The Best Lasagna Soup — Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

Posted on December 31, 2025

Hearty bowl of lasagna-style soup with bowtie pasta, browned beef, melted mozzarella, dollops of ricotta, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, served with crusty bread, The Best Lasagna Soup.

The Best Lasagna Soup is what happens when you crave lasagna but your patience (and your casserole dish) are in short supply. This deconstructed, all-in-one-pot wonder nails the same cozy, cheesy, tomatoey vibes without the fuss of layering sheets of pasta. Ready in under an hour, it’s comfort food that actually fits weeknight life.

Brief introduction to the recipe

Think of this as lasagna, but looser, soupier, and way easier to stir. Ground beef simmers with garlic and onions in a rich tomato broth, sturdy pasta joins the party, and a trio of cheeses finishes each bowl with melty, dreamy goodness. It’s a single pot, minimal cleanup, maximum joy situation. Perfect for busy families, cold nights, or whenever you need a dinner that feels like a hug.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why should this be in your rotation? First, it delivers all the cozy lasagna flavor without hours of prep. Second, it’s a brilliant option for Healthy Meals For The Family when you swap in lean beef or extra veg. Third, leftovers reheat like champs — no soggy nightmares here if you follow a couple of simple rules. And lastly: who doesn’t love a bowl that doubles as both dinner and therapy?

The story behind the soup

This started as a lazy-night experiment: too tired to layer a pan, too hungry to order takeout. I tossed everything in a pot and, surprise, the result was better than the sum of its parts. The dish felt like a cheat code to lasagna — same soul, less drama. Now it’s a household favorite and a great riff on the idea that comfort food shouldn’t be complicated.

Ingredients breakdown (short blurbs)

Here’s what you’ll want on hand and why each item matters.

  • Ground beef: Browning it builds richness and that classic lasagna flavor. Prefer a swap? Ground turkey or pork works fine. Use lean for lighter versions.
  • Olive oil: For sautéing. Any neutral oil works, but olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness.
  • Onion + garlic: Aromatics that form the flavor base. Don’t skimp.
  • Canned tomatoes + tomato sauce + tomato paste: These three create depth and body. Use crushed tomatoes for a thicker broth.
  • Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable): The cooking liquid — it keeps the soup hearty but slurpable.
  • Italian seasoning, salt, pepper: The familiar lasagna spice profile without extra steps.
  • Sturdy pasta (bowtie, penne, rigatoni, macaroni): These shapes hold up and reheat well; bowtie is my go-to.
  • Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan: The finishing trio — ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds salty umami.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens and adds a pop of color.

## The Best Lasagna Soup — How to make it (step-by-step)

Follow this roadmap and you’ll be spooning into a bowl of utter comfort in about 40–50 minutes.

  1. Sear the beef. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high. Add a splash of oil, then brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat if there’s a puddle. Browning = flavor.
  2. Build the tomato base. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the broth and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the tomato paste dissolves and the broth looks cohesive.
  3. Bring it to a boil. Add the pasta of choice. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Adjust liquid as it cooks. Pasta will soak up liquid as it simmers. Keep extra broth or water nearby and add a bit at a time to maintain your desired soupiness. Tip: If you want a thicker, stew-like result, let some liquid reduce; for more brothy, add extra stock.
  5. Finish with cheese. Once the pasta is al dente, remove from heat and either swirl in spoonfuls of ricotta and shredded mozzarella or let diners top their bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Hearty bowl of lasagna-style soup with bowtie pasta, browned beef, melted mozzarella, dollops of ricotta, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, served with crusty bread, The Best Lasagna Soup.Pin

Pro tips for perfect results

  • Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven so heat distributes evenly.
  • Brown the meat well — those browned bits are where the flavor lives.
  • Pick sturdy pasta — bowtie, penne, or rigatoni hold up best for leftovers.
  • If the soup thickens too much after sitting, add warm broth when reheating.
  • Don’t throw all the cheese in at once if you plan to store leftovers; keep some fresh for topping.
  • For leaner family-friendly options, substitute ground turkey and toss in extra veggies. This keeps it as one of your go-to Healthy Meals For The Family.
  • Avoid overcooking pasta in the pot; it will get softer as it sits. Serve within a day or add pasta later if meal-prepping.

Variations to try

One soup, endless riffs. Mix and match these ideas to suit taste, pantry, and mood.

  • Lasagna Soup With Beef (classic): Stick to ground beef for that true lasagna vibe. Brown thoroughly and enjoy the savory depth.
  • Lasagna Soup No Ricotta / Lasagna Soup Without Ricotta: Skip ricotta entirely and rely on a mozzarella-Parmesan finish. It’s still creamy and might appeal to ricotta-averse eaters.
  • Lasagna Soup With Cottage Cheese: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese as a lighter, protein-packed alternative — it melts into a pleasant creaminess and keeps things budget-friendly.
  • No Bake Lasagna Soup: This term is a little playful — the soup never bakes in a casserole, so it’s really a one-pot No Bake Lasagna Soup by nature. Great for nights when you’d rather not preheat the oven.
  • Simple Lasagna Soup: Keep it streamlined with a jar of marinara plus broth and pasta. Minimal prep, max comfort.
  • Homemade Lasagna Soup: Make your own tomato base with fresh tomatoes and simmer longer for a richer, fresher profile. Totally worth the extra 15 minutes if you have them.
  • Veg-forward version: Toss in shredded zucchini, carrots, or spinach to up the veggie quota without compromising flavor.

Best ways to serve

Want to make the meal sing? Here are serving ideas that level it up fast.

  • Ladle into bowls and top with a generous spoon of ricotta, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and a dusting of Parmesan. Fresh parsley = instant brightness.
  • Serve with crusty bread or garlic focaccia to sop up the savory broth.
  • Pair with a big green salad for a balanced dinner.
  • For a cozy party, set up a cheese topping bar and let guests customize their bowls — fun and interactive!

Quick tips for storage and leftovers

Lasagna soup plays nice with leftovers — follow these tips to keep texture and flavor.

  • Refrigerate: Cool the soup to room temp, then store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze without cheese toppings for up to 3 months. Cheese doesn’t love the freezer.
  • Thawing: Move frozen soup to the fridge overnight before reheating. Don’t thaw at room temp.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding broth or water as needed to loosen the pasta. Microwave works too; add small amounts of liquid and stir frequently.
  • Best practice: If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to keep texture on point.

Hearty bowl of lasagna-style soup with bowtie pasta, browned beef, melted mozzarella, dollops of ricotta, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, served with crusty bread, The Best Lasagna Soup.Pin

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes — swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of hearty vegetables. Use veg broth and you’ve got a satisfying Simple Lasagna Soup with no meat.

What pasta is best?

I recommend bowtie, penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. They hold their shape and handle reheating well. If you use broken lasagna noodles, eat it sooner rather than later.

Is ricotta necessary?

Not at all. If you want a ricotta-free bowl, try Lasagna Soup No Ricotta or Lasagna Soup Without Ricotta — just finish with mozzarella and Parmesan for creaminess.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Yes. Make the soup base and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add pasta and cook right before serving, or cook pasta separately and combine when reheating. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy nights.

How do I make it lighter for kids?

Swap in lean ground turkey, add extra veggies, and use reduced-fat cheeses. It stays comforting but trims calories — perfect for Healthy Meals For The Family.

Final thoughts (wrap-up)

This recipe earns its title for good reason — it’s cozy, practical, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you want The Best Lasagna Soup with beef and all the cheese, a No Bake Lasagna Soup quick-fix, or a wholesome dish for Healthy Meals For The Family, this one-pot wonder has your back.

Want extra creamy? Add a scoop of ricotta in the bowl. Want lighter? Try Lasagna Soup With Cottage Cheese or go full veggie. Prefer simplicity? The Simple Lasagna Soup approach — jarred marinara, broth, and pasta — works like a charm.

So, what’ll it be tonight — classic Lasagna Soup With Beef, a ricotta-free bowl, or a homemade twist? IMO, you can’t go wrong. This is comfort food that fits real life: fast, forgiving, and totally craveable. Now go brown that meat and let the kitchen smell like dinner and nostalgia.

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Hearty bowl of lasagna-style soup with bowtie pasta, browned beef, melted mozzarella, dollops of ricotta, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, served with crusty bread, The Best Lasagna Soup.Pin

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Hearty bowl of lasagna-style soup with bowtie pasta, browned beef, melted mozzarella, dollops of ricotta, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, served with crusty bread, The Best Lasagna Soup.

The Best Lasagna Soup — Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cups 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

A cozy, no-fuss soup that tastes like lasagna in a bowl. Everything simmers together in a single pot for an easy weeknight supper — sturdy bowtie pasta holds up great for leftovers and travel-friendly lunches.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 Tbsp olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (use the juices too)
  • 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce (or tomato purée)
  • ~⅓ cup tomato paste (about half of a 6-oz can)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or veggie/beef broth)
  • 12 cups water, to loosen as needed
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz dry bowtie pasta (farfalle) or another sturdy shape (penne, rigatoni, macaroni)

Topping suggestions

  • ½ cup ricotta
  • 2 oz shredded mozzarella (≈½ cup)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan, grated or shaved
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

Stovetop method

  1. Warm a 4.5-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat until it shimmers.

  2. Add the ground beef, onion and garlic. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot.

  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and the broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  4. Add the uncooked pasta, bring the pot up to a boil, then lower the heat to a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring now and then so the pasta doesn’t clump.

  5. If the soup thickens too much as the noodles cook, stir in small amounts of water or extra broth until it reaches your ideal consistency.

  6. When the pasta is tender, remove from heat. Either fold ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan into the whole pot (after it cools a touch) or let everyone top their own bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Chef’s note: Pick pasta that stays firm after sitting — bowtie, penne, rigatoni, or elbow work best.


Pressure-cooker (Instant Pot) method

  1. Choose the Sauté setting and warm the oil. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until no pink remains. Drain extra fat if needed.

  2. Pour in a splash of broth to deglaze the pot, then cancel Sauté.

  3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, remaining broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the pasta. Lock the lid and seal the valve.

  4. Cook on High Pressure for 1 minute. For firmer pasta, perform a quick release; for softer noodles, let pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes.

  5. Open the lid, stir, and add water or broth if the soup needs loosening. Serve with cheese and parsley as described above.

 

Heads up: If you double this in a pressure cooker, use at least an 8-10 qt model so it doesn’t overflow.


Notes

  • Storage & reheating
    • Fridge: Cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate up to 5 days.
    • Freezer: Freeze cooled soup (without cheese toppings) for up to 3 months.
    • Reheat: Gently warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water because the pasta soaks up liquid as it sits. Add extra cheese fresh after reheating for best texture.
  • Swaps & shortcuts
    • No diced tomatoes? Use a 24-oz jar of marinara plus ~1 cup water as an easy shortcut.
    • Want leaner dinners or more veg? Substitute ground turkey and toss in chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
    • Prefer no ricotta? Skip it — a mozzarella + Parmesan finish still delivers creamy satisfaction.
    • For thicker, tomato-forward broth, swap crushed tomatoes for the diced ones.
  • Quick tips
    • Brown the beef well — those browned bits add big flavor.
    • Avoid overcooking the pasta if you plan to keep leftovers; it will soften further.
    • Hold back some cheese for topping leftovers — it tastes fresher that way.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1cup
  • Calories: 169kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 378mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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