If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of traditional Italian lasagna but want something quicker and cozier in a bowl, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines hearty ground beef, rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and melty mozzarella, delivering the essence of lasagna in a delightful, spoon-worthy form. Every bite bursts with warmth and familiarity, perfect for those nights when you want the best of both worlds: comfort food that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Lasagna Soup Recipe, you’ll rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role—from the savory depth of browned beef to the bright freshness of basil. These pantry staples easily come together to create an unforgettable flavor and a satisfying texture.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty base and savory depth to the soup.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aromatic complexity when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts flavor with a subtle spicy warmth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flair.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds gentle heat and peppery notes.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings fresh tomato chunks and a pleasant acidity.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich tomato base for the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: Adds depth and a warm, savory liquid foundation.
- 1 cup uncooked pasta: The hearty noodles that transform the soup into a filling meal.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top for creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Provides a bright, fresh finish and vibrant color.
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 nicely browned and full of flavor, stirring occasionally to break it up. Then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking together until they soften and release those irresistible aromas. This foundational step builds the savory soul of your lasagna soup.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Once your meat and aromatics are ready, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the mixture with the herbs and spices, waking up the flavors beautifully. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the smooth tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Bring this vibrant mix to a gentle simmer so all those rich flavors meld perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Soup
With the broth simmering, add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Cook it until al dente, according to the package instructions, allowing each piece to soak up the hearty flavors. This step transforms the soup from just broth and ingredients into a comforting, filling meal that’s all about that classic lasagna texture in every bite.
Step 4: Serve with Cheese and Basil
Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and immediately top with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella. The cheese will start to melt into the soup, creating luscious pockets of creamy delight. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil to brighten the entire dish with a hint of herbal freshness and a pop of color.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Lasagna Soup Recipe, don’t skimp on fresh garnishes. Chopped basil is a must for its vibrant fragrance, but a sprinkle of extra mozzarella or even grated Parmesan cheese can add richness and an inviting, gooey finish. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes also makes a tasty addition if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to mop up every last flavorful drop. A simple Caesar salad or a crisp green salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty soup, creating a balanced, satisfying meal that feels indulgent but fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a fun twist that doubles as a vessel and side dish. Alternatively, a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs and a small dollop of ricotta cheese on top instantly adds a gourmet touch and echoes those layers of traditional lasagna in a clever new way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna Soup Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store your soup in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy after thawing, consider undercooking it slightly before freezing. Freeze the soup in portions, which makes reheating a breeze and perfect for easy lunches or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat your lasagna soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to evenly warm the cheese and keep the pasta tender. If the soup has thickened too much in storage, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that will still deliver plenty of flavor, especially when seasoned well. Just brown it properly to build that savory base.
What kind of pasta works best in lasagna soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they cook quickly and balance well with the soup’s texture, mimicking lasagna noodles’ bite.
Is this soup spicy?
The Lasagna Soup Recipe as written is mild and comforting, but you can always add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you want to spice things up.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or use a plant-based meat alternative, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free version.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
To keep pasta from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking it when making the soup, especially if you plan to store leftovers. Cooking pasta just until al dente and adding any extra pasta when reheating is also a helpful trick.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic Italian dish without the fuss of assembling layers. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with warmth, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how wonderfully simple ingredients combined with a little love can create something truly special in a bowl.
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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 recipe offers all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna in a hearty, easy-to-make soup. Combining browned ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, Italian seasoning, and tender pasta simmered in a tomato and beef broth, this dish is topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for a deliciously satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 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
Liquids and Pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (such as small shells or elbow macaroni)
Toppings
- 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 fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Season and simmer: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to the pasta package instructions—usually about 8–10 minutes—until pasta is tender.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a bright, herbal finish. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use small pasta shapes like shells or elbow macaroni to mimic the texture of lasagna noodles in the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but add dried basil earlier during simmering to enhance flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent cheese from overcooking.
