Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of your favorite Italian classic but want a warm, cozy bowl that’s quicker to serve, this Lasagna Soup is the answer. It captures all the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna without the layers and long baking time, making it perfect for weeknights or when you’re simply hungry for something hearty. The blend of seasoned ground beef, tomato-rich broth, tender pasta, and a melty trio of cheeses creates a soul-satisfying experience that’ll have you coming back for seconds and thirds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lasagna Soup recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that combine to deliver authentic Italian flavors, perfect textures, and vibrant colors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, depth, or that cheesy finish that ties everything together.

• Olive Oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the onion and garlic, enhancing the soup’s aroma.
• Ground Beef: Adds hearty protein and a meaty depth essential to the soup’s savory profile.
• Onion: Offers sweetness and complexity once softened, building the flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Brings bright, pungent notes that elevate the Italian seasoning perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes: Infuses the broth with a fresh, tangy tomato flavor and lovely texture.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds richness and body to the broth, creating that signature lasagna taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the hearty, flavorful liquid base for the soup.
• Bowtie Pasta: A fun-shaped pasta that cooks right in the soup, providing satisfying bite and heartiness.
• Ricotta Cheese: Stirred in for creamy smoothness and a classic lasagna element in a bowl.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melted on top for ooey-gooey, cheesy goo perfection.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes for extra flavor depth and garnish finesse.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the soup with a pop of green and fresh, herbal aroma.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, cooking until it becomes translucent and fragrant—this step builds the flavor base you want. Next, toss in minced garlic for about a minute; be careful not to let it burn, as that can turn bitter.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef directly to the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook it thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart with your spoon to ensure even cooking. This step not only adds hearty protein but deepens the flavor of the entire soup.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, then add your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This rich tomato base simmers beautifully to marry all those savory elements.

Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This simmering step is where the flavors meld and intensify, turning the broth into a deep and satisfying sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, cooking it directly in the pot according to the package instructions until al dente. This saves you from pulling out extra pots and keeps the noodles infused with all those savory juices.

Step 6: Add the Cheeses

Once pasta is tender, lower the heat and stir in creamy ricotta cheese until it’s fully incorporated. Before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top, allowing the residual heat to gently melt them into the soup’s surface for indulgent richness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a dash of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Now, it’s time to ladle this luscious, comforting Lasagna Soup into bowls and dig in!

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice for its subtle herbaceous brightness, but you can also scatter extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves for a fragrant boost. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving adds a silky finish.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs perfectly with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The bread acts as a perfect vehicle for soaking up the tomato goodness, while the salad provides a refreshing, crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Lasagna Soup in mini bread bowls or mason jars for casual but charming individual servings. You could even top each bowl with a toasted ravioli or a parmesan crisp for added texture and wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lasagna Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Lasagna Soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. To preserve the best texture, consider adding the ricotta cheese fresh when reheating rather than before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Bowtie pasta works wonderfully for this soup, but small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or mini shells also hold up well and soak in the flavors.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

How spicy is this Lasagna Soup?

This recipe is mild by nature but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking if you like a bit of heat to balance the richness.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Sauté the beef and aromatics first, then add all ingredients except cheese into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, add pasta and cheeses near the end, cooking until pasta is tender.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

The best method is to cook the pasta directly in the soup just before serving. If you make it ahead, store the pasta separately and add it when reheating to maintain perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup delivers cozy Italian comfort with a fraction of the fuss of traditional lasagna. It’s a trusty go-to when you want satisfying, cheesy warmth straight from the pot to your bowl. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s something so wonderfully comforting about this simple, rich soup that feels like a big, warm hug on chilly days. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite weeknight ritual!

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