Lasagna Soup Recipe

There’s just something special about digging into a big old bowl of Lasagna Soup — it captures all the cozy, saucy magic of classic lasagna but with far less fuss, fewer dishes, and a whole lot more comfort. Imagine savory ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and a swirl of creamy cheeses, all tucked into a hearty, slurp-worthy soup loaded with perfectly tender pasta. This recipe delivers everything you love about traditional lasagna but in an easy, weeknight-friendly format. Plus, it feeds a crowd and makes the house smell completely irresistible — trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds (and possibly thirds)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for Lasagna Soup is almost as satisfying as eating it! Each ingredient plays a unique role, building balanced layers of flavor and texture — don’t be tempted to skip any, as they all come together to create that signature comforting taste.

• Olive Oil: Adds depth and richness while helping the onions and beef brown beautifully.
• Ground Beef: Delivers hearty, meaty flavor that forms the backbone of this soup.
• Onion: Diced onion offers a mellow sweetness that builds the soup’s aromatic base.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses every spoonful with that classic Italian warmth.
• Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Keep the juice for bright, tangy depth and a little texture in the broth.
• Tomato Sauce or Tomato Puree: This thickens the soup and enriches its savory, tomato-y profile.
• Tomato Paste: Just a bit intensifies the tomato flavor, ensuring no bite is bland.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savoriness and keeps the base solid and satisfying.
• Water: Adjust the consistency to your liking so it’s soupy but not too thin.
• Italian Seasoning: A simple sprinkle brings in all those classic herbaceous notes.
• Sea Salt: Brings out the rich flavors of every ingredient — taste as you go!
• Black Pepper: Add to your preference for a gentle kick and warmth.
• Bowtie Pasta (uncooked): Holds up beautifully in soup and keeps its shape after cooking.
• Ricotta Cheese: Dolloped on top, it mimics the creamy layers found in classic lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Melts into gorgeous, cheesy strands for true lasagna vibes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Shaved, shredded, or grated — this adds salty, nutty umami.
• Fresh Parsley: A splash of green finishing touch that wakes up the entire bowl.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating a generous splash of olive oil in a roomy, heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onions and minced garlic along with the ground beef. Stir and break up the beef as it cooks, letting everything brown together and create a deeply flavorful base. If needed, drain any excess fat before moving to the next step; this keeps your soup rich but never greasy.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Broth

With your aromatics and beef beautifully browned, it’s time to get saucy. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juice!), tomato sauce, and tomato paste — these three tomato forms make the broth both bright and hearty. Pour in the chicken broth now, too, along with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Stir well to marry everything together, then add your uncooked bowtie pasta right into the bubbling pot.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Crank the heat up to high and let your Lasagna Soup come to a cheerful boil, then dial it back to a lively simmer. The pasta will soak up all those tomatoey flavors as it cooks. Stir frequently, keeping an eye out so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom. After about 10 to 15 minutes, your pasta should be perfectly al dente and the soup wildly aromatic. If things thicken up too much, just add a splash more water or broth until you hit your desired consistency.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

This is where Lasagna Soup comes fully alive! You have two delicious options: Stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan straight into the pot after the soup cools for a few minutes for a melty, unified finish; or, set the cheeses and chopped parsley out for everyone to add as they please. Either way, each bite will deliver creamy, cheesy bliss reminiscent of true lasagna layers.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Go big on the toppings! I love a generous dollop of ricotta, a snowy sprinkle of mozzarella, a scattering of salty parmesan, and a flurry of chopped fresh parsley. The combination melts into the hot, savory soup and gives you those dreamy, cheesy strings with every scoop — it’s the best part!

Side Dishes

Lasagna Soup practically begs for a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread on the side to mop up the tomato-rich broth. A bright, crunchy green salad with a sharp Italian vinaigrette is another great addition, balancing the soup’s richness. If you’re going all out, roasted veggies or a simple antipasto platter round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, ladle Lasagna Soup into individual ramekins, top with the cheeses, and broil for a few minutes until bubbling and golden. You can also serve it in sturdy mugs for a cozy, casual vibe, or go family-style in the soup pot right at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to add their own toppings. However you serve it, this soup turns any dinner into an event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Lasagna Soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors only get deeper and more satisfying as they mingle, but keep in mind the noodles will continue soaking up some broth as it sits.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a champion! Once cooled, ladle individual or family-sized portions into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to three months. If you’re a batch-cooker or love meal prepping, Lasagna Soup is about to earn a top spot in your freezer rotation.

Reheating

When you’re ready for another bowl, reheat the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or more chicken broth to loosen things up, since the pasta soaks up lots of liquid as it rests. Stir in extra cheese and parsley just before eating, and you’ll recapture all those fresh-from-the-pot vibes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in my Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds up well, other shapes like rigatoni, penne, or even macaroni work just as beautifully. Avoid traditional lasagna noodles, since they can get mushy in leftovers, but otherwise, have fun with it!

Is there a way to make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Simply swap out the ground beef for a meatless alternative like mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all the flavor and heartiness, vegetarian-style.

Can I make this in advance for a party?

Lasagna Soup is a fantastic make-ahead dish! Assemble the soup the day before and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently, adding a bit of broth if needed, and set out the cheeses and garnishes so guests can customize their bowls.

How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If your soup becomes too thick (especially with leftovers), add extra water or broth to get it back to your preferred soupy consistency. Keep in mind the noodles will absorb more liquid the longer it sits, so a little adjustment is completely normal.

Are there fun variations on classic Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely! Try swapping beef for Italian sausage, or add chopped spinach or kale for a hit of green. Some cooks stir in a splash of cream for even more richness. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

Lasagna Soup takes all the classic flavors we crave and transforms them into pure, slurpable comfort — with none of the hassle of layering or baking. It’s one of those rare recipes that delivers on both flavor and simplicity, so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a bowl soon. Once you try it, I guarantee you’ll be making it on repeat all season long!

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