If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss of layered baking, then you’re going to adore this One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe. Imagine a hearty, savory soup that captures that rich tomato goodness, tender noodles, and cheesy bliss in a single pot—making dinner not only delicious but incredibly simple. This dish brings together everything you love about lasagna in a cozy, slurp-worthy form that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a warm culinary hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture. From aromatic herbs to creamy cheeses, everything comes together to create that irresistible lasagna taste, just in soup form.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides a flavorful base and helps brown the meat beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth and satisfying protein to the soup.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers a subtle sweetness and tender texture after sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential in Italian cooking.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates and intensifies the tomato flavor in the broth.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Adds a hint of herbaceous brightness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings an earthy, classic Italian fragrance.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup’s rich and tangy base.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth: Makes the soup luscious and perfect for simmering noodles.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The pasta element that brings that comforting lasagna texture.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Swirled in to create creamy, dreamy richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly into the soup for gooey cheese pull moments.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish on top.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Introduces a fresh, herbal pop to brighten each bowl.
How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it’s beautifully browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. The browning not only adds flavor but gives the soup a hearty, comforting base. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep things from getting greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté for roughly 3 minutes until they become tender and translucent. Then add the minced garlic along with the tomato paste. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color. This step layers in savory sweetness and complexity.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring everything together. Bring this vibrant mixture up to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and set the stage for the next step.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Once boiling, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are perfectly tender but not mushy. This is where your soup truly starts to resemble that beloved lasagna texture in every spoonful.
Step 5: Finish with Creamy Cheeses
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to suit your taste. Turn off the heat and gently stir in the ricotta cheese until everything is creamy and luscious. Then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring just enough for the cheeses to melt into delightful gooey pockets throughout the soup.
How to Serve One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For that final touch, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a vibrant green color and fresh herbal aroma that instantly elevates the soup. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for a luxurious finish.
Side Dishes
This soup truly stands tall on its own, but if you want to add something on the side, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also complement the soup nicely without overwhelming those bold lasagna flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls with some toasted bread sticks tucked in or topped with a few mini mozzarella balls and torn basil leaves for an inviting Italian trattoria vibe. For family gatherings, layering the toppings directly in the pot before serving makes for a stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delightful the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely first, and note that the cheese may separate slightly after freezing but will still taste amazing once reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to reincorporate the cheesy goodness and prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water can help refresh the soup’s texture if it’s thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I make One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and swap the broth for vegetable stock. To keep it creamy and satisfying, consider adding extra ricotta or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
What kind of noodles work best in this recipe?
Traditional lasagna noodles are ideal because they capture that authentic lasagna texture. Just be sure to break them into pieces so they cook evenly in the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup spicy?
Yes! The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your heat preference. For more intensity, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a swirl of hot sauce before serving.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken will work well and lighten the dish. Just be mindful that leaner meats cook faster and can become dry if overcooked, so keep an eye during browning.
How can I make the soup extra cheesy?
Feel free to sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan just before serving, or stir in extra ricotta while finishing the soup. For that melty cheese experience, a little cream stirred in also adds luxurious decadence.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone craving the comforting, rich flavors of classic lasagna without the time and fuss of baking. It’s a delicious, hearty, and cheesy bowl of happiness that comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a go-to favorite for cozy nights. So grab your pot and get ready to enjoy a warm hug in a bowl!
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One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Made with ground beef or Italian sausage, tomato sauce, herbs, broken lasagna noodles, and a creamy mix of ricotta and cheeses, this soup is perfect for a family-friendly meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base and Herbs
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
- Add Herbs and Liquids: Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Then add crushed tomatoes and chicken or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Season the Soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Turn off the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese until the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Then gently sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the soup and stir just enough to melt the cheeses.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, enhancing aroma and presentation. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
- To make the soup creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream or add extra ricotta cheese at the end.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Broken lasagna noodles cook faster than whole noodles and better suit the soup texture.
