Lasagna Soup

A short, engaging description of the dish: Lasagna soup is a comforting, hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease of a one-pot soup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Recipe appeal: This dish is easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with Italian-inspired flavors.

Unique features: Unlike traditional lasagna, this soup version is quicker to prepare and allows for customization with various toppings and pasta types.

Why readers will love it: It’s a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and versatile, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

• Essential tools and equipment:
  • A large soup pot or Dutch oven (4.5 quarts or larger)
  • A sharp chef’s knife for chopping onions and garlic
  • A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • A colander for draining excess fat (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
• Importance of each tool:
  • The soup pot ensures even cooking and prevents spills.
  • A sharp knife makes prep work faster and safer.
  • A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring without scratching the pot.
• Preparation tips:
  • Chop all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother process.
  • Use a non-stick pot to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Ingredients List

• For the soup:
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred oil)
  • 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or tomato puree
  • 3 ounces tomato paste (about ¼ cup)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1-2 cups water (or more as needed to adjust consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked; see notes for substitutions)
• Suggested toppings:
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or grated
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

• Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
• Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta.
• Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
• Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more water or broth, if needed.
• Serve with toppings of your choice: either stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into the entire soup or serve them on the side for individual servings. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the soup in deep bowls to retain heat and make it easier to enjoy with toppings.
• Offer a variety of toppings on the side, such as:
  • Extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
  • A dollop of ricotta cheese for creaminess
  • Fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness
  • Crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
  • Garlic breadsticks or crusty bread for dipping
• Pair the soup with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

• Overcooking the pasta:
  • To prevent mushy pasta, cook it just until al dente. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so slightly undercooking it ensures the perfect texture.
• Skipping the deglazing step:
  • After browning the ground beef, deglaze the pot with a splash of broth or water to incorporate the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Not adjusting the consistency:
  • The pasta will absorb liquid over time, so add more water or broth as needed to achieve the desired thickness. If the soup is too thick, simply stir in a bit of broth or water before serving.
• Using the wrong pasta:
  • Avoid using delicate pasta like lasagna noodles, as they tend to break apart. Opt for sturdy pasta like bowtie, penne, rigatoni, or macaroni.
• Overcrowding the pot:
  • Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a messy stovetop.

Side Dish Recommendations

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Caesar Salad: Adds a refreshing crunch with its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Such as zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli, for a healthy and colorful side.
• Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft, cheesy, and ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Caprese Salad: A light and fresh option featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
• Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables for a hearty appetizer.
• Grilled Asparagus: A simple and elegant side that complements the soup’s richness.
• Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with cheese and herbs, these make a flavorful and satisfying addition.

Recipe Tips

• Pasta Choices: Use sturdy pasta like bowtie, penne, rigatoni, or macaroni to prevent it from breaking apart. Avoid lasagna noodles unless you plan to serve the soup immediately.
• Protein Variations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat for a different flavor profile.
• Broth Thickness: For a thicker broth, use canned crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes. If you prefer a lighter soup, add more chicken broth or water.
• Tomato Substitutions: If you don’t have canned tomato products, replace them with a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and 1 cup of water.
• Cheese Toppings: Customize the cheese toppings to your liking. Try burrata for a creamy twist or pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Herb Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of freshness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 90 days. For best results, leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add small amounts of water or broth to adjust the consistency, as the pasta will absorb liquid during storage.
  • Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs (Based on “People Also Ask”)

• Can I use lasagna noodles in this soup?
  Yes, but they tend to break apart over time. Sturdy pasta like bowtie or penne works better for leftovers.
• Can I make this soup vegetarian?
  Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• How can I make the soup spicier?
  Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
  Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid. Fresh tomatoes tend to release more water, so reduce the amount of broth or water initially.
• Is this soup freezer-friendly?
  Yes, it freezes well for up to 90 days. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
  Yes! Brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

• Lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings the flavors of traditional lasagna to your table in a fraction of the time. With its hearty broth, tender pasta, and cheesy toppings, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is a versatile and satisfying choice.
• Its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and freezer-friendly nature make it a go-to recipe for busy households. Plus, the ability to adapt it to dietary preferences—like vegetarian or gluten-free—ensures everyone can enjoy it.
• So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a bowl of lasagna soup that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and sides to make it your own!

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Lasagna Soup

This delicious and comforting lasagna soup is an easy, one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna with less effort. It’s hearty, saucy, and perfect for family dinners. With tender pasta, a rich tomato broth, and a cheesy topping, this soup is sure to be a hit!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 12

Calories: 195kcal

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 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 (do not drain)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce or tomato puree
• 3 ounces tomato paste about ¼ cup
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 cups water or more as needed to adjust consistency
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sea salt or more to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces bowtie pasta uncooked; see notes for substitutions

Suggested Toppings:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded (about ½ cup)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shaved, shredded, or grated
• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

• Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
• Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta.
• Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
• Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more water or broth, if needed.
• Serve with toppings of your choice: either stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into the entire soup or serve them on the side for individual servings. Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Storage Instructions
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 90 days (or longer if vacuum sealed).
• Reheating Instructions
• When reheating, add small amounts of water or broth as needed to adjust the consistency, as the noodles will absorb some of the broth during storage.
• Notes
• Use sturdy pasta like bowtie, macaroni, rigatoni, or penne, as lasagna noodles tend to break apart by the second or third day.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• For a thicker broth, you can use canned crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes.
• If you don’t have canned tomato products on hand, replace them with a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and 1 cup of water.
• Pressure Cooker Instructions
• Select “Sauté” mode and heat olive oil in the pressure cooker.
• Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic; sauté until cooked through. Drain excess fat, then deglaze the pot with a splash of broth. Press “Cancel.”
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta.
• Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 1 minute. For al dente pasta, perform a quick release. For softer pasta, allow natural release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
• Stir the soup and adjust the consistency with additional water or broth, if needed. Follow the serving instructions above.