Name: Homemade Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups bow tie pasta; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil for garnish

Table of Contents

There’s something magical about the smell of dinner simmering in the background, especially when you have a lively crew running around the house. Picture this: I’m dodging the kids as they race from the living room to the kitchen, their giggles echoing like a sweet symphony. Meanwhile, the aroma of homemade lasagna soup with bow tie pasta wafts through the air, and I can just about taste it. That smell alone makes the chaos of family life feel a little less chaotic, wouldn’t you agree? With a slow cooker working its wonders, dinner has transformed from a frantic fuss into a cozy, charming affair.

Why Make This Homemade Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta

Let’s get real for a moment: weeknights can be wild in any household. Between homework, work, and the relentless need to figure out what to feed everyone, meal prep often feels like an Olympic sport. That’s where this homemade lasagna soup with bow tie pasta comes in. It represents more than just a recipe; it’s salvation in a bowl, a love letter to comfort food, and a testament to the fact that home cooking doesn’t have to be hard to be heartwarming.

Imagine scooping a steaming bowl of lasagna soup on a cold evening, where each spoonful wraps you in a warm blanket. The flavors meld perfectly together, creating something comforting and hearty. And let’s not forget the best part: you can throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the hard work while you manage the delightful chaos that comes with family life. This recipe deserves a spot on your weeknight menu, not for its simplicity alone, but for the memories it brings to the dining table.

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Preparing Homemade Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta Without Losing Your Mind

“When the slow cooker’s humming and the kids are (mostly) quiet, you know it’s going to be a good dinner.”

Okay, let’s peel back the layers (like those lasagna noodles) and chat about making this dreamy soup without experiencing a meltdown. This isn’t just cooking; it’s an event. We’ll be layering flavors, textures, and maybe a sprinkle of chaos. You’ll need a sturdy heart for this.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful homemade lasagna soup with bow tie pasta:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups bow tie pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

Take a moment to gather these ingredients. If you end up with an extra can of crushed tomatoes because they were on sale, take heart—it will make for a perfect soup that’s a hit with the family. And no judgment if you accidentally grab salted butter instead of unsalted—every little mishap adds flavor to our cooking journey.

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins. Just wait for the sizzle.

Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. If you’re like me, you’ll love the moment the scents blend together like a culinary hug.

Add the ground beef or your choice of Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary, and yes, it’s okay if you get a little splash on your shirt.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer. This is your sauce base, and I promise you it’s looking pretty fab already.

Now, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t panic if it looks a bit too thin at first—it thickens as it simmers. Just keep the faith!

Serve hot, topped with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and garnished with fresh basil. Look at that bowl! Doesn’t it feel like a warm hug on a chilly day?

Bringing Homemade Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta to the Table

The moment when dinner is finally ready is always something special. The table is set, and the delicious smell of homemade lasagna soup with bow tie pasta fills the air. You can almost hear the collective “oohs” and “aahs” as everyone takes in the sight before them.

Serve it up in big bowls, making sure everyone gets a cheesy topping. That’s the kind of family dinner I cherish—full of laughter, stories, and a splash of sauce on the kids’ faces. It’s one of those meals that simply brings everyone closer together. And if you want to jazz it up a bit, a side of crusty garlic bread never hurts. Trust me, people will come back for seconds!

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Saving Homemade Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta for Tomorrow

Now, let’s talk leftovers. I often find that homemade soups taste even better the next day. Here’s how to properly store and reheat this culinary masterpiece:

Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It can last about 3-4 days.
If you plan on freezing some, just let it cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It should be good for about 3 months.
To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave until heated through. If it’s a little thick, just add a splash of broth or water. Voilà—homemade goodness in a hurry!

Ellie’s Slow-Living Tips

Now that you’ve danced through this delicious recipe, I’d love to share a few tips I’ve picked up on the way. These are little kitchen secrets from my busy farmhouse that make cooking more joyful and less stressful.

Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have ground beef? No sweat! Ground turkey or lentils work too. Just aim for what suits your taste (or what your fridge is telling you).

Timing: If you’re short on time, you can prep the ingredients the night before. Just toss everything in your slow cooker in the morning, and you’re all set.

Flavor Enhancers: Want to kick things up a notch? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some zing. It’s an adventure every time.

No Bow Tie? No Problem: If bow tie pasta is not available, use whatever noodle you have on hand. Broken pieces of spaghetti or elbow macaroni will work too.

Clumsy Chef: Embrace kitchen mishaps. Spilled some sauce? Count it as a workout and a story worth sharing at dinner.

Family Twists on Homemade Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta

No good recipe comes without its share of family variations. Let’s dive into some creative spins on this classic dish.

My own cousin adds sautéed mushrooms and spinach, which not only gives it a nutritional boost but adds another layer of flavor. Then there’s my neighbor who sneaks in a bit of red wine. It might surprise you, but it elevates the flavor profile just beautifully.

Another family tradition is to swap the herbs according to season—fresh herbs in spring and summer and dried ones when the gardens are bare. Sweet surprises like this turn every batch into a unique story in your culinary book.

FAQs About Homemade Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough. I once tried it in a smaller one, and let’s just say dinner took a little longer than planned. You’ll want to have enough room for everyone to help themselves.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No problem! Cream cheese or cottage cheese can work as substitutes in a pinch. It’s all about creativity in the kitchen.

Can this be made vegetarian?
Of course! Using plant-based meat substitutes or beans will still make a hearty version of this soup. Just keep the same delicious spices, and you won’t miss the meat!

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, indeed! Once cooled, store it in freezer-safe containers. Just remember to leave a little space at the top, as it tends to expand.

What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread is a crowd-pleaser. You could also whip up a simple green salad to add a fresh crunch alongside your cozy soup.

A Final Thought

So there you have it, warmhearted friends—a story wrapped in spaghetti, bubbling with love and laughter. Homemade lasagna soup with bow tie pasta is a reminder that even amidst the flurry of daily life, we can savor moments of comfort and joy in our kitchens. It invites us to slow down, gather around the dinner table, and create connections that can only be formed over shared meals. The kitchen might never be perfectly organized, but in the end, it’s the love, laughter, and homemade meals that matter most. Until the next slow day in my farmhouse kitchen, may your pots always be full and your bellies even fuller!

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Hey y’all if slow-cooked comfort food makes your heart happy, you’re in the right place. 💛 Follow Crock Cozy on Pinterest for hearty casseroles, tender roasts, and weeknight dinners that taste like home.

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Lila Morrison

Hi, I’m Lila! Southern home cook raised in Mississippi, now near Nashville. I share cozy, slow-cooked meals inspired by my grandma’s kitchen simple, soulful, and full of love.

Homemade Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta