Name: Quick Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon.; Fresh ground beef, 1 pound.; Fresh onion, finely chopped, 1/2 cup.; Fresh garlic, minced (6 cloves), 2 tablespoons.; Low sodium crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces.; Fresh bay leaf, 1 piece.; Dried basil, 1 teaspoon.; Dried parsley, 1 teaspoon.; Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon.; Ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon.; Red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (optional).; Low sodium beef broth, 4 cups.; Water, 2 cups.; Reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles, 2 cups (5 ounces).; Fresh ricotta cheese for serving, 1/4 cup.; Grated parmesan cheese for serving, 1/4 cup.

A bowl of hearty pasta soup topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped herbs, accompanied by a small dish of cheese. | kitchenscroll.com

My soul warming lasagna soup brings pure comfort to your table in under an hour. After years of running my cooking blog I can tell you this recipe never disappoints. The rich flavors of classic lasagna transform into a cozy bowl of goodness that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for those nights when you need something truly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

I stumbled upon this recipe idea during a chilly evening when my family begged for lasagna but time wasn't on my side. The magic happens as the pasta soaks up all those Italian flavors while the cheese creates gorgeous swirls in your bowl. Trust me this will become your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna flavors without the fuss.

Your Shopping List

Olive Oil: Grab 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. I always splurge a little here since it builds such beautiful flavor.
Ground Beef: My go to is 1 pound of ButcherBox 85/15 ground beef. The fat content keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
Onion & Garlic: One medium onion and 4 garlic cloves create the perfect savory foundation. Chop them finely to spread the flavor throughout.
Crushed Tomatoes: A 28 ounce can brings that rich tomato base we all love.

More Kitchen Essentials

Herbs & Spices: Your flavor makers include 1 bay leaf, dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Broth & Water: 4 cups beef broth and 1 cup water create the perfect soup consistency.
Pasta: 2 cups reginetti pasta works beautifully here. The ruffled edges catch all that delicious sauce.
Cheese: Ricotta and parmesan bring that classic lasagna finish we all crave.

Getting Started

Heat the Pot: Start with your favorite large pot over medium heat and warm up that olive oil until it shimmers.
Brown the Beef: Get that beef nice and brown breaking it into small pieces. Drain off extra fat if you like your soup a bit lighter.

A bowl of hearty lasagna soup topped with shredded cheese, ricotta, and fresh herbs, with a background of cheese in a dish. | kitchenscroll.com

Building Flavors

Add Onion and Garlic: Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them work their magic for about 5 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing.

Creating Your Soup Base

Incorporate Tomatoes: Now comes the tomato goodness. Pour in those crushed tomatoes and watch everything come together.
Add Seasoning: Time for your herbs to shine. Add the bay leaf and all those dried herbs that make Italian cooking so wonderful.

The Liquid Gold

Pour Broth and Water: Pour in your broth and water. This creates the perfect soup consistency.
Simmer: Let everything bubble away gently for 15 minutes. This is when the real magic happens.

Adding the Pasta

Stir in Pasta: Add your pasta and watch it cook to perfect al dente in about 8 minutes. The pasta soaks up all those beautiful flavors.
Remove Bay Leaf: Fish out that bay leaf. Its job is done.

Time to Serve

Grab your favorite bowls and ladle in this gorgeous soup. Add generous dollops of ricotta snow white clouds and sprinkle fresh parmesan. A drizzle of olive oil and some torn basil leaves make it picture perfect.

A bowl of hearty meat and noodle soup topped with cheese, ricotta, and fresh herbs, alongside a dish of macaroni. | kitchenscroll.com

Kitchen Secrets

After making this countless times in my kitchen I learned to slightly undercook the pasta. It keeps cooking in the hot broth giving you perfect texture every time. Keep extra broth nearby if you like yours more soupy.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I swap in different oils or even butter when the mood strikes. Turkey or chicken work beautifully here and for my vegetarian friends lentils create an equally satisfying meal. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Fresh or Dried Herbs

Summer brings fresh herbs from my garden and they work wonderfully here. Double up on fresh basil parsley or oregano compared to dried. Add them near the end to keep their vibrant flavors alive.

Pasta Choices

While reginetti is my favorite you can absolutely use broken lasagna noodles mafalda or farfalle. Pro tip I learned the hard way cook pasta separately if you know there will be leftovers. This keeps it from getting too soft.

Perfect Pairings

Nothing beats dunking crusty bread into this soup. I love serving it with my quick Apple Walnut Salad or when strawberries are in season my famous Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad. A final shower of black pepper and parmesan makes everything sing.

A bowl of hearty pasta soup topped with shredded cheese, ground meat, and a dollop of ricotta, garnished with fresh herbs. | kitchenscroll.com

Saving for Later

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 4 days. I often freeze individual portions in my silicone molds perfect for busy days up to 3 months later.

Warming It Up

Pop individual bowls in the microwave for a minute or two or warm slowly on the stovetop. Give it a gentle stir now and then for even heating.

Keep Those Noodles Perfect

My favorite weekday meal prep trick? Cook and store the pasta separately. Add a portion to each bowl as you serve. Your pasta stays perfectly al dente every time.

Common Questions

What goes into lasagna soup? Think of everything you love about lasagna ground beef tender pasta and that gorgeous tomato broth topped with melty cheese. Add your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it your own.

More Ways with Lasagna Noodles

Turn those extra lasagna noodles into quick weeknight meals. Break them up for soup or create easy roll ups filled with ricotta and herbs. A quick bake in your favorite sauce and dinner is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?: Yes, you can make the soup base ahead of time, but add the pasta when you're ready to serve. The pasta continues cooking in the hot broth and can become mushy if left too long.
→ What's the best pasta to use for lasagna soup?: Reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles work best for an authentic taste. You can also use other short pasta shapes like campanelle or radiatori that will hold the sauce well.
→ Can I freeze this soup?: You can freeze the soup base without the pasta and cheese for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw completely and cook fresh pasta separately before combining.
→ What can I substitute for the ground beef?: Ground turkey or Italian sausage work great as alternatives to beef. For a vegetarian version, you can use mushrooms or plant-based ground meat substitutes.
→ Why does the recipe recommend cooking the pasta separately?: Cooking pasta separately gives you better control over its texture and prevents it from becoming overcooked. The pasta continues to absorb liquid even after cooking, which can make it too soft if left in the soup too long.

Conclusion

A hearty and delicious soup that captures the essence of classic lasagna in a convenient, one-pot meal. Perfect for busy families looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner option.

Lasagna Soup Recipe