There is something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of hearty soup, and this Lasagna Soup Recipe brings all the cozy, rich flavors of classic lasagna into a quick and easy one-pot meal. Imagine tender bowtie pasta swimming in a savory tomato and beef broth, layered with gooey cheeses and fresh herbs that brighten every bite. It’s the perfect shortcut to that baked favorite without sacrificing any of the soul-warming goodness. Whether you’re serving up a crowd or craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Lasagna Soup Recipe plays a crucial role in building its delicious layers of flavor. From the robust tomato base to the creamy cheeses, every component contributes to the perfect balance of tastes and textures that make this soup irresistible.
- Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps brown the beef and soften the aromatics.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty protein and depth of flavor.
- Large onion, diced (1): Brings a natural sweetness and savory foundation.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Imparts a warm, aromatic punch essential to Italian dishes.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (15-ounce can): Adds freshness and chunky texture.
- Tomato sauce or puree (15-ounce can): Creates a smooth, flavorful base for the soup.
- Tomato paste (3 ounces/¼ cup): Intensifies the tomato flavor with a rich, concentrated taste.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Builds the soup’s savory body and keeps it light.
- Water (1-2 cups or as needed): Adjusts the soup’s consistency to your liking.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Infuses the soup with classic herb flavors like basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the ingredients—season further to taste.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle heat and spice.
- Bowtie pasta (8 ounces, uncooked): Offers a fun shape that holds sauce and cheese beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese (½ cup): Brings creaminess that balances the savory broth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 ounces/½ cup): Melts perfectly to create luscious, stringy texture.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, shaved or grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Brightens the soup with a fresh herby note.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is deeply browned and the onions soften, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat after this step to keep your soup from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Broth
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Pour in the chicken broth and add water as needed to create a comforting, soupy base. Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Crank the heat up to bring everything to a lively boil, letting the rich tomato flavors start to intensify.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked bowtie pasta right into the simmering broth. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. This step is key because perfectly cooked pasta gives the soup that satisfying heartiness, just like in classic lasagna.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Fresh Parsley
Now for the best part: stirring in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. You can mix them right into the pot for a creamy, cohesive soup or let everyone top their bowls individually for a customized cheesy finish. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal lift.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can express a bit of personality. Fresh parsley is classic, but a few basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes add extra flair. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese also elevates each bowl to something special.
Side Dishes
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is wonderful all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread can turn your meal into a memorable dining experience. The acidity and crunch from the salad balance the richness, while garlic bread makes for a delightful cheesy dunk.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or mugs for an inviting, rustic feel. You can also offer a cheese board with additional ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan on the side for guests to customize their bowls. It’s an interactive way to enjoy the familiar lasagna flavors in soup form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna soup leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the pasta continues to absorb liquid, it might thicken, so keep some extra broth or water on hand to loosen it up when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but note that pasta may become softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding pasta, then cook and add fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and add broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir midway through for even heating and to maintain that perfect balance of flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
What pasta can I substitute for bowtie pasta?
Any small pasta shape like mini shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini works well here. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that still provides protein and a nice texture. Just brown it thoroughly to develop flavorful depth.
How spicy is this soup?
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat in your meal.
Is this soup freezer-friendly with cheese?
It’s best to add the cheeses fresh when serving because freezing can alter their texture, making them less creamy when reheated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for all the heartwarming comfort of lasagna without the fuss of baking, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy, flavorful, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Gather your ingredients, and get ready to cozy up with a bowl that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I promise, you’ll be making this one again and again!
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Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (12 cups total)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This comforting Lasagna Soup combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty bowl. Made with ground beef, a medley of tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and hearty bowtie pasta, this soup is topped with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious spin on an Italian favorite.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)
Cheeses
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or grated
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Beef and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion and garlic are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, and water. Season with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the uncooked bowtie pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Adjust the soup consistency by adding more water or broth if it becomes too thick.
- Incorporate Cheese and Garnish: Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese directly into the pot to melt and enrich the soup, or serve the cheeses on the side for individual portions. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional vegetables.
- You can use beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust salt and seasonings according to your taste.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Using fresh Parmesan and a mix of cheeses enhances the authentic lasagna flavor in the soup.
