One late afternoon, the sky had taken on a soft gray, hinting at rain, and I was tidying up the kitchen while thinking about what to make for dinner. I wanted something cozy, something that would fill the house with a familiar, inviting aroma without taking hours to prepare. My eyes landed on a box of pasta and a jar of tomato sauce, and suddenly the idea of turning the comforting flavors of lasagna into a soup seemed perfect.
As I started sautéing the ground beef with onions and garlic, the rich scents of cooking meat and fresh aromatics filled the kitchen. It brought back memories of my children running around the house while I prepared dinners that were simple but full of love. There was a rhythm to the chopping and stirring that made the kitchen feel alive, as if the soup itself were a small celebration waiting to happen.
When the tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings joined the pot, the flavors began to meld into something hearty and bright. By the time the pasta was added and cooked to perfection, the kitchen was wrapped in a sense of warmth and anticipation. Serving it with a generous sprinkle of cheese made it complete—a bowl that felt both indulgent and homey, perfect for sharing around the table.
Short Description
Easy Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal with ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato flavors. Easy to make, it delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy, spoonable format.
Key Ingredients
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Olive oil – or preferred cooking oil
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, diced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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4 cups broth (chicken or beef)
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1 cup water, optional for adjusting thickness
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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8 oz pasta (bowtie or preferred)
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh basil for garnish
Tools Needed
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Heavy soup pot or Dutch oven
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Wooden spoon
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Cutting board and knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Ladle
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Soup bowls for serving
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
Heat a splash of olive oil in a heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Base
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, and Italian seasoning. Combine thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the pot and increase heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Loosely cover and reduce heat to medium, simmering for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add small amounts of water or broth as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat. Serve the soup with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Brings the classic flavors of lasagna into a comforting, easy-to-serve soup
One-pot meal with minimal cleanup
Flexible ingredients—choose pasta, cheeses, and seasonings to your preference
Quick enough for weeknight dinners, filling enough for family meals
Inviting, cozy aromas that make the kitchen feel warm and welcoming
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the pasta
Pasta can become mushy if simmered too long.
Solution: Add pasta toward the end and monitor closely until tender.
Not draining the beef
Excess fat can make the soup greasy.
Solution: Drain beef after browning before adding other ingredients.
Under-seasoning the broth
Soup may taste flat without proper seasoning.
Solution: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed.
Adding cheese too early
Cheese can separate or melt unevenly.
Solution: Add ricotta and mozzarella just before serving.
Skipping simmer time
Flavors won’t fully develop.
Solution: Allow soup to simmer for at least 10–15 minutes after adding pasta and adjust liquid if needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve hot in bowls with extra cheese and fresh basil
Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad
Ideal for casual family dinners or cozy evenings
Can be served buffet-style or plated for individual servings
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if soup thickens
Stir occasionally to ensure even reheating
FAQs
1: Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini works well if bowtie pasta is unavailable.
2: Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
3: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the base without pasta and add noodles just before serving.
4: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, peel and chop ripe tomatoes, then simmer until softened before adding other ingredients.
5: Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown beef and sauté onions first, then combine all ingredients (except pasta) in the slow cooker. Add pasta in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Tricks
Break pasta into smaller pieces for easy spooning
Toast garlic lightly before adding for deeper flavor
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
Use fresh herbs at the end for bright flavor
Adjust cheese quantities to taste for creaminess
Recipe Variations
Vegetable Lasagna Soup: Add diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach during the simmering stage.
Spicy Lasagna Soup: Include chopped jalapeños or ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat.
Extra Cheesy: Mix ricotta and mozzarella with ½ cup Parmesan for a richer flavor.
Slow Cooker Freezer Version: Combine all ingredients except pasta and cheese in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze, then thaw and cook; add pasta and cheese at the end.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna Soup turns the familiar flavors of lasagna into a cozy, easy-to-make meal. The combination of rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses creates a bowl that warms both the stomach and the heart.
This soup fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and makes mealtime simple yet special. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, casual dinners, or when you want a comforting dish with minimal effort. I hope it becomes a regular part of your family dinners, bringing both flavor and warmth to your table for years to come.
Easy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, and transfer to the Crockpot.
- Add onion, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
- Stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook 20–30 minutes until tender.
- Serve topped with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil.
