About ten years ago, I made this lasagna soup for my daughter’s birthday. It was a spur-of-the-moment creation, inspired by her love for lasagna but with a twist to make it easier to serve a crowd. At the time, I didn’t even know lasagna soup was a thing!
Fast forward to today, and it’s gone viral on TikTok, though many of the recipes out there use ground beef for simplicity. My version keeps it classic yet hearty, with slow-cooked beef chuck and short ribs, giving the soup a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Lasagna itself has deep roots in Italian cuisine, with variations appearing as far back as the Middle Ages. The soup version, however, is a modern innovation—likely born from the desire to capture the essence of lasagna in a more casual, one-pot meal.
This dish takes the familiar, comforting flavors of lasagna—rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheese—and transforms them into a bowl of warmth that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s proof that even classic flavors can find new life in unexpected forms.
If you’re looking for something hearty yet approachable, this lasagna soup is worth a try. It’s rich, savory, and packed with layers of flavor, much like the baked dish it’s inspired by.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a comforting meal, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring people together. Give it a go—you might just create a memory as special as the one that started it all for me.
Ingredients:
(Serve 8)
Beef Chuck, 500g
Beef Short Ribs, 500g
Sea Salt, Pinch
Black Pepper, Pinch
Grapeseed / Sunflower / Canola / Peanut Oil, 2 TBSP
Bay Leaves, 2
Star Anise, 2
Cinnamon Stick, 1
Green Cardamoms, 1 TBSP
Cloves, 1 TBSP
Coriander Seeds, 1 TBSP
Unsalted Butter, 2 TBSP
High Quality Olive Oil, 2 TBSP
Yellow Onion Finely Sliced, 1
Garlic Finely Minced, 5 Cloves
Tomato Puree, 2 TBSP
Italian Seasoning, 1 TBSP
Chili Flakes, 1 TBSP
Hand Crushed Tomatoes Canned, 28oz
Parmigiano Reggiano Rind, 1 (Optional)
Lasagna Pasta, 200g
Parsley Coarsely Chopped, A Handful
Ricotta Cheese Homemade, To Serve
Mozzarella Freshly Grated, To Serve
Parmigiano Reggiano Freshly Grated, To Serve
Equipment:
Slow Cooker
Heavy Pot
Cast Iron Skillet
Directions:
Please visit my "How To Make Ricotta" page for the recipe.
*If you are using ground beef, you can skip this entire process.*
Season the beef well with salt and pepper.
In a skillet over medium heat, add oil.
Once the oil is heated, sear the beef until crispy brown on both sides.
Transfer into the slow cooker.
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of water and add the liquid to the slow cooker.
Add 1L of water, along with bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon, green cardamoms, cloves and coriander seeds.
Stir it to combine well.
Cook on high for 8 hrs or until the beef is super tender.
Drain and reserve the beef stock.
Discard all the spices, and bones and set them aside to cool down slightly.
Once the beef is cool enuff to handle, shred the beef coarsely.
Set them aside until ready to use.
In a heavy pot over medium heat, add butter and olive oil.
Once the butter has melted, add onion.
Season with salt and pepper.
Saute until lightly caramelized.
*At this point, you can add in the ground beef, if you are using.*
Add in garlic and saute until aromatic.
Followed by tomato puree.
Saute until the tomato puree is lightly caramelized.
Next, add in Italian seasoning and chili flakes.
Saute until aromatic.
Add in the hand crushed tomatoes and the beef stock.
If you are using, add in the parmigiano rind.
Stir to combine well.
Bring it up to a simmer and add in the lasagna pasta.
Stir to combine well.
Cover and cook until the lasagna is almost al dente, about 5 to 6 mins.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add in the shredded beef.
Give it a stir to combine well.
Cover and cook for another 3 to 5 mins or until slightly reduced.
Taste and adjust for seasonings with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and garnish with parsley.
To serve, add ricotta, mozzarella and parmigiano to serving bowls.
Ladle the lasagna soup over the cheese.
Garnish with more parsley.
Serve immediately.
Hearty and cozy soup...
Good soup...
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