Lasagna Soup takes the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a comforting, one-pot dish that’s ready in under an hour. The rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and perfectly melted cheeses combine to create a soup that feels both cozy and indulgent. With its hearty base of ground beef and Italian spices, every spoonful delivers that classic lasagna essence without the layering or baking. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep, this soup offers versatility and ease. Garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Paired with garlic bread or a crisp salad, Lasagna Soup is a complete meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound ground beef
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1 large onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
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1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (or puree)
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1/3 cup tomato paste (about half of a 6-ounce can)
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4 cups chicken broth
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1–2 cups water (adjust for consistency)
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
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Black pepper, to taste
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8 ounces bowtie pasta, uncooked
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1/2 cup)
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Add uncooked bowtie pasta and reduce heat to low. Simmer about 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
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Stir in ricotta cheese until creamy. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
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Ladle into bowls and top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Serve warm with bread if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Comfort of Lasagna in a Bowl
Lasagna has always been one of the most beloved comfort foods in Italian cuisine, known for its rich layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and meat. But what if you could enjoy all of that deliciousness without the long preparation time or baking process? That’s where Lasagna Soup comes in. This dish takes the classic flavors of traditional lasagna and reimagines them in a cozy, one-pot soup that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.
Instead of carefully layering pasta sheets, sauces, and cheeses, you get the same taste in a much easier form. The broth carries the richness of tomato sauce and Italian spices, while the pasta and cheese toppings mimic the heartiness of lasagna. It’s the perfect solution for anyone craving lasagna but short on time.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind Lasagna Soup
While traditional lasagna dates back centuries, Lasagna Soup is a modern creation inspired by the desire to simplify without losing flavor. Food lovers and busy home cooks began experimenting with deconstructed versions of classic dishes, and soup became the natural choice. The concept of Lasagna Soup emerged as an ingenious way to capture all the familiar flavors while avoiding the effort of layering and baking.
This creative twist has since gained popularity in kitchens worldwide, especially because it allows cooks to experiment. Different pasta shapes, broths, and cheeses can be used, making it highly adaptable to individual tastes and dietary needs.
Why Lasagna Soup Stands Out
What makes Lasagna Soup special is its ability to be both indulgent and practical. It saves time while still delivering on flavor. The soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal.
Another benefit is how family-friendly it is. Children love the cheesy, saucy pasta flavors, while adults appreciate the depth from Italian herbs and the heartiness of ground beef. It’s a recipe that truly brings everyone to the table.
Nutritional Benefits of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup might be rich and hearty, but it also has nutritional benefits, especially when compared to traditional lasagna. By using broth as a base instead of layers of pasta and béchamel, the dish can be lighter in calories and fat. Fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and parsley provide important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
Protein from the ground beef and cheeses helps keep you full and satisfied. For those looking to make the dish even healthier, lean ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives can be substituted. Adding extra vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms boosts both nutrition and flavor without taking away from the comforting nature of the soup.
The Importance of Pasta and Cheese
One of the defining characteristics of Lasagna Soup is its choice of pasta. While bowtie pasta is common, other shapes like rotini, shells, or penne work just as well. The pasta soaks up the rich tomato broth, making every bite flavorful. Cooking the pasta directly in the soup saves time and infuses it with seasoning.
Cheese is another star element. Ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella provides melty strings of gooey goodness, and Parmesan brings a salty, nutty finish. Together, they replicate the cheesy layers of traditional lasagna. Cheese toppings also allow customization—more for those who love a richer dish, or less for those who prefer lighter meals.
Flavor Enhancements with Herbs and Seasonings
Italian seasoning, garlic, and onions are at the heart of the soup’s flavor profile. These create a foundation of savory richness, while tomato paste and sauce add depth and tanginess. Fresh parsley or basil as a garnish brightens the dish, adding freshness to balance the heavier ingredients.
For those who enjoy bolder flavors, a splash of red wine during the cooking process can elevate the broth. Crushed red pepper flakes add heat, while roasted vegetables bring a smoky element. These little enhancements transform a simple bowl of Lasagna Soup into a gourmet experience.
Serving Ideas for Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup shines as a standalone dish, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread is a natural choice, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. A crisp Caesar salad or a light garden salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the soup.
If you’re hosting, consider serving it with antipasto platters, roasted vegetables, or bruschetta for a more complete Italian-inspired spread. Garnishing with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs also adds a professional touch that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Tips for Perfecting Your Lasagna Soup
Even though Lasagna Soup is simple to make, a few tips can take it from good to outstanding. Cooking the pasta just until al dente ensures it holds its texture and doesn’t become mushy in the broth. Using high-quality tomatoes and broth provides a stronger, more authentic flavor.
Letting the soup rest for about 10 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stirring ricotta in at the end gives the soup creaminess without losing the rich tomato base. And most importantly, seasoning as you go ensures a balanced final dish.
Storage and Meal Prep Benefits
Lasagna Soup is also a fantastic option for meal prep. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for 3–4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2–3 months, making it an excellent choice for busy families or anyone who wants ready-made comfort food on hand.
When reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water to bring back the soup’s original consistency. This dish is one of those rare comfort foods that taste just as good, if not better, the next day.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is its adaptability. For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles, and swap chicken broth with vegetable broth. For extra protein, consider adding Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken.
Veggie lovers can add spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers for more texture and color. Cheese lovers might experiment with provolone or fontina for a different twist. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe one that you can return to again and again without it ever feeling repetitive.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is more than just a quicker version of traditional lasagna—it is a celebration of comfort, creativity, and practicality. By combining rich tomato broth, perfectly cooked pasta, hearty meat, and indulgent cheese in one pot, it captures everything people love about lasagna in a fraction of the time.
It is versatile, nutritious, family-friendly, and easy to adapt for different diets or flavor preferences. Whether served on a chilly evening, at a casual family dinner, or during meal prep for the week ahead, Lasagna Soup proves to be a dish that satisfies both the craving for comfort food and the need for convenience. For anyone looking to bring together the warmth of Italian flavors with modern simplicity, this recipe is an absolute must-try.