Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving all the cozy, comforting flavors of classic lasagna but want a quicker, lighter meal, you absolutely need to try this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s like enjoying a bowl of rich, tomatoey, herb-infused goodness packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheeses, all in one warm, inviting bowl. This soup captures every delicious element of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and waiting forever to bake. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward and wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating a flavorful, hearty soup. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust, comforting taste and satisfying texture that makes this soup so special.

• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle richness to the soup base.
• ButcherBox Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides a savory depth and protein-packed satisfaction.
• Minced onion (½ cup): Brings sweetness and aroma that enhances every spoonful.
• Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Adds aromatic complexity and a little kick.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 oz): The heart of the soup, delivering tangy, vibrant tomato flavor.
• Bay leaf (1 leaf): Infuses subtle herbal notes during simmering.
• Dried basil, parsley, oregano (1 teaspoon each): Classic Italian herbs that brighten and layer the taste beautifully.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat and balances the flavors.
• Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Optional heat for those who like a little spice.
• Low sodium beef broth (4 cups): A savory liquid base that enhances the beef and tomato flavors.
• Water (2 cups): Helps in cooking pasta and thinning the broth to a perfect soup consistency.
• Reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (2 cups or about 5 oz): The star carbs that make this soup feel like a meal.
• Ricotta cheese (¼ cup, optional for serving): Adds creamy richness as a finishing touch.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional for serving): Provides salty, nutty flavor for topping each bowl.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it for about 10 minutes until it develops a beautiful brown crust. This step is crucial because it builds layers of savory flavor for the soup base. Don’t rush this part—browned beef is where so much of the soup’s richness originates.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, toss in the minced onion and garlic. Sauté these for another 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. The onions add a gentle sweetness and texture while the garlic releases its signature aromatic punch that complements the beef perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Spices

Add your crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes into the pot. Stir everything together to blend those bright tomato flavors with the herbs and spices. This mix will begin to transform into that classic Italian flavor profile you crave.

Step 4: Add Broth and Water, Then Bring to a Boil

Pour in the low sodium beef broth and water to the pot. Give it a good stir, cover, and turn the heat up until the soup reaches a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking to the bottom. This simmering step allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, creating that rich lasagna essence in liquid form.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Tender-Crisp

Now it’s time for the pasta. Add your reginetti or broken lasagna noodles straight into the boiling soup. Stir once to separate and reduce the heat to medium, cooking uncovered for about half the time the pasta package suggests. The key here is to undercook the noodles slightly because they’ll continue to soften off the heat and soak up the tasty broth, giving you perfect texture without mushiness.

Step 6: Let the Soup Rest

Once the pasta has cooked halfway, take the soup off the heat and let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes. This step is simple but magical—it finishes cooking the pasta gently and allows the soup to thicken just right. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before serving; it’s done its job infusing flavor.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dollop of creamy ricotta. These cheeses add that signature richness and a lovely contrast to the tangy tomato broth. A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a drizzle of olive oil can also brighten each serving beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup is a comforting meal all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. These sides complement the soup wonderfully without overshadowing its flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this soup in deep bread bowls for an extra cozy presentation that’s perfect for chilly days. You can also layer it in a shallow bowl with alternating spoonfuls of extra cheese and fresh herbs for a pretty and inviting look that will impress your guests. No matter how you present it, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe actually tastes fantastic the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to add a little extra broth or water when reheating to loosen the consistency as the pasta tends to soak up liquid while resting.

Freezing

If you want to stash some soup for even longer, allow it to cool completely and freeze in portions. Keep in mind that pasta can sometimes become softer after freezing and thawing, so you might want to slightly undercook your pasta initially if you plan to freeze. Frozen soup will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to restore its perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving straight from the freezer; thaw overnight for best texture and taste. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and a dollop of ricotta for that fresh-from-the-pot feel.

FAQs

Can I make the Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it rich and flavorful while staying meat-free.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles work beautifully because they hold their shape and have enough surface area to catch the broth. You can also try rigatoni or small shells as great alternatives.

Is it okay to add the pasta separately?

Yes! If you prefer your pasta less soft and want to avoid overcooking, cook it separately and add it just before serving. This keeps the pasta perfectly al dente while preserving the soup’s texture.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

While it’s possible, the stovetop method is recommended because cooking pasta in pressure cookers or slow cookers can easily lead to mushy noodles. If you do use these devices, cook pasta separately and combine later for best results.

How can I increase the spiciness?

Add more red pepper flakes to taste or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat. Freshly cracked black pepper also adds gentle warmth if you want something less intense.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those ultimate comfort foods that feels indulgent yet comes together with ease, making it perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just in need of a satisfying meal, this soup delivers all the cozy, familiar flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl. I truly hope you find this recipe as joyful to make and savor as I do. Go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

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