pasta is tender and the soup flavors are well blended, serve the soup hot. Add ½ cup of ricotta cheese, 2 ounces of shredded mozzarella, and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese either mixed directly into the soup or allow guests to add cheese individually. Garnish with ¼ cup of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust salt according to taste and dietary needs.
- If preferred, you can cook pasta separately and add it to individual bowls to prevent soggy pasta in leftovers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding water or broth to maintain soup consistency.
