Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Easy lasagna soup recipe with ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese. Quick comfort food that tastes like traditional lasagna in a bowl. Ready in 30 minutes!

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Picture this: last February, I stood in my kitchen staring at leftover lasagna ingredients, wondering how to feed my family something comforting without spending three hours layering noodles. That’s when inspiration struck like lightning. What if I could capture all those beloved lasagna flavors in a single pot?

After testing this recipe fifteen times—yes, I burned one batch and accidentally doubled the tomato paste in another—I finally cracked the code. This easy lasagna soup recipe delivers every bit of that classic Italian comfort without the fuss.

Whether you’re a busy parent or simply craving something hearty, this soup transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary moments.

The aroma alone will transport you straight to your favorite Italian restaurant. Meanwhile, the preparation takes just thirty minutes from start to finish. Because here at Tasty at Home, we believe every meal should tell a story—and this one might just become your family’s new favorite chapter.

What Makes This Lasagna Soup Special

This isn’t just another soup recipe thrown together on a whim. Instead, it’s a carefully crafted fusion that captures the essence of traditional lasagna while embracing the convenience of one-pot cooking. The secret lies in building layers of flavor directly in your soup pot.

First, we brown the ground beef with aromatics to create a rich foundation. Then, we add the holy trinity of tomato products—diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste—for depth and complexity. Finally, the pasta cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all those incredible flavors while releasing starch that naturally thickens the broth.

What sets this recipe apart is the cheese finishing technique. Rather than melting everything together, we add the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan at the end. This preserves their individual textures and prevents the soup from becoming gloopy. Additionally, the fresh herbs brighten the entire dish, cutting through the richness with a burst of garden-fresh flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Lasagna Soup

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

When shopping for this lasagna soup with beef, head to the meat department first. Look for ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio—it provides the best balance of flavor and texture without being too greasy.

Next, visit the pasta aisle and choose bowtie pasta (farfalle) over traditional lasagna noodles. The bow shape captures the soup beautifully while being much easier to eat.

For the cheese selection, buy blocks rather than pre-shredded varieties. Fresh mozzarella melts better, and whole Parmesan delivers superior flavor.

Furthermore, most grocery stores stock ricotta near the cottage cheese—grab the whole milk version for richness. Finally, don’t forget to check the canned goods section for San Marzano tomatoes if available; they’re worth the extra cost.

Bold Add-ins and Creative Variations

Essential Substitutions:

• Ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef
• Vegetable broth for a lighter version
• Gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions
• Cashew cream instead of ricotta for dairy-free option

Quality Indicators for Best Results:

• Choose bright red tomatoes without dents
• Select pasta with rough texture for better sauce adhesion
• Pick fresh herbs that smell fragrant and look vibrant
• Ensure ground beef is bright red, not gray or brown

Equipment and Step-by-Step Preparation

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets to create this amazing easy homemade lasagna soup. A 4.5-quart soup pot or Dutch oven works perfectly for this recipe. Additionally, keep a wooden spoon handy for stirring, and a sharp knife for chopping vegetables.

If you don’t have a large pot, any heavy-bottomed saucepan will work—just make sure it holds at least 3 quarts.

A ladle makes serving easier, while measuring cups ensure accuracy. Furthermore, having a cheese grater nearby saves time if you’re using block cheese. Finally, prep bowls help organize ingredients before cooking begins.

Step 1: Building the Flavor Foundation

Heat your soup pot over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add olive oil and watch it shimmer—this tells you the temperature is perfect.

Then, add the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic all at once. Don’t worry about overcrowding; everything will cook evenly.

Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to break up the meat. The beef should lose its pink color completely, while the onions become translucent.

Meanwhile, the garlic will release its incredible aroma throughout your kitchen. If excess fat accumulates, drain it off before proceeding.

Step 2: Creating the Tomato Base

Now comes the magical transformation. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot.

Stir everything together until the tomato paste dissolves completely. This step is crucial—lumps of tomato paste create an uneven flavor distribution.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and water, followed by Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The liquid should cover all ingredients by about an inch. If it doesn’t, add more water gradually until you reach the right level.

Step 3: Pasta Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once bubbling vigorously, add the bowtie pasta and give it a good stir. This prevents the noodles from sticking together immediately. Then, reduce heat to medium and maintain a gentle simmer.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente—firm to the bite but not crunchy. Taste-test after 10 minutes; different pasta brands cook at varying rates.

Additionally, the starch released from the pasta will naturally thicken your soup.

Step 4: The Cheese Finale

Here’s where I learned from my mistakes. Initially, I added all the cheese while the soup was still boiling, which made the ricotta curdle. Instead, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Then, gently stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

The residual heat melts the cheese perfectly while maintaining smooth, creamy textures. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness.

The contrast between the rich soup and bright herbs creates visual appeal that makes this dish restaurant-worthy.

Expert Tips and Serving Suggestions

Lasagna soup Pro Tips for Perfect Results

After making this soup dozens of times, I’ve discovered several tricks that elevate it from good to extraordinary. First, always brown the meat properly—don’t rush this step.

The caramelization adds depth that can’t be replicated later. Second, use high-quality canned tomatoes; they make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Temperature control is crucial when adding cheese. Too hot, and the proteins seize up, creating a grainy texture. Too cool, and the cheese won’t melt properly. Furthermore, taste and adjust seasoning at the end—pasta absorbs salt, so you might need to add more.

Creative Variations to Try

Regional Twists:

• Mexican Lasagna Soup: Add cumin, chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese
• Mediterranean Style: Include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese
• Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers

Seasonal Adaptations:

• Fall Harvest: Add butternut squash and sage
• Summer Fresh: Include basil, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella
• Winter Comfort: Extra cheese and a splash of cream

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

When reheating, add extra broth or water since the pasta continues absorbing liquid. Heat gently to prevent the cheese from breaking. Moreover, this soup actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight, as all the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe Perfect Pairings

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks. Additionally, a simple Caesar salad provides fresh contrast to the rich soup. For wine lovers, a medium-bodied red like Chianti Classico complements the tomato base perfectly.

Consider serving alongside creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup for a soup-focused dinner party. Furthermore, this recipe works excellently as part of a larger Italian feast, paired with slow cooker cowboy casserole for variety.

Lasagna soup FAQs

Final Thoughts on This Comfort Food Champion

This easy lasagna soup recipe has completely transformed how I approach weeknight dinners. Instead of spending hours assembling traditional lasagna

I can have this soul-warming soup on the table in thirty minutes. The flavors are just as satisfying, but the process is infinitely more manageable.

Every spoonful delivers that perfect combination of tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheese that makes lasagna so beloved. Furthermore, the soup format makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or need a quick family meal, this recipe delivers comfort in a bowl.

Try pairing it with some fall snack mix for a complete autumn meal, or serve it alongside no-fuss school lunch ideas for busy families. The versatility of this soup makes it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different cheeses or adding your favorite vegetables.

Share your variations on social media—I love seeing how different families put their unique spin on this classic comfort food. After all, the best recipes are the ones that bring people together around the table, creating new memories one bowl at a time.

Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

This hearty lasagna soup captures all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient one-pot meal. With ground beef, pasta, and three types of cheese, it delivers comfort food satisfaction in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 12 cups

Equipment

• 4.5-quart soup pot or Dutch oven
• wooden spoon
• Sharp knife
• measuring cups
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

Base 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 don’t drain
• 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 adjust flavor
• 1 pinch Black Pepper to taste
• 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta uncooked

Toppings

• ½ cup Ricotta Cheese
• 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese shredded (about 1/2 cup)
• ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese shaved, shredded, or fresh grated
• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat 4.5 quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
• Add ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess fat, if needed.
• Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta noodles.
• Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
• Reduce heat to a medium simmer and cook soup for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
• Add water or more broth in small amounts to adjust the soup consistency to your liking.
• Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Add the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the soup after it cools slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

To store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or up to 90 days in the freezer. To reheat: Add more water or broth as desired because the noodles will have absorbed much of the broth. You can add the cheeses to the whole soup or serve them on the side and add to individual servings.

Keyword comfort food, easy lasagna soup, lasagna soup with beef, one-pot meal