If you’ve ever craved the cozy comfort of lasagna but want it in a quicker, lighter form, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. Imagine all the savory, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors of classic lasagna captured in a steaming bowl of soup that’s ready in just 35 minutes. It’s hearty yet simple, a perfect dish to enjoy any night of the week when you want warmth and satisfaction without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this Lasagna Soup Recipe hits all the right notes with layers of rich beef, roasted garlic, tangy tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella melted right on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component has an important role, building layers of flavor and texture—from the ground beef’s hearty bite to the fresh basil’s bright finish.
- Ground beef: The base of your soup, providing rich, meaty flavor and protein.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic warmth to the soup’s foundation.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian flair.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the broth.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Provide a juicy tang and textured bite reminiscent of tomato sauce in traditional lasagna.
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and creates a smooth base.
- Beef broth: The liquid element that carries all the savory notes and simmers the pasta.
- Uncooked pasta: I used small shapes like elbow or mini penne that cook right in the soup for convenience.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for that signature gooey, cheesy finish.
- Fresh basil: Chopped fresh leaves brighten the soup just before serving.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned. This browning step develops rich, meaty flavors that form the backbone of the soup. Then, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant. The combination of these cooked aromatics sets a savory stage for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Season and Add Tomatoes
Once your beef and veggies are ready, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with salt and black pepper. These simple spices are key to capturing that quintessential lasagna taste. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. This creates a rich, flavorful broth with all the classic tomato and herb notes you expect from lasagna.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Soup
Here’s where the magic happens: add your uncooked pasta directly into the simmering broth. There’s no need to pre-boil since the pasta will cook right in the soup, soaking up all those amazing flavors. Follow the package instructions for timing—you’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite, offering a perfect contrast to the smooth broth.
Step 4: Serve with Cheese and Basil
Now for the best part: ladle the hot soup into bowls, then sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. The cheese melts into warm, gooey ribbons that feel indulgent without being heavy. Finish with a scattering of fresh basil for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the shredded mozzarella and basil called for in the recipe, you can get creative with garnishes to elevate your bowl of lasagna soup. A dollop of ricotta or a sprinkling of grated Parmesan offers a creamy, salty boost. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can bring a lovely aromatic touch.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crispy garlic bread or a fresh green salad complements the flavors and adds some texture contrast. Toasted breadsticks or soft focaccia are perfect for dipping into the tomato-rich broth, making every spoonful a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Lasagna Soup Recipe in mini ramekins or bread bowls when hosting guests—it’s comforting but still elegant. You can also layer the soup with mozzarella and Parmesan in an oven-safe dish and broil it for a couple of minutes until bubbly and golden on top. It’s like a hybrid of lasagna and soup that’s perfect for a dinner party or cozy night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once it cools and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, making the next day’s meal just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup longer, freezing is definitely an option. Make sure to cool the soup completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will last up to three months frozen. Just remember that pasta can become a little softer after freezing, but the comfort and taste remain fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lasagna soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Stir in a little fresh cheese or basil after reheating to revive that fresh lasagna feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat in this Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be great substitutes if you want a leaner or more flavorful option. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed and enjoy the twist.
What pasta shape works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, mini penne, or ditalini are ideal because they cook quickly and hold up well in the broth. Larger shapes might stay chewy and become cumbersome to eat with a spoon.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add mushrooms or lentils for extra texture and protein to maintain that hearty quality.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency, cook the soup uncovered to allow some liquid to evaporate or add a spoonful of tomato paste. You can also stir in some ricotta cheese for creaminess.
Can I prepare this Lasagna Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the tomatoes, broth, and seasoning. Add the pasta towards the end, about 20-30 minutes before serving, so it doesn’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those happy dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying—all the beloved elements of traditional lasagna transformed into a cozy, slurpable soup. Whether you’re a longtime lasagna fan or just looking to mix up your weeknight dinners, I truly hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it just like I have.
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Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Lasagna Soup combines all the flavors of classic lasagna into a hearty and easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and Italian seasonings simmer together and are topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for a delicious meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef in the pot, cooking until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering soup, cooking according to the pasta package instructions until tender.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and freshly chopped basil for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- The type of pasta can be substituted with any small pasta shape such as elbow macaroni or small shells.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the broth used.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and also freeze well for up to 2 months.
