Lasagna Soup brings all the soul-warming, cheesy comfort of traditional lasagna into a cozy, brothy bowl. It’s the ultimate shortcut for anyone craving lasagna but not the time-consuming prep. Imagine tender bowtie pasta swimming in rich tomato broth, seasoned perfectly with Italian herbs, and topped with melty mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s lasagna reimagined with a spoon.
This dish is perfect for chilly nights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s incredibly versatile you can use your favorite pasta shapes, swap in turkey or sausage, or make it vegetarian with lentils and veggie broth. The best part? One pot. One glorious, flavor-packed pot that makes cleanup a breeze and comfort food dreams come true.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 lb ground beef
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1 large onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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3 oz tomato paste (about ¼ cup)
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4 cups chicken broth
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1–2 cups water (to adjust consistency)
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
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Black pepper to taste
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8 oz uncooked bowtie pasta
Suggested Toppings:
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½ cup ricotta cheese
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2 oz shredded mozzarella (about ½ cup)
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¼ cup shaved or grated Parmesan
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
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Add ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until beef is fully cooked, stirring frequently. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta.
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Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the pasta is tender, stirring often to avoid sticking.
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Add water or more broth as needed to reach your preferred soup consistency.
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Serve hot with toppings either added to the full pot or individually garnished on each serving: ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 169 kcal per cup | Servings: 12 cups
Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes stir up the same cozy nostalgia as lasagna. With its layers of tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and creamy cheese, it’s a time-honored classic that speaks to the soul. But let’s face it—traditional lasagna can be a bit of a production. Between boiling noodles, layering everything perfectly, and waiting for it to bake, it’s a labor of love that not everyone has time for on a busy weeknight. That’s where Lasagna Soup comes to the rescue.
Lasagna Soup offers all the beloved flavors of the traditional dish think hearty tomato sauce, tender pasta, ground beef, and a trifecta of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses but in a simplified, soupified form. It’s everything we love about lasagna, spooned from a single pot, in under an hour.
A Modern Twist on a Classic
Lasagna Soup is a relatively new concept in the culinary world, especially compared to its centuries-old predecessor. Traditional lasagna can be traced back to Ancient Rome and Greece, though the lasagna we know today was born in Naples during the Middle Ages. Over time, it became synonymous with layered comfort food across Italian and Italian-American kitchens.
Lasagna Soup is what happens when busy modern lives meet classic flavors. Instead of assembling and baking, you simmer everything together in one pot. The result is a deconstructed lasagna that doesn’t compromise on flavor but saves time, dishes, and hassle. It reflects a larger trend in home cooking: taking the essence of a dish and simplifying the technique for everyday life.
Flavorful and Family-Friendly
The beauty of Lasagna Soup lies in its bold, familiar flavors. It’s rich and hearty, with the depth of flavor you’d expect from slow cooked sauce, balanced by the creaminess of ricotta and the gooey pull of melted mozzarella. The pasta soaks up all the savory broth, and each bite is like a little lasagna explosion.
Even picky eaters tend to love it, making it a go-to for family meals. Kids who may shy away from vegetables in other contexts happily devour them in this dish, disguised in a vibrant tomato base and mixed with pasta and cheese. It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table and keeps them there for seconds.
A Canvas for Customization
Lasagna Soup is incredibly versatile. While the standard version uses ground beef and bowtie pasta, the recipe can be endlessly customized to fit different dietary needs and taste preferences.
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Vegetarian? Swap the beef for lentils, mushrooms, or a medley of chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
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Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb variation.
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Dairy-free or vegan? Opt for plant-based cheese alternatives, and use nutritional yeast to mimic Parmesan.
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Looking to lighten it up? Choose lean ground turkey or chicken, and cut back on cheese or use lower-fat options.
Adding crushed red pepper, fresh basil, or a splash of balsamic vinegar can also take the flavor to another level. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes experimentation while still staying true to its core.
A Meal Prep Hero
One of the most compelling reasons this soup has become a fan favorite is how well it fits into modern lifestyles. It’s not only quick to make, but also stores beautifully. In fact, like many soups, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
You can make a big batch and refrigerate it for up to five days or freeze it for months. It’s a brilliant meal prep solution for busy families, professionals, and anyone who wants to eat home-cooked meals throughout the week without daily effort.
Reheating is simple just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, as the noodles tend to absorb the liquid over time. Even after being frozen and reheated, it retains its flavor and texture impressively well.
Nutritional Insight
Lasagna Soup delivers comfort, but that doesn’t mean it has to be indulgent. When made with lean protein, whole grain or high-protein pasta, and a moderate amount of cheese, it can be a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
Compared to classic lasagna, it often has fewer calories per serving, thanks to reduced amounts of cheese and oil, and no layering or baking with additional fats. You’re also more likely to sneak in vegetables here, whether pureed into the sauce or chopped into the soup.
This makes it a smart choice for those looking to enjoy classic flavors in a slightly healthier format, all without compromising on the joy of the meal.
Tips for Success
To make the most of Lasagna Soup, a few tips can go a long way:
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Choose your pasta wisely. Sturdy shapes like bowtie, rigatoni, or even fusilli hold up well in the soup without becoming mushy.
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Don’t skip the seasoning. Italian seasoning blends, garlic, and fresh herbs enhance the broth and give it that classic lasagna essence.
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Add the cheese at the right time. For the ultimate experience, dollop ricotta and sprinkle mozzarella just before serving to preserve their textures.
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Mind your broth. Start with the amount called for, but keep extra broth or water handy to adjust the consistency as needed.
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Freeze before adding cheese. If you’re planning to freeze portions, it’s best to add the cheeses after reheating, just before serving.
Why It’s a Cold-Weather Champion
There’s something inherently comforting about a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. Lasagna Soup goes one step further it’s not just warm, it’s indulgent and filling. It satisfies the body and soul, perfect for nights when you need a hug in a bowl.
The mix of protein, carbs, and fats makes it hearty enough to serve as a complete dinner. Pair it with a simple side salad or warm bread for an unbeatable, well-rounded meal.
It’s also a wonderful option for gatherings. Serve a pot of this soup with bowls of cheese and herbs for guests to customize their own, and watch everyone dive in.
Conclusion:
Lasagna Soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It captures everything we love about traditional lasagna flavor, heartiness, and nostalgia but simplifies it into a manageable, one-pot dish perfect for weeknights, meal prep, and family gatherings.
Its adaptability means there’s a version for nearly everyone, whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, gluten-free, or just someone looking for something delicious. It’s easy to make, even easier to enjoy, and guaranteed to warm your kitchen and your heart.
In a fast paced world, we need meals that offer both comfort and convenience. Lasagna Soup delivers both, with a ladle full of love and just enough cheese to make every spoonful feel like home.