Name: Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil, or preferred oil; 1 pound Ground Beef; 1 large Onion, diced; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 (15-ounce can) Diced Tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce or tomato puree; ⅓ cup Tomato Paste (about half of a 6-ounce can); 4 cups Chicken Broth; 1-2 cups Water, to adjust consistency; 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, or more as needed to taste; Black Pepper, to taste; 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked) or similar sturdy pasta; ½ cup Ricotta Cheese; 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (about ½ cup); ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved, shredded, or freshly grated; ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Oh, you’re going to love this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe – it’s honestly one of my all-time favorite comforts on a chilly day. Imagine all the cozy, rich flavors of classic lasagna, but in a bowl you can spoon up in minutes. I love how it’s like a warm hug in soup form, perfect for when you want something hearty but without the hours of baking.

What’s great about this recipe is how straightforward it is to throw together, yet it feels totally special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something filling after a long day, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe works perfectly. Plus, it’s a total win for leftovers, which means you can look forward to the flavors deepening as it sits!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to capture the essence of that classic Italian dish, without the fuss. I always recommend using good-quality broth and fresh herbs if you can – it really lifts the entire dish.

Olive Oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to sauté the beef and veggies; it adds a subtle fruity note that rounds out the flavors.
Ground Beef: I like lean beef to keep the soup from getting too greasy, but some fat adds flavor – just don’t overdo it.
Onion: Dice it finely so it melts into the soup, giving sweetness without chunks that distract from the texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that authentic taste; don’t substitute garlic powder here.
Diced Tomatoes: Use canned with juices – the chunks add body and fresh tomato flavor.
Tomato Sauce: This keeps the broth silky and smooth; tomato puree works just as well if you prefer.
Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato richness; be sure to stir it in well so it doesn’t clump.
Chicken Broth: I prefer homemade or low-sodium store-bought so I can control the saltiness.
Water: To adjust consistency – don’t skip this step if you like a thinner soup.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that’ll bring the soup alive – fresh herbs are even better if you have them!
Sea Salt: Season carefully – it’s easier to add than take away.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground, of course – it gives that little bite that balances all the tomatoes.
Bowtie Pasta: I love bowtie for its fun shape and sturdiness in soup, but rigatoni or penne work too.
Ricotta Cheese: Swirls of this creamy filling in each bowl makes it feel totally like lasagna.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh shredded for melty goodness that you’ll want to stretch with your spoon.
Parmesan Cheese: Shaved or grated, it’s the finishing touch that adds sharp, nutty flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the bowl and adds freshness just before serving.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is, so I encourage you to make it your own. Feel free to swap in ingredients or tweak flavors to fit what you and your family enjoy.

Meatless version: I often skip the ground beef and toss in chopped mushrooms and zucchini instead. It feels hearty but lighter and adds lovely texture.
Spicy kick: Adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce turns up the heat, which I adore on cold days when I want a little extra warmth.
Swap pasta shapes: Try mini shells or broken lasagna noodles – whatever you have handy. Just watch the cooking time since smaller pasta cooks faster in soup.
Dairy-free adjustment: If you’re avoiding cheese, coconut milk stirred in at the end adds creaminess, though it’s a totally different vibe.
Seasonal twist: I sometimes add chopped spinach or kale at the end of cooking for extra greens, which sneaks in some nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base

Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part; letting the onion soften beautifully adds natural sweetness that balances the tomato’s acidity. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, but be sure not to burn it.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef right into the pot with the onions and garlic. Break it up as you cook, letting it brown evenly—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. I usually season lightly with salt and pepper here to build flavor. Once browned, drain excess fat if there’s too much, but leaving a little helps the soup stay rich and comforting.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Now stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all those layers of tomato goodness. Pour in your chicken broth and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer on medium-low heat. This is where the flavors start to get friendly with each other, so give it about 10 minutes to blend.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Soup

Add the bowtie pasta directly to the simmering soup and cook uncovered, following the package timing—usually about 10-12 minutes. Give the pot a frequent stir so the pasta doesn’t stick together. If the soup looks too thick, add water a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency. The pasta will soak up liquid as it cooks, which is perfectly fine because you can always thin it out as you go.

Step 5: Finish with Cheeses and Herbs

Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat. I like to stir in dollops of ricotta cheese right into the soup—it melts into little creamy clouds. Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella and half your parmesan, letting them soften in the residual heat. Just before serving, toss in chopped parsley for that fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with a rich tomato-based soup containing three layers: the bottom layer is a red, slightly oily broth, the middle layer has small chunks of cooked ground meat mixed with diced tomatoes, and the top layer includes light yellow bowtie pasta floating through the soup, sprinkled with small green parsley pieces. A white ladle rests inside the pot, partially dipped into the soup. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth nearby, a bunch of fresh parsley on the left, and a small white plate with chopped parsley and a small brown bowl of grated cheese with a spoon on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, I’m all about the final touches that make it extra inviting. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top adds salty depth. I also love scattering some chopped fresh parsley—its brightness brightens every spoonful. For a little indulgence, sometimes I add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if guests want some heat.

Side Dishes

While this soup is a meal in itself, I often serve it with crusty garlic bread to sop up every last bit. A simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, especially when you want to balance out the rich cheese and meat. If you’re feeling fancy, roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers pair beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve served this for a special family dinner is in mini cast-iron skillets or ovenproof bowls—then I pop a little extra mozzarella on top and broil it until bubbly and golden. It feels cozy and a bit fancy without extra complexity. You can also layer the cheeses in the bowls beforehand and ladle the soup on top for a dramatic, ooey-gooey pull.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Because the pasta swells as it sits, I sometimes add a splash of water or broth before reheating to loosen things up. This soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to marry.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully a few times. Just be sure to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing, or it can get mushy. Freeze portions in sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little broth or water as needed to keep it soupy. Microwave works in a pinch, but be sure to cover and stir every minute or so for even heating. If you love that melty cheese texture, add fresh mozzarella or parmesan right before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and you’ll still get all the lasagna flavors in a cozy, meatless package.
What pasta works best in this lasagna soup?

I find bowtie pasta perfect because it holds its shape well and has enough surface area for sauce to cling. That said, penne, rigatoni, or even broken lasagna noodles work great too—just watch the cooking time so the pasta doesn’t become mushy.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the whole soup and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just add fresh cheese toppings when reheating and serving for the best texture and flavor. Freezing is possible, but undercook the pasta slightly to avoid sogginess.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If the soup feels too thick after the pasta cooks, just stir in a bit of water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it hearty but still brothy enough to enjoy with a spoon!
What’s the best way to add cheese to the soup?

I love swirling ricotta into each bowl and sprinkling shredded mozzarella and parmesan on top just before serving. This keeps the cheese creamy and fresh, and creates that classic lasagna experience in soup form.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving hearty comfort food but want it quick and fuss-free, I seriously can’t recommend this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe enough. It hits all the right notes with melty cheese, savory beef, and that rich tomato broth that warms you from the inside out. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight dinners—just like it did for me. So grab that pot, invite some friends or family, and enjoy every comforting spoonful of this delightful soup!