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There’s something about a steaming bowl of lasagna soup that feels like a warm hug. Maybe it’s the rich tomato base, the creamy cheese, or the tender pasta soaking up all those incredible flavors. If you’re a fan of classic lasagna, but don’t always have the time (or patience) to layer everything into a baking dish, this soup is your perfect solution.
Imagine all the flavors of traditional lasagna, but in a one-pot, fuss-free meal that comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying lasagna soup is a must-try!
Ingredients: What You Need for the Best Lasagna Soup
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything ready to go. This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Olive Oil | 1-2 tablespoons | Adds richness and helps brown the beef. |
Ground Beef | 1 pound | Provides a hearty, meaty base for the soup. |
Onion | 1 large, diced | Adds depth and a mild sweetness. |
Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | Boosts the aromatic flavors. |
Diced Tomatoes | 1 (15-ounce) can | Adds texture and a bright tomato flavor. |
Tomato Sauce | 1 (15-ounce) can | Forms a smooth and rich base. |
Tomato Paste | 3 ounces (¼ cup) | Enhances the depth of the tomato flavor. |
Chicken Broth | 4 cups | Thins out the soup and adds a savory balance. |
Water | 1-2 cups (as needed) | Adjusts the consistency. |
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Italian Seasoning – 1 tablespoon (for that classic lasagna taste).
- Sea Salt – 1 teaspoon (or more to taste).
- Black Pepper – To taste (adds a little warmth and spice).
Pasta & Cheesy Toppings
- Bowtie Pasta – 8 ounces (cooked directly in the soup).
- Ricotta Cheese – ½ cup (adds a creamy, luxurious texture).
- Mozzarella Cheese – 2 ounces (about ½ cup, for that gooey melt).
- Parmesan Cheese – ¼ cup (shaved, shredded, or freshly grated).
- Fresh Parsley – ¼ cup (for a bright and fresh garnish).
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Lasagna Soup
Making this soup is as simple as throwing everything into a pot, letting the flavors meld together, and finishing it off with a generous helping of cheese. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of cheesy perfection in no time.
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Step 1: Sauté & Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Add the uncooked bowtie pasta directly into the soup.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Toppings
- Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese for a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, letting them melt into the soup.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Lasagna Soup
Want to make your soup even better? Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish:
✔️ Use Fresh Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer.
✔️ Make it Creamier – For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
✔️ Adjust the Thickness – Add more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency, or let it simmer longer to thicken.
✔️ Try Different Pastas – Bowtie pasta works great, but you can also use rotini, penne, or broken lasagna noodles.
Variations & Customizations
There are plenty of ways to tweak this lasagna soup to fit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:
🔥 Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
🌱 Vegetarian Option – Swap the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.
🧄 Garlic Lover’s Twist – Double the garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
What to Serve with Lasagna Soup
Pair your lasagna soup with these delicious sides to round out your meal:
- Garlic Bread – The perfect crispy, buttery side to soak up every last drop.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich soup.
- Red Wine or Sparkling Water – A great beverage pairing for balance.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your lasagna soup fresh:
🛑 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🛑 Freeze: If you plan to freeze, store the soup without the pasta (it gets mushy when reheated). Add fresh pasta when reheating.
🛑 Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth as needed to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use another type of pasta?
✔️ Yes! Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works well.
❓ Can I make this in a slow cooker?
✔️ Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then transfer everything (except the pasta) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes.
❓ How do I make it extra creamy?
✔️ Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.
❓ Can I make it dairy-free?
✔️ Swap the cheese for dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based ricotta or vegan mozzarella.
❓ What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
✔️ Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) to thicken.
Final Thoughts: Why This Lasagna Soup is a Must-Try
If you love comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meals, this lasagna soup is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for the whole family. Whether you enjoy it fresh or as leftovers, this dish never disappoints.
Try it out and let us know—what’s your favorite topping or twist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Creamy & Cheesy Lasagna Soup – A Must-Try Family Favorite!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Creamy & Cheesy Lasagna Soup is a cozy, one-pot meal that delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a rich, hearty soup. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato base, it’s topped with a blend of melty cheeses for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 ounces (¼ cup) tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 cups water (as needed)
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper to taste
Pasta & Cheesy Toppings:
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (or pasta of choice)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Sauté the Beef & Aromatics:
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- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2️⃣ Build the Soup Base:
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Pour in chicken broth and water.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Add uncooked bowtie pasta directly to the soup.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender.
4️⃣ Finish with Cheese:
- Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top, allowing it to melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese.
- To thicken the soup, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for mushrooms or lentils.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American