Name: Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1–2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 3 ounces tomato paste; 4 cups chicken broth; 1–2 cups water (adjust as needed); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste); Black pepper to taste; 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)

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Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl, combining tender pasta, rich tomato broth, and savory ground beef topped with a trio of cheeses. It’s everything you love about classic lasagna without the layering, bringing all the flavors of the Italian favorite into a cozy, spoonable dish. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a meal to warm up the whole family. The blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan adds a creamy richness, while fresh parsley brightens up each bite. Serve with a side of crusty bread, and enjoy the Italian comfort you’ve been craving all in one pot.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1–2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef

1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
3 ounces tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth

1–2 cups water (adjust as needed)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)

Black pepper to taste
8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)

Suggested Toppings:

½ cup ricotta cheese
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or freshly grated

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onions, and garlic; sauté until the beef is fully cooked. Drain excess fat, if needed.
Stir in diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Increase the heat to high, bringing the soup to a boil. Add bowtie pasta, reduce heat to medium, and loosely cover the pot.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the soup reaches your desired consistency. Add more water or broth as needed to adjust thickness.
To serve, add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to the entire pot or sprinkle over individual servings. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 195 kcal | Servings: 12 cups

The Appeal of Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup has gained popularity due to its balance of convenience and flavor. For many, traditional lasagna is a family favorite but can be a labor-intensive dish, especially for weeknights. Lasagna Soup offers the same rich and savory taste with less prep time and fewer dishes. By simplifying the cooking process, this recipe transforms lasagna’s core ingredients ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasonings, and cheese into a flavorful, spoonable meal. The magic lies in its adaptability; from the type of meat to the choice of pasta and toppings, each component can be adjusted to suit personal preferences or dietary needs.

Preparation and Versatility

One of the highlights of Lasagna Soup is its flexibility. Unlike traditional lasagna, which often requires specific ingredients and a precise layering technique, this soup welcomes creativity. While ground beef is a popular choice, other proteins like Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used. This allows cooks to tailor the dish to their taste or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, Lasagna Soup can incorporate different types of pasta beyond the typical lasagna noodles. Bowtie pasta, penne, or rotini are all sturdy options that hold up well in the broth and bring texture to each bite.

The cheese blend is another aspect of the recipe that can be adjusted. Classic lasagna recipes use ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, which work wonderfully as toppings in the soup. These cheeses can be mixed in to create a creamy texture or sprinkled on top for a melted, indulgent finish. For those looking to cut back on dairy or opt for vegan alternatives, plant-based cheeses or cashew-based ricotta provide a delicious substitute without losing the rich flavor and texture.

The soup also offers a more forgiving method for achieving that quintessential lasagna taste. Rather than the meticulous layering process, ingredients are simply added and simmered in one pot, reducing the risk of overcooking or burning. This simplicity makes it accessible for beginner cooks or those with a busy schedule, while still delivering a rich, flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna Soup is perfect for a variety of occasions and can be dressed up or down depending on the setting. For a casual family dinner, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread like French baguette or focaccia, which helps soak up the tomato-rich broth. For added texture and flavor, serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. This soup is also well-suited to gatherings; it’s easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for potlucks or game-day spreads. Guests can personalize their bowls with toppings like fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or extra cheese, adding a touch of interaction and customization to the meal.

For those seeking a cozy meal on colder days, Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a dish that’s meant to be enjoyed by the fire or after a long day, offering warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. The rich tomato broth and melting cheese create a combination that’s hearty yet comforting, and the soup itself is filling enough to be a standalone meal.

Health Benefits and Modifications

While Lasagna Soup is certainly a comfort dish, it also offers a chance to include healthier ingredients without compromising on flavor. By opting for lean ground meat or a meat substitute, it’s easy to cut down on fat. Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms not only enhances the nutritional content but also adds flavor and texture to the soup. For those who prefer a gluten-free meal, gluten-free pasta works well in this dish, making it an inclusive recipe that caters to various dietary needs.

Another benefit of this soup is its straightforward cooking method, which preserves nutrients that might otherwise be lost in traditional lasagna’s lengthy baking process. Because the ingredients are simmered, the vitamins and minerals in vegetables and tomatoes are more easily retained, offering a wholesome dish that’s both tasty and nourishing.

Tips for Making the Best Lasagna Soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, using a high-quality tomato base whether diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even marinara sauce adds depth to the broth. Simmering the broth with Italian seasonings like basil, oregano, and thyme creates a taste that’s evocative of classic lasagna sauce.

Choosing the right pasta is also essential, as some pasta shapes hold up better in soup than others. Smaller, sturdier pastas like bowtie or rotini maintain their shape and texture, making for a more enjoyable bite. And while cheese is added toward the end, allowing it to melt gently into the soup, some may enjoy sprinkling extra Parmesan or mozzarella on top of each bowl for an indulgent finish.

To ensure the soup is the perfect consistency, adding small amounts of broth or water as needed can help balance the flavors and prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid. This way, the soup stays brothy and easy to spoon, rather than thickening into a stew-like consistency.

Storing and Reheating

Lasagna Soup is a wonderful make-ahead option, as the flavors tend to deepen with time. To store leftovers, let the soup cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five days, and it can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a bit of extra broth or water to restore the soup’s original consistency, as pasta tends to absorb the liquid while stored. This soup’s reheating ease makes it a convenient meal for busy weeks or quick lunches. Simply warm a bowlful in the microwave or on the stovetop, and it’s ready to enjoy with minimal fuss.

Conclusion:

Lasagna Soup is a perfect example of how traditional dishes can be reimagined to suit modern lifestyles. It captures the hearty, comforting essence of lasagna while simplifying the preparation and adding a level of versatility. Whether served at a family gathering, enjoyed on a quiet evening, or shared with friends, this dish offers a nostalgic taste of Italian comfort without the labor-intensive process. With options to adjust ingredients for dietary needs or personal taste, Lasagna Soup is as customizable as it is delicious.

As a modern comfort food, Lasagna Soup has the ability to bring people together around the table, providing a warm and satisfying meal that resonates with all ages. This dish exemplifies how a classic favorite can be transformed into a practical, enjoyable experience, making it an enduring recipe for years to come. Whether you’re a busy cook, a beginner in the kitchen, or simply someone who loves Italian-inspired flavors, Lasagna Soup is a delightful addition to any meal rotation.