If you’re craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something lighter, quicker, and utterly cozy, this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine all the rich, hearty goodness of classic lasagna transformed into a luscious, warming soup filled with tender pasta, savory ground beef, bright tomatoes, and creamy ricotta on top. Each spoonful feels like a big, delicious hug, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a taste of Italian comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the secret to making this soup sing. Each component plays a crucial role—from the fragrant garlic and onion building the base, to the robust crushed tomatoes adding depth, and the farfalle pasta bringing the perfect bite and texture that feels nostalgic yet fresh.
- Olive oil: Use good quality olive oil for a flavorful sauté base that ties everything together.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and body once sautéed to translucent perfection.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse a warm, aromatic kick throughout the soup.
- Ground beef: Provides richness and savoriness that’s key to that meaty lasagna feel.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a subtle sweetness and thickness.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of this dish, giving it that classic tangy, rich tomato base.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and balances the acidity from the tomatoes perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend bringing the aromatic herbs characteristic of lasagna.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Give a gentle warming heat if you want to spice things up.
- Farfalle pasta: Bowtie-shaped pasta that holds the broth beautifully and mimics lasagna noodles.
- Ricotta cheese: For that creamy, dreamy topping that adds richness and a touch of tang.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for saltiness and sharp umami flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and scattered at the end for a fresh, herbal brightness.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until they turn translucent and soft, about five minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant. This aromatic base sets the tone for the entire soup, layering wonderful flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it thoroughly until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step infuses the dish with hearty, meaty depth. If there’s excess fat after browning, draining it will keep the soup balanced rather than greasy.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste
Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for about two minutes. This simple step helps to caramelize the paste and deepen its flavor, giving the soup a rich, concentrated tomato foundation that’s anything but flat.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. This is where all the individual ingredients start coming together to form a hearty and flavorful broth.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Turn down the heat and let the soup gently simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the soup to thicken slightly—patiently creating that rich, comforting taste that makes this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the soup simmers, cook the farfalle pasta separately until al dente. Drain and set it aside to keep it from getting mushy in the soup while it cooks.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Adjust Seasoning
About 5 minutes before serving, stir the cooked pasta into the simmering soup. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to make sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Toppings
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add a generous scoop of ricotta cheese on top. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and chopped fresh parsley to finish. These final touches add creamy richness and a burst of color that take this soup to the next level.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While the ricotta, parmesan, and parsley are classic, feel free to get creative—thinly sliced basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil can add an elegant twist. Crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled on top offer a little heat that pairs beautifully with the soup’s richness.
Side Dishes
A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is a natural companion, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth. A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness and add freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in deep bowls with a small dish on the side for extra ricotta. For a fun twist, layer the soup in clear glass mugs, alternating spoonfuls of soup and cheese toppings to mimic a deconstructed lasagna. This presentation is sure to wow guests and bring smiles to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate if possible to prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to do so without the pasta. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers, and use within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw if frozen, then gently heat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add freshly cooked pasta or reheat the pasta separately to keep it perfectly tender. This care keeps every element lively and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based crumbled meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The other ingredients will still create that wonderful lasagna flavor in soup form.
What pasta works best in this homemade lasagna soup recipe?
Faralle is preferred because its shape catches the broth well and mimics the feel of lasagna noodles. However, other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni also work nicely.
How spicy is this recipe if I add red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but aren’t overpowering. You can adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance or skip them entirely for a milder soup perfect for all tastes.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! The soup can be made a day ahead. Just remember to cook and add the pasta fresh before serving to keep it from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and has a richer flavor, but pre-shredded varieties work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s a good-quality cheese to keep the soup tasting authentic and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe brings all the warmth and heartiness of traditional lasagna into a comforting bowl of soup that’s quick to make and easy to love. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how satisfying and cozy this dish is. Happy cooking!
Print
Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Homemade Lasagna Soup captures all the classic flavors of lasagna in a comforting, hearty soup form. Featuring ground beef, tomato-rich broth, al dente farfalle pasta, and topped with creamy ricotta and parmesan cheeses, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners. It’s simple to prepare, simmered to blend robust Italian seasonings, and offers a delightful twist on traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta
Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the soup simmers, cook the farfalle pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Soup and Pasta: In the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir the cooked pasta into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a scoop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can switch ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
- Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; pasta may absorb more broth upon standing.
