Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

This cheesy and hearty lasagna soup combines all the flavors of classic lasagna into a quick, comforting, and easy-to-make one-pot meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this soup is loaded with tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato broth, and creamy cheese toppings. It’s everything you love about lasagna—without the time-consuming layering and baking!

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Why This Recipe is a Winner

• Quick & Convenient: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this flavorful dish.
• Customizable: Adjust spices, pasta, and toppings to suit your preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup: Made in a single pot for easy cooking and cleaning.

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Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Pot: To cook the soup evenly and hold all the ingredients comfortably.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and preventing sticking.
• Ladle: For easy serving.
• Cutting Board and Knife: To mince the onion and garlic efficiently.
• Optional: Instant Pot or Crockpot for alternate cooking methods.

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Ingredients for Lasagna Soup

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (lean is preferred, but regular works too)
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 garlic cloves)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (use low or no sodium for better control over flavor)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
• 4 cups beef broth (low or no sodium recommended)
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 5 oz)

Optional Toppings

• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Directions

Stove-Top Method

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
   • Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • Add 1/2 cup minced onion and 2 tablespoons minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
   • Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, parsley, and oregano, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Mix well.
4. Incorporate Broth and Water:
   • Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 2 cups water. Stir thoroughly, cover the pot, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   • Once the soup reaches a boil, add 2 cups of uncooked pasta. Stir, reduce the heat to medium, and cook uncovered for half the recommended cook time on the pasta package. (For example, if the box says 10 minutes, cook for 5 minutes.)
6. Finish Cooking:
   • Remove the pot from the heat. Let the soup sit uncovered for 5 minutes so the pasta continues to cook and absorbs the flavorful broth. Discard the bay leaf.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

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Cooking Tips

• Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to soften in the hot soup.
• Adjust Broth Consistency: Add more beef broth if you prefer a thinner soup or if the pasta absorbs too much liquid while resting.
• Use Different Pasta: Reginetti or broken lasagna noodles provide an authentic feel, but penne, rotini, or fusilli are great substitutes.
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes for a kick or omit them for a mild version.
• Ricotta Substitute: If you don’t have ricotta, shredded mozzarella works as a delicious alternative.

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Alternate Cooking Methods

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode for 13 minutes. Heat olive oil and brown ground beef for 10 minutes. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 more minutes.
2. Scrape the bottom of the pot to avoid the burn warning. Stir in tomatoes, spices, broth, and water.
3. Add the pasta, ensuring it’s submerged. Cover, seal, and pressure cook on High for 2 minutes. Quick-release the pressure once finished.
4. Remove the bay leaf and serve with desired toppings.

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Crockpot Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Transfer to a crockpot.
2. Stir in tomatoes, spices, broth, and water. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
3. Add pasta during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and mix it in just before serving.
4. Discard the bay leaf and serve with parmesan and ricotta as toppings.

Side Dish Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread

Nothing beats the classic combination of garlic bread and soup. The crispy, buttery texture is perfect for dipping into the savory tomato broth.

• Tip: Use fresh garlic and parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• Variation: Try cheesy garlic bread for an indulgent treat.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad brings a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the hearty soup.

• Tip: Make your own croutons for added freshness.
• Variation: Substitute kale for a twist on the classic Caesar.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Lightly roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus provide a healthy, flavorful side.

• Tip: Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs before roasting.
• Variation: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet tang.

4. Caprese Salad

This light and simple Italian favorite balances the richness of the soup with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

• Tip: Use high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil for the best results.
• Variation: Add arugula for a peppery kick.

5. Bruschetta

This simple appetizer with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on crispy bread is a perfect accompaniment.

• Tip: Toast the bread lightly to prevent sogginess.
• Variation: Add a smear of ricotta for a creamy element.

6. Focaccia Bread

Soft, herb-infused focaccia bread is an excellent side for mopping up every last bit of soup.

• Tip: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a burst of flavor.
• Variation: Add caramelized onions or olives for a gourmet touch.

7. Steamed Green Beans

A simple, healthy side dish that adds a fresh, crunchy element to your meal.

• Tip: Steam beans until tender-crisp to retain their vibrant color and nutrients.
• Variation: Toss with lemon juice and slivered almonds for added texture and flavor.

8. Italian Sausage

For a protein-packed side, grilled or roasted Italian sausage is an excellent addition.

• Tip: Choose mild or spicy sausage to match your flavor preferences.
• Variation: Slice and stir some into the soup for a meaty variation.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta

• Problem: Pasta turns mushy and loses its texture.
• Solution: Cook pasta only halfway in the soup, letting it finish cooking as the soup cools.

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2. Skipping the Sauté Step

• Problem: The soup lacks depth of flavor.
• Solution: Always sauté the onions, garlic, and beef to build a rich base.

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3. Using Salty Broth

• Problem: The soup becomes overly salty when the cheese is added.
• Solution: Use low- or no-sodium broth for better control of the seasoning.

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4. Neglecting the Bay Leaf

• Problem: The soup lacks that subtle earthy flavor.
• Solution: Don’t skip the bay leaf—it enhances the soup’s complexity. Just remember to remove it before serving!

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5. Overloading on Cheese

• Problem: Cheese can overpower the soup’s flavors.
• Solution: Use cheese sparingly or serve it on the side so everyone can customize their portion.

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6. Not Adjusting for Consistency

• Problem: Soup can become too thick or thin.
• Solution: Add extra broth to thin the soup or simmer it longer to thicken as needed.

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How to Perfect the Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic, herbs, and good-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Adjust to Taste: Tailor the seasoning, spice level, and toppings to your preference.
• Pasta Flexibility: Experiment with different pasta shapes for fun textures.
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Pairing your lasagna soup with these sides and avoiding common pitfalls ensures a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and absolutely delicious!

Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

• Layered Flavors: Always sauté the onions, garlic, and beef to build a flavorful base.
• Herb Boost: Use fresh basil and parsley in addition to dried herbs for a more aromatic and vibrant soup.
• Cheese Magic: Stir a small amount of ricotta or parmesan directly into the soup for added creaminess.
• Custom Pasta Options: Experiment with pasta types like rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free options for dietary needs.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by tweaking the amount of red pepper flakes.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigeration:
  • Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
  • For the best results, store pasta separately if you plan to reheat multiple servings.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze the soup without the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to maintain texture.

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Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2–3 minutes. Stir halfway through.
• Frozen Soup: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. Add fresh pasta to enhance texture and flavor.

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FAQs

Can I use a different meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work well as substitutes for ground beef.

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What’s the best way to keep pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta separately and add it to each serving when reheating. Alternatively, undercook the pasta slightly if adding it to the soup.

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Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

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How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?

• For a thicker soup: Simmer longer to reduce liquid or stir in a small amount of tomato paste.
• For a thinner soup: Add more broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.

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Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes! Stir pre-cooked pasta into the soup just before serving to warm it through without overcooking.

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How do I make this soup dairy-free?

Skip the ricotta and parmesan or use dairy-free alternatives. The soup will still taste delicious!

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Can I add vegetables?

Of course! Spinach, kale, zucchini, or diced carrots are great additions for extra nutrition and flavor.

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Is it possible to make this soup in advance?

Yes! The flavors develop beautifully over time, making it a great make-ahead option. For best results, cook the pasta fresh before serving.

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Conclusion

This Best Lasagna Soup Recipe offers the perfect combination of rich flavors, hearty textures, and easy preparation. With simple ingredients and versatile cooking methods, it’s a dish that fits seamlessly into busy schedules while delivering maximum comfort and satisfaction. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, customize it to suit your preferences, and enjoy this bowl of Italian-inspired goodness that’s destined to become a family favorite.