Lasagna Soup Recipe

Oh, how I love a good bowl of comfort! Let me take you on a little journey back to that crisp autumn afternoon when I first concocted my Lasagna Soup recipe. The air was full of golden sunlight filtering through the trees, and the scent of simmering sauce wafted through my cozy kitchen like a warm hug. I had friends coming over, and I wanted to impress them without spending the entire day slaving over the stove. So, I took the classic lasagna—one of my all-time favorites—and transformed it into a warm, inviting soup that would wrap us in comfort faster than you could say “mamma mia!”

As the ingredients mingled together in that pot, the aroma of garlic and onion sizzling away made my mouth water. The rich, savory sauce mixed with diced tomatoes and gooey cheese created a symphony of flavors that I knew would leave everyone grinning from ear to ear. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love a quick and easy way to enjoy such culinary nostalgia? Spoiler alert: My friends couldn’t get enough, and neither will you!

So, gather your loved ones and let’s dive into this hearty Lasagna Soup recipe that promises to keep you cozy, full, and happy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just one pot, you’ll have minimal cleanup and maximum cozy vibes!
• Quick to Prepare: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
• Super Flavorful: Packed with robust Italian flavors, every spoonful is a delight.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends—everyone loves it!
• Comforting & Cozy: This soup wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, just like a hug from grandma.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry!

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality oil gives your soup a great foundation.
• 1 pound Ground Beef: Adds that hearty richness; you can also use turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option!
• 1 large Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth—don’t skip the onion sauté!
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better; it makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
• 1 (15-ounce can) Diced Tomatoes, undrained: The juicy tomatoes are the star of the show, bringing brightness to the dish.
• 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce or Tomato Puree: This enhances the rich tomato flavor—you can even swap it out for marinara if you’d like a little extra punch!
• ⅓ cup Tomato Paste (about half of a 6-ounce can): For that concentrated tomato goodness, allowing a velvety texture.
• 4 cups Chicken Broth: This is the soul of the soup; you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
• 1-2 cups Water (to adjust consistency): Use as needed; if you like a brothier soup, don’t hold back!
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings all the Italian feels to your bowl.
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste): Essential for amplifying flavors!
• Black Pepper (to taste): A dash of spice to make it nice.
• 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked): These cute little bowties hold the sauce and flavor beautifully.
• ½ cup Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and is delightful in every spoonful—don’t be shy with it!
• 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded: Because who doesn’t love melty cheese?
• ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved or shredded: A finishing touch that will make you feel fancy!
• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the whole dish!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Start by heating 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Listen for that inviting sizzling sound as the oil warms, signaling the start of something delicious!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Beef

Next, toss in 1 pound of ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell! It’s like a cozy Italian kitchen inviting you in.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Goodness

Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked bowtie pasta. Give it a good stir and bring this beautiful concoction to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. If your soup looks too thick, just a bit of water or broth will do the trick to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Garnish

It’s time to make this soup even more divine! Stir in the ricotta and half of the mozzarella, letting it melt into the warm soup. Serve it up hot and garnish with the rest of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Step 6: Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but let’s hope!), refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. If reheating, remember to add a splash of broth to help restore that lovely consistency.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t rush the sauté: Letting the onions caramelize suavely will bring out their sweetness.
• Thickness matters: Feel free to adjust with water or broth to get it just right for your taste.
• Toppings are key: Don’t just stop at cheese; consider a fresh basil chiffonade or a dollop of mascarpone!
• Prep ahead: Chop and prepare your veggies in advance to speed up your cooking time.
• Flavor boost: A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end can elevate your soup even more.

Flavor Variations

• Seasonal Swaps: Add in fresh spinach or kale for a nutritional boost in the winter!
• Cheesy Delight: Throw in some provolone or fontina cheese for extra pizzazz.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of heat in their soup.
• Meatless Magic: Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions

This Lasagna Soup pairs beautifully with a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread or a side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Serve it in big bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra cheese, and perhaps pour a nice glass of Chianti or sparkling water to toast this comforting meal!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can definitely prep this dish ahead of time! Just prepare it up until the simmering stage, cool it down, then store it in the fridge for one to two days. When you’re ready, finish cooking and enjoy!

Leftovers

Transform any leftovers into a delightful baked pasta dish! Just mix the soup with some cooked pasta and top with cheese, then bake until bubbly.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this soup! Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It’s best eaten within 3 months for optimal flavor. To thaw, simply let it sit in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the best reheating experience, I recommend warming it gently in a pot on the stove and adding extra broth as needed. The microwave works too, but you might lose some of that cozy charm!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand, though I recommend smaller shapes so they’re easy to enjoy in soup form.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative, and you’re all set!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or a protein alternative, and use vegetable broth.

How can I make this soup spicy?
Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions for a nice kick!

Final Thoughts

Cooking is all about creating magic in the kitchen, and this Lasagna Soup truly embodies the love and warmth we associate with our best food memories. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, scoop out portions of this delightful soup, and share not just a meal but a moment! Remember, the kitchen should be a joyful place, filled with laughter and good times. So put on your comfy apron, hum a little tune, and let your culinary creativity shine! Until next time, happy cooking from my cozy kitchen to yours!