Lasagna Soup

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal that the whole family will love, then this Lasagna Soup is just what you need! It brings all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy bowl of soup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The best part? You can whip it up in under an hour, with minimal clean-up. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become a new family favorite!

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. I love how easy it is to customize, so everyone can enjoy their own version of comfort food. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or light, this Lasagna Soup has got you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short.
• Family-approved: Everyone loves the taste of lasagna, and serving it in soup form makes it even more fun!
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal later in the week.
• Packed with flavor: Each spoonful is bursting with savory goodness that warms your heart and soul.
• Customizable ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or pasta shapes to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this delicious Lasagna Soup to life! You probably have most of these items in your pantry already.

For the 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 (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)

For the Pasta and Toppings

• 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked) (see footnote)
• 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)

Variations

This Lasagna Soup is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in chopped spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change the pasta shape: Try using shells or elbow macaroni to give it a fun twist!
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick that will warm you up even more.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. This process enhances their sweetness and creates a flavorful base for our soup. Next, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—this only takes about 30 seconds!

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Breaking it apart as it cooks ensures that every bite is flavorful. Once browned, drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Combine the Sauces

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. These ingredients create that rich lasagna flavor we all love! Mix everything well before adding chicken broth and water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Season It Up

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir again to combine all those lovely flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes so everything melds beautifully.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Now it’s time for our bowtie pasta! Stir it into the pot and let it cook according to package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes—until al dente. Keep an eye on your soup; if it gets too thick, add a bit more water!

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Once your pasta is cooked perfectly, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with dollops of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. The melting cheese adds creaminess while the parsley gives a fresh touch!

Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful Lasagna Soup! It’s sure to bring smiles around your dinner table.

Pro Tips for Making Lasagna Soup

Making lasagna soup is a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure it’s perfect every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate the flavor of your soup. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that dried herbs simply can’t match.
• Adjust Consistency: Don’t hesitate to add more water or broth if your soup becomes too thick. The right consistency helps maintain a comforting, broth-like texture that is essential for a great lasagna soup.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta continues to cook a bit after being added to the soup, aim for al dente pasta. This way, it won’t become mushy and will hold its shape beautifully.
• Layer Flavors: Sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding other ingredients builds depth in flavor. It creates a savory base that enhances the overall taste of your soup.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup as it cooks! Adjusting seasoning at different stages ensures that every bite is deliciously balanced. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your palate.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Serving lasagna soup can be just as fun as making it! You can create a cozy meal that’s both inviting and visually appealing.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A few leaves of fresh basil on top not only look beautiful but also add a fragrant aroma that enhances each spoonful.
• Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese offers an appealing melty finish and rich flavor.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of toasted baguette or garlic bread for dipping; it’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth!

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: This classic side is always a hit! Simply toast slices of baguette with garlic butter until golden brown for the ultimate accompaniment.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with a light Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots are not only colorful but also provide additional nutrients alongside your hearty meal.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a vibrant side dish that complements the Italian flavors in the soup perfectly.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, your lasagna soup will be not only easy to prepare but also an unforgettable meal! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This lasagna soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to keep any cheese toppings separate if you plan to reheat.

Freezing

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual servings; just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other types of pasta in lasagna soup?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is delightful, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer. Just adjust cooking times according to the type of pasta used.

How do I make lasagna soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version of lasagna soup, simply replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein or skip it altogether. Add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a hearty dish!

What is the best way to serve lasagna soup?

Lasagna soup is best served hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!

Can I make lasagna soup in advance?

Yes! Lasagna soup can be made ahead and stored in your refrigerator or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

How long does lasagna soup take to cook?

This quick and easy lasagna soup takes about 45 minutes total—15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting lasagna soup! It’s such a wonderful way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna while keeping things simple and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is bound to impress. Enjoy every warm bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!