Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplified Comfort: Enjoy the classic taste of lasagna with minimal preparation and cleanup.
- One-Pot Meal: All components are cooked together, making it convenient and reducing dishwashing.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and children, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite ingredients or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Great for Leftovers: Reheats well, making it perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Sauté Aromatics and Beef:
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
-
Add Tomato Base and Seasonings:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, water, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
-
Cook Pasta:
- Add bowtie pasta to the pot.
- Simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare Cheese Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix until well blended.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use broken lasagna noodles or any short pasta shape you prefer.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Herb Enhancements: Incorporate fresh basil or oregano for added freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add freshly cooked pasta.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, lasagna soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from becoming too soft.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is recommended, you can use any short pasta such as rotini, penne, or even broken lasagna noodles to maintain the lasagna theme.
3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as broths and canned tomatoes, are certified gluten-free.
4. Is there a way to lighten this recipe?
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, opt for low-fat cheeses, and consider adding more vegetables to increase fiber and nutrients.
5. Can I add vegetables to this
PrintLasagna Soup
This Lasagna Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the layering. Made with ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese topping, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings. Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying!
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 45min
- Yield: 6servings
- Category: Soup,Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle) or broken lasagna noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
. Sauté the Aromatics and Beef:
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Tomato Base and Seasonings:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, water, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- Add bowtie pasta (or broken lasagna noodles) directly to the pot.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
4. Prepare the Cheese Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until well blended.
5. Serve:
- Ladle hot soup into bowls.
- Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Prevent Mushy Pasta: If making ahead, cook pasta separately and add when serving.
- Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit meat and add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions.