Lasagna is one of those classic dishes that brings comfort to the table with its rich layers of pasta, cheese, and flavorful sauce. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness in a bowl? Enter Lasagna Soup—a delightful, comforting dish that combines all the flavors you love in lasagna, but in a warm, hearty soup form. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, and it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Keep reading to discover how to make this mouthwatering Lasagna Soup, and don’t miss the tips and tricks to make it truly special.
What is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna Soup is a savory dish that captures the essence of traditional lasagna but with a unique twist. Instead of layering pasta, cheese, and meat sauce in a baking dish, you simmer all the ingredients in a pot to create a rich and flavorful soup. The soup is then topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, giving you that classic cheesy lasagna experience with every spoonful. The result is a dish that's both comforting and convenient, perfect for those who crave the taste of lasagna without the time and effort of baking.
Ingredients List for Lasagna Soup
Soup Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat.
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef: Provides a hearty base for the soup.
- 1 large Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Brings a robust flavor and aroma to the dish.
- 1 (15-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and acidity.
- 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce or Tomato Puree: Forms the backbone of the soup’s broth.
- ½ (6-ounce) can Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth plus 1 cup Water: Creates the base of the soup, giving it a savory depth.
- 1-2 cups Water: Used to adjust the broth’s consistency as needed.
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning: Infuses the soup with a classic Italian herb blend.
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Black Pepper to taste: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning.
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked): Acts as the “noodles” in the soup, mimicking lasagna sheets.
Lasagna Soup Toppings:
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and mimics the ricotta layers in traditional lasagna.
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (about ½ cup): Melts into the soup, creating that gooey cheese pull.
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved, shredded, or freshly grated: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor.
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herby finish to the soup.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Lasagna Soup is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Meat Substitutions: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. If you’re vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
- Pasta Options: While bowtie pasta works well, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even broken lasagna noodles for a more authentic feel.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap the cheeses to suit your taste. Try using provolone, gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re vegan.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or swap the Italian seasoning for a more robust mix like a Tuscan herb blend.
- Vegetable Boost: Add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional content and add more texture.
- Broth Alternatives: Swap chicken broth with beef or vegetable broth to alter the flavor base or accommodate dietary preferences.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Lasagna Soup is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it step by step:

- Heat the Olive Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This oil will help sauté the vegetables and brown the meat.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Tomato Products: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce or puree, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and the water, then add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add an additional cup of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Simmer for a few more minutes to heat through.
How to Cook Lasagna Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Lasagna Soup is a delightful experience that’s perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Let’s break down the process into simple steps:
- Preparation: Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Having everything measured and ready will make the cooking process smoother.
- Cooking the Meat and Aromatics: Start by heating the oil and cooking the ground beef until browned. Don’t rush this step, as browning the meat adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Once the beef is browned, sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Building the Soup Base: Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. These ingredients create a rich tomato base that’s the heart of this soup. Stir everything together well before adding the broth.
- Simmering for Flavor: After adding the broth, season the soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allowing the soup to simmer uncovered helps the flavors concentrate and meld together beautifully.
- Cooking the Pasta in the Soup: Unlike traditional lasagna, where pasta is boiled separately, the pasta in this soup is cooked directly in the broth. This allows the pasta to absorb the delicious flavors of the soup, making every bite taste like lasagna.
- Final Adjustments: Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like Lasagna Soup, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Pasta can quickly become mushy if overcooked. Be sure to add the pasta towards the end of the cooking process and monitor it closely.
- Not Adjusting the Consistency: Lasagna Soup can thicken as it sits. If it becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to add more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Under-seasoning: Since the soup is made with a variety of tomato products, it’s important to season it well to balance the acidity. Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
- Skipping the Cheese Toppings: The cheese toppings are what really give this soup its lasagna flavor. Don’t skip them, and make sure to add them just before serving for the best results.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Lasagna Soup can make it even more appealing. Here are some tips:
- Serving Bowls: Use deep, wide bowls to serve the soup. This allows space for the cheese toppings and helps keep the soup warm longer.
- Garnishing: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the rich soup.
- Cheese Melt: For an extra gooey cheese experience, you can place the bowls under a broiler for a minute or two to melt the mozzarella and Parmesan before serving.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Serving Lasagna Soup is all about making it as comforting and delicious as possible. Here’s how to serve it:
- Ladle the Soup: Start by ladling the hot soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good mix of pasta, beef, and broth.
- Add the Cheese Toppings: Top each bowl with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. The heat from the soup will melt the cheeses slightly, giving it that lasagna-like finish.
- Garnish with Parsley: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
Presentation Ideas for Lasagna Soup
The way you present your Lasagna Soup can elevate it from simple comfort food to a dish that impresses:
- Rustic Charm: Serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls with a piece of crusty bread on the side for dipping. The rustic look enhances the homey, comforting feel of the dish.
- Broiler Finish: After adding the cheese toppings, place the bowls under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This gives the soup a gratin-like finish that’s irresistible.
- Table Setting: Serve with a side salad and a glass of red wine to create a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Lasagna Soup Recipe Tips
To make your Lasagna Soup truly stand out, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this soup relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and good cheese will make a noticeable difference.
- Cook the Pasta Separately for Leftovers: If you’re planning to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl when serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft when reheated.
- Freeze for Later: Lasagna Soup freezes well, but be sure to freeze it without the pasta. Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve to maintain the best texture.
- Make it Ahead: The flavors of this soup only get better with time, making it a great make-ahead meal. Prepare it a day in advance, and reheat when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Lasagna Soup is an excellent make-ahead dish. The flavors improve as it sits, so you can make it a day or two in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth when reheating.
Q: Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze Lasagna Soup. However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. When ready to serve, thaw the soup, reheat it, and cook fresh pasta to add to the soup.
Q: What other pasta shapes can I use?
A: While bowtie pasta is recommended, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, or even broken lasagna noodles work well.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is a delicious, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a convenient, one-pot meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share with loved ones, this soup is sure to satisfy. With its rich tomato base, hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese topping, it’s a bowl of comfort that’s hard to resist. So why not give it a try? Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a new family favorite in no time. Enjoy!
PrintLasagna Soup Recipe
This Lasagna Soup recipe combines all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a hearty soup. Made with lean ground beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bowtie pasta, it's a perfect one-pot meal. Top with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finishing touch. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish is a must-try for soup lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce or tomato puree
- ½ (6-ounce) can Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1-2 cups Water (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- Black Pepper to taste
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked)
Toppings:
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved or grated
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
Notes
- Adjust the water to your desired soup consistency.
- Bowtie pasta can be substituted with other pasta shapes like mafaldine or broken lasagna noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1150mg
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