Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you love lasagna but wish it were a little quicker and a lot easier to serve, Lasagna Soup is your dream come true. This recipe delivers all the flavor of traditional lasagna savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, herbs, and creamy cheese but in a cozy, comforting bowl of soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep, this soup is hearty, satisfying, and downright irresistible.

Lasagna soup takes the beloved layered Italian classic and transforms it into a one-pot wonder. Each bite delivers tender pasta, rich tomato-beef broth, and optional creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese, giving you all the indulgence of a traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

• All-in-One Comfort: Contains pasta, protein, and rich tomato sauce in a single bowl.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour—no oven needed.
• Customizable: Adjust spices and herbs to suit your family’s taste.
• Kid-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and full of familiar flavors.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 6–8 servings of hearty lasagna soup.

Soup Base & Meat

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (ButcherBox or your preferred quality)
• ½ cup minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (low or no sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, omit if you prefer mild)

Liquids & Pasta

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 5 oz)

Optional Toppings

• ¼ cup ricotta cheese per serving
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese per serving

Serving Size: 6–8 servings

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using fresh Parmesan)
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
• Add minced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

• Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot.
• Cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
• Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Tomato & Seasonings

• Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow herbs to bloom.

4. Incorporate Broth and Water

• Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 2 cups water.
• Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Add reginetti or broken lasagna noodles.
• Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Adjust Seasoning & Serve

• Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
• Serve hot, optionally topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground “beef” or lentils instead of meat.
• Dairy-Free: Skip ricotta and Parmesan or use dairy-free alternatives.
• Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for mild or spicy versions.
• Pasta Alternatives: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or any short pasta if reginetti isn’t available.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase nutrients and texture.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This soup is savory, tangy, and comforting. The herbs create a classic Italian flavor, while the ground beef and pasta make it hearty. Optional ricotta adds creaminess, and Parmesan provides salty, nutty depth.

Drink Pairings

• Wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato and beef flavors.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a simple iced tea refreshes the palate.

Best Sides

• Garlic bread or crostini for dipping
• Fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving (1/6 of recipe, without optional cheese):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	330 kcal
Protein	23 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	600 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free if using gluten-free pasta; dairy-free if skipping ricotta and Parmesan.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Ingredients: Mince garlic and onions ahead of time.
• Cook in Advance: Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
• Freezing: Freeze without pasta for best texture. Reheat and add freshly cooked pasta.
• Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, thaw completely before cooking, or adjust cooking time slightly if adding frozen.

2. Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed?
Yes, but crush them in the pot or with a spoon for smoother texture.

3. Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sauté onions, garlic, and beef first, then add remaining ingredients (except pasta). Cook on low 6–8 hours. Add pasta at the end and cook until tender.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth.

5. Can I add extra cheese?
Absolutely! Stir in mozzarella or extra Parmesan for a cheesier version.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	5–10 min
Sauté Aromatics	4–5 min
Brown Ground Beef	5–7 min
Simmer Soup with Tomato & Herbs	10 min
Cook Pasta	10–12 min
Serve	2–3 min
Total	~35–45 min

Serving Suggestions

• Soup Bowls: Serve in deep bowls, topped with ricotta and Parmesan.
• Family Style: Serve in a large pot with extra cheese on the side.
• Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
2. Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
3. Extra Veggie Soup: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms during sautéing.
4. Italian Sausage Twist: Substitute half or all ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Reginetti Pasta

• Corkscrew-shaped noodles that hold sauce well.
• Broken lasagna noodles work perfectly as a convenient alternative.

Crushed Tomatoes

• Choose low-sodium or no-sodium for better control of seasoning.
• High-quality tomatoes enhance flavor without extra effort.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sauté Aromatics Thoroughly: Develops depth of flavor for the soup.
• Brown Meat Well: Adds richness and enhances umami in the broth.
• Add Pasta at the End: Prevents mushy noodles and keeps texture perfect.
• Layer Flavors: Let herbs bloom in the sauce before adding broth for maximum aroma.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup without pasta for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally; add a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	330 kcal	Hearty and filling
Protein	23 g	Ground beef provides protein
Carbs	30 g	From pasta and tomatoes
Fat	14 g	From olive oil and beef
Fiber	4 g	From tomatoes and optional vegetables
Sodium	600 mg	Adjust with low-sodium broth

Expanded Conclusion

Best Lasagna Soup is a quick, easy, and comforting alternative to traditional lasagna. With rich, savory beef, aromatic herbs, tender pasta, and creamy cheese, it delivers all the flavors you love without the hours in the oven. Perfect for weeknights, casual dinners, or meal prep, this soup is a family favorite waiting to happen.

Serve it with garlic bread, a simple salad, and extra Parmesan for a full Italian-inspired meal. Once you try it, you’ll see why this lasagna soup recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

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