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This lasagna soup brings all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving comfort food, this soup is a family favorite!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons for sautéing, adds a rich flavor to the soup.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, gives a hearty, meaty base to the soup. Substitute with ground turkey if desired.
- Onion: 1 large, diced finely for a flavorful base.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced for depth and aroma.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can with juice, adds texture and flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can or tomato puree for a smooth, rich broth.
- Tomato Paste: 3 ounces, thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, adds depth to the soup’s base.
- Water: 1-2 cups as needed to adjust soup consistency.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon for a classic herb flavor.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, enhances overall flavor.
- Bowtie Pasta: 8 ounces (uncooked), a fun pasta shape that holds the sauce well.
- Suggested Toppings: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish, plus fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large soup pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2:
- Add ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked, stirring as needed. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Step 3:
- Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 4:
- Add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the pot and bring the soup to a boil.
- Step 5:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender to your liking.
- Step 6:
- If the soup becomes too thick, add extra water or broth in small amounts to adjust to your preferred consistency.
- Step 7:
- To serve, you can either add the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses directly to the soup or allow each person to add cheese to their own bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Storage:
- Let the soup cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 90 days.
- Reheating:
- Add a bit of water or broth when reheating, as the pasta may absorb much of the liquid during storage.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: For a fun twist, serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan. Fresh parsley adds a nice burst of color and flavor.
- Make it a Meal: Pair with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple salad to round out the meal.
- Storage: Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Add broth when reheating as the pasta will absorb liquid over time.
Helpful Notes
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add less broth or let it simmer a bit longer. For a thinner consistency, add extra broth or water.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the soup up to the step of adding pasta. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and add it to the soup for the best texture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten recommends adding a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
- Chef Bobby Flay suggests adding a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Combines all the flavors of lasagna in a cozy, comforting soup.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.
- Customizable toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based alternative or extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.