Unbelievably Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup: Your New Favorite Weeknight Comfort Meal
Imagine all the heartwarming, savory flavors of a classic lasagna, but simplified into a cozy, chunky soup that comes together in a single pot. This incredible One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, offering all the rich, meaty, and cheesy goodness without any of the laborious layering. Each spoonful delivers perfectly cooked noodles, a robust meat sauce, and gooey cheese, all mingling in a comforting broth. It’s a meal that promises minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction, making it an instant family favorite, especially when paired with crusty bread and a fresh, crisp salad.
Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this One-Pot Lasagna Soup, but its sheer convenience is at the top of the list. The “one-pot” aspect means significantly less time spent on dishes, freeing you up for more important things. Beyond the easy cleanup, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect solution for those busy evenings when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in a flash.
But the benefits don’t stop at convenience. This soup is a symphony of flavors that truly captures the essence of traditional lasagna. It combines a rich, seasoned meat sauce with tender lasagna noodles and a medley of melted cheeses, creating a comforting experience that feels both familiar and exciting. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your family’s preferences. Experiment with different ground meats – I often use a blend of lean ground beef and Italian sausage for an extra layer of savory depth, which is always a hit in my home. You can also adjust the cheese factor, adding as much (or as little!) as your heart desires. While I used shredded mozzarella and Parmesan in the photos, a dollop of creamy ricotta stirred in at the end takes this soup to an entirely new level of richness and indulgence.
Essentially, this dish transforms a beloved classic comfort food into a warm, inviting soup that is ten times cozier than you could imagine. It’s truly like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Next time you’re searching for a meal that offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, whip up a pot of this mouthwatering lasagna soup.
More Delightful Lasagna Recipes
- Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Five Cheese Lasagna
- Slow Cooker Lasagna
Essential Ingredients for Your Lasagna Soup
Crafting this incredible soup requires surprisingly simple, everyday ingredients – mostly the same ones you’d use for traditional lasagna, but without the fuss! There’s nothing complicated or fancy involved, just wholesome components that come together to create a spectacular meal.
Core Soup Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
- Lean Ground Beef and/or Italian Sausage: This forms the hearty base of your soup. Lean ground beef provides a classic, robust flavor, while Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference) adds a wonderful depth and spice. A combination of both offers the best of both worlds.
- Onion: Sautéed until translucent, onion builds a foundational aromatic layer that is crucial for Italian-inspired dishes.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic, pungent flavor that defines Italian cuisine.
- Classic Italian Herbs: Dried basil, dried oregano, and dried parsley are the trinity of Italian herbs, infusing the soup with their fragrant, herbaceous notes. Don’t be shy with these; they are key to that familiar lasagna taste.
- Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato flavor is essential for deepening the richness of the soup and adding a lovely umami punch. It helps to “bloom” it by cooking it briefly with the meat and aromatics.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a lighter, savory liquid base.
- Beef Broth: Adds a richer, more profound meaty flavor that complements the ground beef or sausage beautifully. Using both creates a more complex broth.
- Can of Crushed Tomatoes: The primary tomato component, creating the “sauce” part of the soup. Crushed tomatoes break down easily and contribute a rustic texture.
- Lasagna Noodles: The star pasta! Broken into bite-sized pieces, they cook directly in the soup, absorbing all the wonderful flavors and thickening the broth slightly.
And then, of course, things get wonderfully cheesy with the toppings! When I prepared this recipe for the photographs, I used a generous amount of shredded mozzarella for its incredible meltiness and stretch, along with savory shredded Parmesan for a salty, sharp kick. However, for an even creamier, dreamier texture that truly mimics traditional lasagna, I wholeheartedly recommend adding a dollop of ricotta cheese to each bowl. It melts beautifully into creamy pockets, enhancing the overall experience. Feel free to use a combination of these or even explore other Italian cheeses like provolone for an extra layer of flavor.
How To Master One-Pot Lasagna Soup
Making this delightful lasagna soup is straightforward, breaking down into just a few simple steps. The beauty is in its simplicity, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking.
Step 1: Create the Robust Flavor Base
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven, begin by browning your chosen ground meat (lean ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination). Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Cook for another minute until fragrant, allowing the herbs to “bloom” in the hot oil.
- Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the soup from being overly oily.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial as it caramelizes the tomato paste, deepening its flavor significantly.
Step 2: Simmer and Infuse with Goodness
- Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir all the ingredients well to combine, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Add Noodles & Cook Until Tender
- Break the lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces (roughly 1-2 inches long) and add them directly to the simmering soup.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure the noodles are fully submerged and don’t clump together.
- Continue to simmer, covered, for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender yet still have a slight bite (al dente). Stir occasionally throughout this cooking time to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Serve with Cheesy Perfection
Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, ladle the steaming, flavorful lasagna soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with your desired cheeses – shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, or a dollop of creamy ricotta. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can add a lovely final touch. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, homemade masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup
The key to intensely flavorful lasagna soup lies in using high-quality ingredients and layering flavors. Start with a good blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for depth. Don’t skip browning the tomato paste and blooming your dried herbs. You can also add a splash of red wine during the simmering phase for extra richness. For toppings, a variety of cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta) and a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end will elevate the taste significantly. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle warmth.
In my opinion, ricotta cheese is superior for lasagna soup. Its creamy, slightly sweet, and rich texture creates wonderful, melt-in-your-mouth pockets of cheese that are characteristic of traditional lasagna. However, if you are looking to reduce calories or prefer a tangier flavor, cottage cheese can be a suitable substitute. Just be aware that cottage cheese will give a slightly different texture and taste profile.
Allow your lasagna soup to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may continue to absorb liquid and soften over time, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating to achieve your desired consistency. For best results, consider storing the cooked noodles separately from the broth if you plan to make a large batch for meal prep, and combine them just before serving.
Absolutely! To make a delicious vegetarian lasagna soup, simply omit the ground beef/sausage. Instead, you can use plant-based ground meat substitutes, or a hearty blend of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils to provide a similar texture and richness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and beef broth, and ensure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian (some contain animal rennet).
Yes, you can freeze lasagna soup, but with a small caveat. Cooked pasta can sometimes become mushy when thawed and reheated. For the best freezing results, I recommend cooking the soup base (meat, sauce, broth) without the noodles. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup base, bring it to a simmer, and then cook fresh lasagna noodles directly in the thawed soup until al dente. This method ensures perfectly textured noodles every time.
What to Serve Alongside Your Hearty Lasagna Soup
While this One-Pot Lasagna Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are some perfect accompaniments that complement the rich, savory flavors of the soup:
- Kick off with an appetizer: Start your meal with an Easy Cheese and Charcuterie Board. The variety of cheeses, meats, and crackers offers a delightful contrast to the soup and warms up the palate.
- Bread is a must: You’ll definitely want something to sop up every last drop of that delicious broth! Serve your soup with buttery Cheese Breadsticks or delightful Homemade Italian Bread Bowls. Classic garlic bread or a simple rustic baguette also work wonderfully.
- A refreshing counterpoint: Balance the richness of the soup with a light and crisp salad. A Simple Caesar Salad or a mixed green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Sweet finish: For a truly Italian-inspired meal, finish everything off with a sweet treat like a Lemon Lush (often called dessert lasagna!). Its creamy, tangy layers make a perfect light ending to a hearty meal.
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One Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- Soup
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 8 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- Toppings
- Shredded mozzarella
- Shredded Parmesan
- Ricotta
Instructions
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SOUP: In a large pot or dutch oven brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic, basil, oregano and parsley. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the tomato paste. Add in the remaining soup ingredients and stir well to combine. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally so the noodle don’t stick to the bottom.
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TO SERVE: Ladle into bowls and top with desired cheeses.
Notes
