Lasagna Soup With Beef
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls head over heels for the bold, soul-warming flavors of comfort food, well… you’re about to find out. I still remember the first time I turned a classic lasagna into soup. It was one of those rainy Orlando afternoons when I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to deal with layers, baking, and a mountain of dishes.
So, I tossed all those lasagna flavors into one big pot—and magic happened. With savory beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese in every spoonful, this Lasagna Soup with Beef has become a weekly staple in our house. It’s hearty, saucy, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re a busy mama, a beginner cook, or just someone who loves a shortcut that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this easy homemade lasagna soup is for you.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 12 cups | Easy | American-Italian | Fall/Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more flavor from simmering everything together.
- Classic Lasagna Taste, Less Work: All the cheesy, saucy, meaty goodness of lasagna without the layering or baking.
- Customizable and Kid-Friendly: You can swap in your favorite pasta shapes, use ground turkey or sausage, and let everyone top their bowls their way.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great meal prep option for busy weeks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a big family or having friends over, this recipe makes enough to go around.
Cheesy One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
Description
This delectable lasagna soup recipe is an easy way to enjoy all the comfort of lasagna with minimal work. It’s saucy, cozy, and family-loved!
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or puree
- 1/3 cup tomato paste (half a 6-ounce can)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 cups water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large 4.5-quart soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high until shimmering.
2. Add ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add uncooked bowtie pasta and stir well.
5. Increase heat to high and bring to a rolling boil.
6. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 10–15 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring frequently.
7. Adjust consistency with water or broth if needed.
8. Mix in or top with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese after soup cools slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
10. To store, cool completely and refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
11. Reheat with added broth or water to loosen consistency.
Notes
Avoid lasagna noodles if planning for leftovers—they tend to fall apart.
Use crushed tomatoes instead of diced for a thicker broth.
Try ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
For pressure cooker version, sauté then cook on high pressure for 1 minute and quick release.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner Recipes, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 169
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 378mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or puree
- 1/3 cup tomato paste (half a 6-ounce can)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 cups water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Ground Beef | Swap with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a leaner or spicier version. |
| Diced Tomatoes | Use canned crushed tomatoes if you prefer a thicker soup. |
| Tomato Paste | Adds depth—don’t skip it! Freeze the leftover paste for future use. |
| Bowtie Pasta | Holds its shape well, even in leftovers—avoid lasagna noodles. |
| Ricotta Cheese | Adds creaminess—measure with your heart! |
| Chicken Broth | Use low sodium to control salt level, or sub with veggie broth. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large 4.5-quart soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high until shimmering.
- Cook Beef and Aromatics: Add ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add Pasta: Toss in the uncooked bowtie pasta and stir well to combine.
- Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency: Add 1–2 cups of water or more broth as needed to reach your desired soup thickness.
- Add Cheese: You can either mix in the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan directly into the soup after it cools slightly, or let everyone top their own bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Helpful Tips
- Stir often while simmering to prevent pasta from clumping together.
- Add broth gradually to avoid thinning the soup too much.
- Let the soup cool slightly before adding cheese for the best melt.
- Use sturdy pasta shapes for leftovers that hold their bite.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Deglaze Your Pot: After browning the beef, splash a bit of broth to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Since it keeps cooking in the hot broth, pull it off the heat when it’s just shy of al dente.
- Layer Cheese Toppings: For a true lasagna feel, layer your cheese toppings—ricotta first, then mozzarella and parmesan.
- Boost Umami: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for deeper flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the beef and use mushrooms, lentils, or veggie crumbles with veggie broth.
- Spicy Italian Sausage Version: Sub beef with hot Italian sausage for a spicy, robust kick.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese right before serving.
- Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup: Brown beef and aromatics first, then transfer everything (except pasta and cheese) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This lasagna soup is ideal for meal prepping. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For freezer storage, divide it into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove or microwave. Add broth or water as needed to loosen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot in big bowls with the cheese trio on top and a sprinkle of parsley. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a simple arugula salad for contrast. Want to get fancy? Try serving it in bread bowls or with a drizzle of chili oil for spice lovers.
Pairing Ideas
This hearty soup pairs well with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling apple cider or lemonade. Sides like Caesar salad, garlic knots, or roasted veggies round out the meal beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers. When reheating in the microwave, add a splash of broth or water and cover to prevent drying. On the stovetop, reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and add liquid as needed to loosen the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or macaroni all work great. Just avoid flat lasagna noodles as they break down in leftovers.
Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely. Use the “Sauté” function for the beef and aromatics, then pressure cook for 1 minute with a quick release for al dente pasta.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives like cashew ricotta and vegan mozzarella.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Totally. Let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Just use a larger pot (or 8–10 quart pressure cooker) and adjust liquid amounts if needed.
How can I make it healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and low-sodium broth. Skip or lighten the cheese if you’re watching fat content.
What if I don’t have all the canned tomato products?
Use a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and 1 cup of water as a quick substitute.
Nutrition Info Table + Disclaimer
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 cup | 169 | 12g | 5g | 12g | 1g | 2g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a cozy bowl of lasagna soup that brings all the comfort of a classic without the fuss. Whether you’re ladling it up for a weeknight dinner or freezing it for future cravings, this no bake lasagna soup recipe is about to become your go-to favorite. Give it a try, and let your kitchen feel like a warm hug!
