If you are craving the rich, comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna but want something quicker and easier to make, then this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining all the beloved ingredients of lasagna in a warm, hearty soup, it’s perfect for any day you want to feel cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. From the savory ground beef to the cheesy finish, this soup captures every bit of that traditional lasagna magic in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to creating this delicious soup. Each component adds its own flavor and texture, ensuring your Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is both satisfying and balanced.
- Olive Oil (1-2 tablespoons): Helps brown the beef and sauté the onions, adding a subtle richness.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty, meaty base that carries the flavors beautifully.
- Onion (1 large, diced): Adds sweet depth and aromatic layers when cooked down.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the broth with a warm, pungent flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- Diced Tomatoes (15 ounces, canned, undrained): Brings bright acidity and a juicy texture.
- Tomato Sauce (15 ounces) or Puree: Creates a smooth, rich tomato base that simmers into every bite.
- Tomato Paste (1/3 cup): Concentrates the tomato flavor for a deeper, more robust taste.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): Forms the flavorful liquid foundation of the soup.
- Water (1-2 cups): Adjusts the soup’s consistency to your liking without diluting flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tablespoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that evokes classic lasagna aromas.
- Sea Salt (1 teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness or acidity.
- Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Bowtie Pasta (8 ounces, uncooked): Holds its shape nicely, mimicking lasagna noodles in soup form.
- Ricotta Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds creamy pockets of richness when stirred in or topped.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 ounces, shredded): Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy stretch.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, shaved or grated): Offers a sharp, nutty finish that lifts the dish.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Provides a fresh, herbal brightness to brighten every spoonful.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add your diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until fully browned and no longer pink. This step builds your soup’s meaty, savory foundation.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Elements and Seasoning
Next, stir in your canned diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. These ingredients create a luscious, flavorful base reminiscent of classic lasagna sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper, then mix everything well. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, adding 1 to 2 cups of water depending on how soupy you prefer your dish. Give it a good stir to combine, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for around 10 minutes, letting all those flavors meld perfectly together.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Soup
Uncooked bowtie pasta goes straight into the simmering soup, soaking up all the tasty broth as it cooks. Boil the mixture until the pasta is tender but still has a gentle bite, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 5: Finish Off with Cheese and Herbs
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the creamy ricotta cheese, which lends the soup its wonderful creaminess. Top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best cheesy, comforting experience.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this soup is in the garnishes — a few spoonfuls of ricotta add creamy indulgence, while a sprinkling of mozzarella and parmesan bring that classic lasagna cheesiness. Don’t forget fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness beautifully. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crunchy garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad for a balanced meal. The crisp veggies provide fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy soup. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of mixed greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an edible, rustic vessel. You can also layer small amounts of soup and cheese in clear mugs to showcase the layers visually. A drizzle of olive oil or a handful of crispy fried basil leaves makes for an elegant finishing touch if you’re entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it separately from fresh herbs and cheese if possible to keep those garnishes fresh until serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Avoid freezing with the pasta already cooked in the soup as it may become mushy; instead, freeze the soup base and cook fresh pasta when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick. Top with fresh cheese and parsley after reheating to revive the bright, melty finish.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage would work wonderfully in this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe, offering different flavor profiles while keeping the hearty texture.
What if I am gluten-free? Can I still enjoy this soup?
Yes, simply swap the bowtie pasta for a gluten-free pasta of your choice or use spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a satisfying vegetarian version without compromising flavor.
Can I prepare Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, just brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients except pasta and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, add pasta 30 minutes before serving, then stir in cheeses last.
How spicy is this recipe by default?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly by default, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes that brings a big comforting smile with very little fuss. It captures all the best parts of lasagna in a warm, cheesy, and inviting bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into making it — I’m sure it will become a new favorite that you’ll reach for again and again!
Print
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (about 12 cups)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that captures all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, flavorful soup form. Made with ground beef, garlic, tomato sauce, and pasta, it’s topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and fresh parmesan, making it a perfect weeknight meal that is both satisfying and simple to prepare.
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 (don’t drain)
- 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce (or tomato puree)
- 1/3 cup Tomato Paste (about half of a 6-ounce can)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1–2 cups Water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or more as needed to adjust flavor)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked) (or similar sturdy pasta)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (shaved, shredded, or fresh grated)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add 1 cup of water to start. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Adjust Consistency: Add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the simmering soup. If the soup is too thick, add the remaining 1 cup of water (or enough to reach your preferred consistency). Continue to cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but al dente.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, shaved parmesan, and fresh chopped parsley for brightness and added flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for ground beef for a different flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of water depending on how thick or soupy you prefer your lasagna soup.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; just reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead.
