Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving all the cozy, comforting flavors of lasagna but want something quicker and a bit lighter, you’re about to fall in love with this Easy Lasagna Soup. It’s everything you adore about classic lasagna—rich tomato sauce, savory seasoned beef, tender noodles, and a sprinkle of melty cheese—all in a warm, hearty bowl that feels like a big, delicious hug. The beauty of this soup is that it comes together effortlessly on the stovetop, with pantry-friendly ingredients that magically transform into a satisfying, soul-warming meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the fragrant herbs that deepen the flavor, to the luscious cheeses that add creamy richness, and that pasta which brings the perfect bite every time. Here’s everything you need to make this delicious soup come alive.

• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor that’s pure comfort in every spoonful.
• Minced Onion: Brings sweetness and depth while softening in the pot.
• Minced Garlic: Packs a punch of aromatic warmth and savory balance.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The bright tomato base that carries the sauce’s vibrant tang.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses herbal undertones that round out the soup’s flavor.
• Dried Basil, Parsley, and Oregano: These Italian classics create that signature lasagna herb profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A sprinkle turns up the heat for those who like a little spice.
• Beef Broth: Builds a rich, savory background to the soup.
• Water: Lightens the broth, balancing flavors and letting everything meld together.
• Reginetti Pasta (or broken lasagna noodles): The essential noodle element that gives you comforting chew and authentic lasagna feeling.
• Ricotta Cheese (optional): Adds creamy, mellow smoothness as a finishing touch.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Offers a salty, nutty finish that amplifies flavor.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, about 10 minutes. Browning the beef deeply develops the flavor, so don’t rush this step. Then, toss in the minced onions and garlic, cooking everything together until the onions turn translucent and fragrant—this mix builds your flavor foundation with every stir.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Herbs, and Broth

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, parsley, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir everything together, cover the pot, and bring it to a gentle boil. This is the moment when all those beautiful Italian flavors start melding into the rich, savory base of your soup.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

When the soup is bubbling away, stir in the reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium and cook uncovered for half the pasta package’s recommended time. The key here is to undercook the noodles slightly because they’ll finish cooking after you remove the soup from heat, soaking up that delicious broth and keeping a perfect tender bite.

Step 4: Let the Soup Rest and Serve

Once the pasta’s half-cooked, take the soup off the heat and let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes. This rest period allows the noodles to soften and absorb all the flavors without going mushy. Just before serving, fish out the bay leaf, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with dollops of ricotta and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan for a classic lasagna finish.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Don’t skip the toppings! A spoonful of creamy ricotta melts beautifully into the hot soup, adding silkiness and mild sweetness, while a shower of grated Parmesan brings that salty, nutty punch you crave in every bite. Fresh chopped basil or parsley can add a pop of color and fresh aroma. Feel free to add a crack of black pepper or even a dash of chili flakes if you like it spicy.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also brightens the meal and balances the richness of the soup, making it feel more rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Easy Lasagna Soup in individual mini Dutch ovens or heavy mugs for a cozy, rustic feel at dinner parties. You could even turn this into a fun family-friendly meal by letting everyone add their own garnishes and cheeses at the table. It makes serving interactive and adds to the comfort food vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up some broth, so when reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up to that perfect soup consistency.

Freezing

While you can freeze Easy Lasagna Soup, keep in mind that the pasta tends to soften more after freezing and thawing. To best preserve texture, store the soup base and pasta separately if possible. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your soup over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly warm through. Add a little extra broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can cause the pasta to get mushy. Once hot, top again with fresh Parmesan or ricotta for that restaurant-quality finish.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian friendly, and follow the rest of the recipe as is.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Reginetti pasta is traditional, but broken lasagna noodles work beautifully too. Any short pasta that holds up well in broth, like penne or rigatoni, can be substituted if reginetti is unavailable.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! If you have fresh basil, parsley, or oregano, feel free to use them. Just use about three times the amount because fresh herbs are milder. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.

Is it okay to omit the red pepper flakes?

Definitely! The red pepper flakes add a pleasant kick, but the soup is delicious and comforting without them. You can always sprinkle some on your individual bowl if you want a little heat.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

While you can, the stovetop method is the best way to keep the pasta perfectly tender without turning mushy. The Instant Pot and slow cooker can be tricky since the pasta tends to overcook. If using these methods, consider cooking the pasta separately and stirring it in just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Easy Lasagna Soup is one of those treasures that brings warmth, comfort, and a bit of Italian magic into your kitchen without the fuss or time a traditional lasagna takes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave that cozy feel-good meal. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your rotation. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you deserve a bowl of pure deliciousness!

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