All the Comfort of Lasagna — In a Bowl!

If you’re anything like me, you love lasagna — those layers of noodles, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese are pure comfort food. But let’s be honest: making a full lasagna from scratch on a busy weeknight? Not happening. That’s why this Lasagna Soup with Hamburger is such a lifesaver! It’s hearty, cozy, and tastes just like classic lasagna — but in a simple, one-pot version that’s ready in under 40 minutes. Every spoonful is packed with tender pasta, savory beef, rich tomato broth, and creamy melted cheese. It’s the ultimate hug in a bowl!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Soup

This recipe brings all the Italian comfort you crave without the hassle of layering and baking. I love making it on chilly nights when I want something warm and satisfying, but still easy enough to pull together after work. Plus, it’s family-friendly — even picky eaters can’t resist it! The best part? You can customize it with your favorite pasta or even sneak in a few veggies without anyone noticing.

Nutritional Benefits

This Lasagna Soup may feel indulgent, but it’s actually pretty balanced. The ground beef adds a great dose of protein and iron, while the tomatoes bring antioxidants and vitamin C. If you use whole-grain pasta, you’ll also get extra fiber that helps keep you full longer. You can even lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef — it’s just as delicious!

Fun Variations to Try

• Make it creamy: Stir in a few spoonfuls of ricotta or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a silky, rich texture.
• Add veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost and hearty texture.
• Go spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
• Cheese lover’s version: Mix mozzarella and Parmesan directly into the soup and sprinkle more on top before serving!

Lasagna Soup with Hamburger Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (or any short pasta)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Stir in basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
4. Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Add the broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water.
7. Just before serving, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Let them melt slightly — this is where the magic happens!
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Bowl

• Cook noodles separately if storing leftovers: Pasta continues to absorb liquid, so keeping it separate helps your soup stay brothy and fresh.
• Cheese layering trick: Add the ricotta and mozzarella to each serving bowl instead of mixing it all in. That way, each person gets melty cheese exactly how they like it.
• Freeze-friendly: This soup freezes beautifully! Just skip adding the cheese before freezing. Reheat and stir in the cheese when serving.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef for lentils or chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version that’s still packed with flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even bow-tie pasta work great — just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients except the noodles. Cook on low for 6 hours, then add the noodles during the last 30 minutes.
3. How can I make it creamy? Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of mascarpone at the end for a luscious, silky texture.
4. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef? Definitely! Both are great lean options and absorb the rich tomato flavors beautifully.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Did this Lasagna Soup with Hamburger warm up your evening? I’d love to see your version! Snap a cozy photo and share it on Pinterest — tag me so I can see how you made it your own. Comfort food like this is meant to be shared, one spoonful (and one cheesy stretch) at a time! 🍲🧀🍝