Lasagna Soup

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Lasagna holds a special place in the world of comfort food. Layers of hearty meat sauce, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese have warmed hearts for generations. Now imagine that iconic taste transformed into a cozy, savory soup—one that captures all the classic flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time and with far less effort. This Lasagna Soup is a one-pot wonder that’s ideal for busy weeknights and also perfect for impressing family and friends. The recipe combines the richness of a traditional lasagna with the convenience of a soup, making it a versatile and easy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

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Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this Lasagna Soup will quickly become a favorite. Read on to discover everything you need to know to bring this deliciously comforting dish to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has everything that makes lasagna wonderful—savory meat, tomatoes, a blend of Italian herbs, pasta, and, of course, cheese. But unlike the classic dish, you can whip up Lasagna Soup in just 45 minutes! It’s less labor-intensive, with no need to layer ingredients or worry about baking times. You’ll get a rich, tomatoey broth with pasta cooked to perfection, enveloped in a medley of cheeses that add creaminess and depth with every spoonful.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this Lasagna Soup so irresistible:

• Olive Oil: Adds a silky richness to the soup’s base, helping cook the onions, garlic, and beef to savory perfection.
• Ground Beef: The hearty meat base gives this soup its comforting, meaty depth. You can swap this with ground turkey for a leaner option, or even Italian sausage for a bit more spice.
• Onion & Garlic: Essential for flavor, these aromatics bring depth to the soup, infusing each spoonful with a satisfying taste.
• Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Provide the rich, tangy base of the soup. If you prefer a thicker texture, crushed tomatoes are a great substitute.
• Tomato Paste: Adds an extra layer of tomato flavor and helps thicken the broth, ensuring each bite is bursting with that classic lasagna taste.
• Chicken Broth: Serves as the soup’s primary liquid. Its mild flavor complements the tomatoes and herbs beautifully, but you can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer.
• Water: Adjusts the soup’s consistency, making it as thick or thin as you like.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme brings an authentic Italian flavor.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
• Pasta: Bowtie pasta is used here, but sturdy shapes like macaroni, rigatoni, or penne work well too. Avoid lasagna noodles, which tend to break down in soups over time.
• Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Parsley: The final flourish of cheese and herbs elevates the dish. Ricotta and mozzarella add creaminess, Parmesan gives a salty bite, and fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start with the Soup Base

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat, adding olive oil once the pot is hot. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté everything until the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Broth

Once the beef mixture is ready, add the diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste is fully incorporated. Pour in the chicken broth and water, adjusting the amount of water depending on your desired soup thickness.

Step 3: Season and Add Pasta

Add the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly. Add the pasta, then increase the heat to high to bring the soup to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. The pasta will cook directly in the soup, absorbing its rich flavors. If you notice the soup thickening too much or the pasta sticking, add more water or broth a little at a time.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Goodness

For serving, you have two options: mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan directly into the pot for a creamier soup, or serve the cheeses on the side for each guest to add to their individual bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Pressure Cooker Instructions (Optional)

If you’re pressed for time or just love the ease of a pressure cooker, this Lasagna Soup adapts beautifully. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Set the pressure cooker to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic, and sauté until cooked through, draining any excess fat.
3. Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth, then add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, remaining broth, seasonings, and pasta.
4. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on high for 1 minute.
5. For al dente pasta, release pressure immediately; for softer pasta, allow a 10-minute natural release. Adjust the broth with water if needed, and serve as directed.

Tasting Notes: Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

From the very first spoonful, you’ll experience a harmony of flavors. The soup’s broth is robust and tangy from the tomatoes, with a gentle sweetness that balances out the savory elements. The beef adds heartiness, while the Italian seasoning imparts an herbaceous quality that transports you straight to Italy. The pasta is tender but firm, giving structure to each bite, while the cheeses melt into the hot soup, creating creamy pockets of flavor. A hint of fresh parsley on top ties everything together, bringing a light, herbal finish to this otherwise hearty bowl.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: If you prefer a leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with mushrooms or add cannellini beans for protein.
• Thicker Broth: Use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes for a thicker, more stew-like texture.
• Extra Veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Fontina or Gruyère, for a unique twist.
• Pasta Selection: While bowtie pasta is a great choice, feel free to use any small pasta shape. Avoid fragile pasta types like lasagna noodles or orzo, as they can become mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to create a true Italian-inspired feast, consider pairing it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or crusty artisan bread for dipping. For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can lend a slight sweetness to contrast the tomato base.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Lasagna Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container. As the pasta will absorb the broth over time, you may want to add extra water or broth when reheating. This soup also freezes well for up to three months, though for best results, store the soup without the pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.

Closing Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup is everything we love about traditional lasagna—meaty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—packaged in an easier, more approachable format. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia to the table, appealing to everyone from kids to grandparents. With minimal prep and a warm, savory flavor profile, this soup is sure to become a staple in your household.