Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna soup is the perfect way to enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking. This hearty soup is packed with tender pasta, a savory tomato-based broth, and seasoned ground beef, all simmered together for a cozy one-pot meal. Topped with creamy ricotta and parmesan cheese, each spoonful delivers a warm and satisfying bite.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve a crowd, this easy lasagna soup is a must-try. It comes together in under an hour, making it a great alternative to classic lasagna while still capturing its signature flavors. Plus, with stovetop, Instant Pot, and slow cooker instructions, you can prepare it however best fits your schedule.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor, none of the hassle – No need to assemble and bake layers; everything simmers in one pot.
• Ready in under an hour – Faster than traditional lasagna but just as satisfying.
• Easily customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap the protein, or use gluten-free pasta.
• Great for meal prep – Makes delicious leftovers and reheats well.
• Three cooking methods – Instructions for stovetop, Instant Pot, and crockpot.

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Preparation Phase & Essential Tools

Before you begin, having the right tools ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven – Ideal for simmering the soup evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Helps break up the ground beef while cooking.
• Ladle – Makes serving easier.
• Measuring spoons and cups – Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
• Knife and cutting board – For chopping onions and mincing garlic.

Preparation Tips

• Mise en place: Chop the onions and garlic in advance to streamline cooking.
• Use fresh ingredients: While dried herbs work well, fresh basil or parsley can add a brighter flavor.
• Drain excess fat: If using ground beef with a higher fat content, drain some grease after browning to keep the soup from being too oily.
• Break up pasta before cooking: This ensures even cooking and makes the soup easier to eat.

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Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• ½ cup minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 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, adjust to taste)
• 4 cups beef broth (low or no sodium)
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 5 oz)

For Serving (Optional)

• ¼ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Stovetop Method

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Stir in the minced onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
4. Pour in the Broth and Water: Add the beef broth and water, then stir. Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
5. Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta. Stir and reduce the heat to medium. Cook uncovered for half of the package’s recommended cooking time (e.g., if the package suggests 10 minutes, cook for 5 minutes). The pasta will continue to cook as the soup sits.
6. Let the Soup Rest: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit uncovered for 5 minutes so the pasta finishes cooking. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with ricotta and parmesan cheese if desired.

Instant Pot Method

1. Sauté the Meat and Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode for 13 minutes. Heat the olive oil and brown the ground beef for about 10 minutes. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 more minutes.
2. Deglaze the Pot: Scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent a burn notice.
3. Add Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, seasonings, broth, and water.
4. Add the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is submerged but not stuck to the bottom.
5. Pressure Cook: Cover, seal, and cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes.
6. Quick Release & Serve: Quickly release the pressure, discard the bay leaf, and serve with desired toppings.

Crockpot Method

1. Cook the Beef & Aromatics: In a skillet, brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Transfer to the crockpot.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, seasonings, broth, and water. Stir well.
3. Slow Cook: Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
4. Cook the Pasta: During the last hour of cooking, stir in the pasta and cook until just tender. Alternatively, cook the pasta separately and add it before serving.
5. Serve: Discard the bay leaf and ladle into bowls. Top with ricotta and parmesan cheese if desired.

Best Toppings for Lasagna Soup

Adding toppings enhances both the flavor and texture of the soup. Here are some great options:

• Ricotta Cheese – A dollop of ricotta adds a creamy, authentic lasagna taste.
• Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of parmesan boosts the umami and gives a slight nuttiness.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, making the soup even more indulgent.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Provides a spicy kick for those who like extra heat.
• Crushed Garlic Croutons – Adds crunch and enhances the garlic flavor.

For an extra touch, try layering ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in the bowl before ladling the soup over them. This mimics the layers of a traditional lasagna.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Lasagna soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are eight great options:

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic side that’s perfect for dipping into the rich tomato broth. Use fresh garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, and creamy dressing balances the hearty soup with freshness and crunch.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus provide a light, flavorful contrast to the richness of the soup.

4. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing and tangy complement to the soup’s flavors.

5. Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, cheesy breadsticks are a great way to soak up the flavorful broth while adding extra indulgence.

6. Antipasto Platter

A small plate with olives, cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes a delicious appetizer or side.

7. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

A quick sauté of spinach with olive oil and garlic adds a nutrient-packed side that complements the soup beautifully.

8. Italian Chopped Salad

A mix of romaine, radicchio, cucumbers, tomatoes, and chickpeas tossed in an Italian vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the warm, savory soup.

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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Lasagna soup is a simple recipe, but a few missteps can affect the final dish. Here’s how to get it right every time.

1. Overcooking the Pasta

• Pasta continues to absorb liquid even after cooking, which can make it too soft or mushy. To avoid this, cook it for only half the recommended time, then let it finish cooking as the soup cools.
• Another option is to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.

2. Soup Becoming Too Thick

• If the soup sits too long, the pasta absorbs too much liquid, turning it into more of a stew than a soup.
• To fix this, add extra broth or water before reheating to reach the desired consistency.

3. Not Draining Excess Fat from the Beef

• If using ground beef with higher fat content, drain the excess grease after browning to prevent the soup from becoming too oily.

4. Skipping the Seasoning Adjustments

• Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed. Since broth and tomatoes vary in sodium levels, seasoning adjustments ensure balanced flavors.

5. Using the Wrong Pasta Shape

• While broken lasagna noodles give the most authentic taste, they can be tricky to eat with a spoon.
• If preferred, swap them for reginetti, mafaldine, rotini, or even penne, which hold up well in soups.

6. Not Stirring Enough in the Instant Pot

• If using an Instant Pot, be sure to stir the soup well before pressure cooking to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom, which can trigger a burn notice.

7. Forgetting the Bay Leaf

• The bay leaf enhances the broth’s depth but should always be removed before serving.

8. Serving Without Resting Time

• Letting the soup sit for five minutes before serving allows flavors to meld and the pasta to finish cooking properly.

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How to Make This Recipe Even Better

Even though this lasagna soup is already full of flavor, a few tweaks can make it even more special.

• For a richer broth: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of tomato paste to intensify the flavor.
• For a spicy version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot Italian sausage to the ground beef.
• For a vegetarian option: Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• For extra depth: A splash of red wine while sautéing the onions and garlic adds complexity to the broth.
• For a cheesy finish: Stir in shredded mozzarella just before serving for a gooey, melty texture.

Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

1. Adjusting the Broth Consistency

• If the soup thickens too much after sitting, add extra broth or water before reheating to restore the right texture.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the liquid slightly or let it simmer longer before adding the pasta.

2. Enhancing the Flavor

• A splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Adding a Parmesan rind while simmering enhances the broth with a deep, savory taste.

3. Making It More Filling

• Stir in a can of white beans or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
• Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer, more complex flavor.

4. Preventing Mushy Pasta

• If making the soup ahead of time, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t become too soft as it sits in the hot broth.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Lasagna soup is perfect for meal prep and stores well in the fridge or freezer.

Refrigerator Storage

• Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If possible, store the pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.

Freezing Instructions

• For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta. Cook and add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, adding broth or water as needed to thin the soup.
• Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• From frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or warm directly on the stovetop over low heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie works well. If using long pasta, break it into smaller pieces before cooking.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

3. How do I make it spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes, add diced jalapeños, or mix in spicy Italian sausage.

4. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting too soft?

Cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving keeps it from absorbing too much liquid.

5. Can I make this in advance?

Yes, but for best results, store the soup and pasta separately. Add fresh pasta when reheating.

6. What protein alternatives can I use?

Ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or even tofu crumbles can be used instead of ground beef.

7. How do I thicken the soup?

Reduce the liquid slightly or stir in a bit of tomato paste. You can also add a small amount of heavy cream for a richer texture.

8. Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes, follow the crockpot instructions and add the pasta during the last hour of cooking.

9. What cheeses work best for topping?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are the best choices, but provolone or fontina also melt well.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger pot. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need slight adjustments.

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Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings all the best parts of lasagna into an easy, one-pot meal. Whether cooked on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.

With its rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and savory beef, lasagna soup is both satisfying and simple to make. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure the perfect consistency, customize the flavors, and store leftovers for future meals.

Try serving it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious meal. Whether you make it ahead of time or enjoy it fresh off the stove, this soup is a warm and hearty dish that the whole family will love.