Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup has all the flavors of classic lasagna but in a hearty, comforting soup form. The rich tomato base, savory ground beef, and tender pasta come together in a cozy bowl, topped with a cheesy dollop that melts beautifully into every bite. I love how it gives me the same satisfaction as traditional lasagna but with far less effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for a crowd. It makes a big batch, which is great for family dinners or meal prep. The cheesy topping gives it that authentic lasagna taste without needing to layer or bake anything. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe, so cleanup is simple.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢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
▢⅓ 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
▢8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked), *see footnote

▢½ cup Ricotta Cheese
▢2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
▢¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved, shredded, or fresh grated
▢¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Directions

1. I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, cooking until browned.
2. I stir in the onion and cook until softened, then add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. I mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring well.
4. I pour in the chicken broth and 1 cup of water, adding more later if needed to adjust consistency.
5. I stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. I let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. I add the uncooked pasta and continue simmering until the pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes.
7. While the pasta cooks, I prepare the cheesy topping by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley in a small bowl.
8. I serve the soup hot with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 cups, which is around 8 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook, so I can usually have it ready in under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor. If I want a lighter version, I swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. I also like switching up the pasta shape—rotini or broken lasagna noodles work perfectly. For more veggies, I add spinach or zucchini toward the end of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Since the pasta continues to absorb liquid, I often add more broth when reheating. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over medium heat or microwave individual portions. This soup also freezes well—though I prefer freezing it without the pasta, then adding fresh pasta when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use broken lasagna noodles instead of bowtie pasta?

Yes, broken lasagna noodles make the soup feel even more authentic.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, I swap the beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth.

How do I keep the pasta from getting too soft?

I cook the pasta just until al dente and avoid simmering it too long after adding.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I brown the meat and onions first, then add everything (except the pasta and cheese) to the slow cooker. I stir in the pasta about 30 minutes before serving.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, I dice about 4–5 fresh tomatoes and cook them down until saucy before adding.

Does this soup freeze well?

Yes, but I recommend freezing it without the pasta. I add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

What cheese works best for the topping?

I like the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan blend, but cottage cheese also works in place of ricotta.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, I add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.

What can I serve with lasagna soup?

I love serving it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

How do I thicken the soup?

I simmer it uncovered to reduce the liquid or add a little extra tomato paste.

Conclusion

This lasagna soup is rich, hearty, and loaded with cheesy goodness. I love how it captures all the best parts of lasagna in a cozy, easy-to-make soup. Whether I serve it for family dinner or save it for meal prep, it’s always a comforting and satisfying meal.

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