If you have ever wished you could enjoy all the comforting flavors of your favorite pasta dish in a cozy bowl of soup, then you are going to fall head over heels for the Best Lasagna Soup Recipe. This heartwarming soup captures the essence of classic lasagna with rich ground beef, fragrant herbs, and tender pasta swimming in a savory tomato broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something both familiar and delightfully easy to make. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to comfort food champion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Best Lasagna Soup Recipe plays a crucial role, from the ground beef that brings meaty richness to the aromatic herbs that elevate the broth’s depth, and the pasta that adds irresistible texture. Simple yet essential, these ingredients combine beautifully to create layers of flavor and color that make this soup so unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth base for browning the beef and sautéing aromatics.
- 1 lb ButcherBox Ground Beef: Adds hearty protein with rich flavor for meaty soup goodness.
- ½ cup minced onion: Infuses a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves): Brings aromatic warmth and classic Italian flavor.
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (low or no sodium): Forms the flavorful, tangy heart of the soup.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle earthiness and complexity to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Delivers herbal brightness and Italian flair.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh, green note to balance the rich flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the traditional Italian seasoning profile.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough heat to lift the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Add for a gentle kick or omit if you prefer milder tastes.
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth: Creates a robust and savory base for the soup.
- 2 cups water: Helps balance the consistency and lightness of the broth.
- 2 cups reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 5 oz): Gives the soup its signature pasta texture.
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese (optional): Perfect creamy topping to finish each serving.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds nutty richness as a delightful garnish.
How to Make Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the ground beef and let it brown for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up any clumps. This step is crucial because those caramelized bits add a deep, meaty flavor that forms the foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once your beef is beautifully browned, toss in the minced onion and garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step releases the sweet, savory aromas that are signature to Italian cooking and perfectly complement the meat.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Spices, Broth, and Water
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and, if you like, red pepper flakes. Then add the low sodium beef broth and water. Give everything a good stir then cover the pot and turn the heat to high so it can come to a boil. Stirring occasionally helps prevent anything from sticking while the flavors begin to mingle.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
When the soup reaches a boil, add your reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles. Stir to combine and reduce the heat to medium, cooking the pasta uncovered for half of the time recommended on the pasta package. Keep a close eye and stir occasionally because you want the pasta slightly undercooked. It will absorb the soup’s flavor and soften perfectly after you remove it from the heat.
Step 5: Let the Soup Rest and Serve
After cooking the pasta halfway, remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit uncovered for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the pasta to finish cooking and soak up those amazing broth flavors. Before serving, be sure to discard the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle on some ricotta and Parmesan cheese for that authentic lasagna finish.
How to Serve Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can truly elevate this dish. A dollop of creamy ricotta adds a luscious, cool contrast to the warm soup, while a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan provides a salty, nutty finish. Fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves can also add a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of delicious broth, or serve it alongside a crisp green salad for balance. A simple Caesar salad or a lightly dressed arugula salad complements the richness without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that doubles as an edible side. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top to surprise your guests with extra texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even better. Just be sure to store the soup without adding fresh garnishes, and add them fresh upon reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well as long as you undercook the pasta before freezing, or cook the pasta separately and freeze the broth and meat mixture alone. Freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking or breaking down too much. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring in between. Add fresh cheese toppings just before serving to maintain their creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat substitute or add hearty mushrooms for a meat-free twist. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles are ideal because their shape holds the broth and they cook evenly. If those aren’t available, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will also work well.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
While this recipe is best on the stovetop to ensure perfectly cooked pasta, you can use the slow cooker or Instant Pot with some adjustments. For the slow cooker, add the pasta only near the end to avoid overcooking. The Instant Pot method is trickier and may result in mushy pasta.
Is this soup spicy?
By default, the recipe is mild, but you can add red pepper flakes to taste if you like a little heat. It’s very easy to adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Can I prepare it ahead and reheat for meal prep?
Yes! Just undercook the pasta or keep it separate and add before serving. This way, your soup stays hearty and fresh for several days in the fridge or can be frozen for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Best Lasagna Soup Recipe, I guarantee it will become one of your favorite cozy meals. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the beloved flavors of lasagna with less fuss and so much comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a quiet night in, this soup is pure joy in a bowl. Go ahead and make a pot—you won’t regret it!
Print
Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Best Lasagna Soup recipe brings the iconic flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting, hearty soup form. Featuring ground beef, crushed tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tender pasta, it’s a perfect cozy meal that combines ease and rich taste. Ready in under an hour on the stovetop, this soup is deliciously topped with creamy ricotta and grated Parmesan for a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ButcherBox Ground Beef
- ½ cup minced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 garlic 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 or add to taste)
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 cups water
Pasta
- 2 cups reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 5 oz)
For Serving (Optional)
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown beef: In a large pot on the stove, heat olive oil over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add minced onion and garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add liquids and spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), beef broth, and water. Mix well, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add pasta and cook: Once boiling, add the pasta. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered for half the pasta package’s recommended cooking time, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This undercooks the pasta slightly, as it will continue cooking off heat.
- Rest soup: After cooking the pasta halfway, remove the pot from heat. Let the soup sit uncovered for 5 minutes to allow the pasta to finish cooking and absorb the broth.
- Finish and serve: Discard the bay leaf. Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and a dollop of ricotta cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting lasagna flavor in every spoonful.
Notes
- Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust to your preferred spice level or omit entirely.
- For best texture, it’s important to slightly undercook the pasta in the soup, allowing it to finish cooking off the heat.
- This recipe is best made on the stovetop for optimal pasta texture.
- Alternative cooking methods like Instant Pot and crockpot are provided, but they require care to avoid overcooked pasta.
- You can cook pasta separately if preferred and combine it with the soup before serving to control texture.
