As I was spinning through my week, grappling with the usual dinner dilemmas, a lightbulb moment hit me: why not take the best of lasagna and transform it into a warm, inviting soup? Enter my One Pot Lasagna Soup. With its rich tomato broth, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and a gooey layer of mozzarella, this dish delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna without the hours of prep! Perfect for those hectic weeknights, it brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table while being a breeze to make. Plus, it’s family-friendly, so you can enjoy this cozy meal together. Curious about how this hearty creation comes together? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Is This Soup a Game Changer?
Simplicity: One Pot Lasagna Soup streamlines your cooking process, allowing you to create a comforting meal without multiple pots and pans.
Hearty Goodness: Rich flavors of tomato, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella melt together, delivering a taste sensation that satisfies everyone at the table.
Quick Prep: Perfect for busy nights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families on the go.
Versatile: Swap ingredients easily—use ground turkey instead of beef or add seasonal veggies like zucchini for added nutrients.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike rave about this comforting dish, making it a family favorite for those who crave classic Italian flavors.
For more cozy soups like this, check out my Cheeseburger Soup Cozy or Sausage Potato Soup recipes!
One Pot Lasagna Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
• Ground Beef – Adds protein and richness; use 80/20 fat content for optimal flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Enhances aroma and depth.
• Yellow Onion (1/2, diced) – Provides sweetness and texture.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) & Onion Powder (1/2 tsp) – Extra seasoning for layered flavor.
• Dried Basil (1/4 tsp) & Oregano (1/2 tsp) – Traditional Italian herbs for authentic flavor.
• Kosher Salt (1 tsp, plus more) – Universal seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds heat and complexity.
• Crushed Tomatoes (14 oz can) – Base of the broth, providing acidity and sweetness.
• Chicken Broth (32 oz, plus more if needed) – Liquid to cook the noodles and create the soup base.
• Water (1 cup) – Balances the broth consistency.
• Tomato Paste (2 tsp) – Concentrates tomato flavor.
For the Noodles and Veggies
• Lasagna Noodles (6 oz, broken) – Main carbohydrate; must be added at the right time to prevent mushiness.
• Frozen Chopped Spinach (1 cup) – Adds nutrition and color; can be swapped with fresh spinach.
For Creaminess and Toppings
• Heavy Cream (1/4 cup) – Provides creaminess to finish the soup.
• Ricotta Cheese – Rich topping for serving.
• Mozzarella Cheese (4 oz, sliced) – Melts into the soup for that classic lasagna taste.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Finished garnish for extra flavor.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat and add 1 lb of ground beef. Break apart with a wooden spoon, browning for about 7-10 minutes until no pink remains and it’s fragrant. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the One Pot Lasagna Soup light and delicious.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ diced yellow onion, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp dried basil, ½ tsp oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the beef. Stir these ingredients together and sauté for 5 minutes until the onion softens slightly and the kitchen fills with a warm aroma.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 32 oz of chicken broth, 1 cup of water, and 2 tsp of tomato paste into the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors, allowing the broth base for your One Pot Lasagna Soup to come together beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Break 6 oz of lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and gently fold them into the pot, ensuring they are immersed in the liquid. This step allows the noodles to absorb the flavors as they cook, creating a thick and comforting texture that is characteristic of lasagna soup.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
Bring the mixture to a robust boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This cooking time ensures the noodles soften while allowing all the comforting flavors to meld together for your One Pot Lasagna Soup.
Step 6: Incorporate Spinach and Cream
After the simmering, add in 1 cup of frozen chopped spinach and ¼ cup of heavy cream. Stir the mixture gently and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, until the spinach is heated through and the broth has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Step 7: Serve the Soup
Ladle the rich One Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls, placing a slice of mozzarella cheese into each. As the soup is poured over, the cheese will begin to melt, creating that iconic, gooey finish. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with parmesan, if desired, for a delightful touch.
What to Serve with One Pot Lasagna Soup
Imagine cozying up with a bowl of rich, hearty soup that warms both the heart and the soul. Let’s enhance this Italian favorite with delightful pairings.
- Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping, this buttery, garlicky delight complements the soup’s richness and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Simple Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp salad helps balance the creamy textures of the soup, introducing bright flavors and a crunchy finish.
- Warm Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy, these are ideal for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth, ensuring no bit gets left behind.
- Steamed Broccoli: A light, nutritious side that adds a pop of green to the meal, enhancing the comforting dish with its fresh taste.
- Sliced Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado slices tossed with lemon juice and herbs can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s hearty richness.
- Iced Lemonade or Sweet Tea: A cool drink can refresh the palate, contrasting perfectly with the warm, flavorful soup and bringing a comforting balance.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with these chewy delights, creating a delightful finish to your comforting feast.
One Pot Lasagna Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with this comforting dish and make it your own!
-
Lean Turkey: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
This twist offers a similar taste while reducing fat content, making it perfect for health-conscious families. -
Vegetarian Delight: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a delicious vegetarian option.
This version not only retains the hearty flavor but also adds some earthy undertones that everyone will love. -
Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles to keep this dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
You’ll still get that beloved lasagna experience without worry! -
Heat It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your soup a spicy kick.
This simple addition can turn your cozy meal into a warm, zesty sensation. -
Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Get creative and add whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand for an even more satisfying dish! -
Cheesy Blend: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda in place of mozzarella for a unique twist.
These swaps can bring new flavors to your soup, making every serving an exciting experience. -
Creamy Avocado: Want an extra creamy finish? Consider blending in avocado or using a dollop of avocado crema when serving.
The creamy texture combined with the established flavors will make for a delightful mouthful!
If you love this kind of hearty soup, check out my Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup or give the classic Minestrone Soup Italian a try!
Make Ahead Options
These One Pot Lasagna Soup components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics up to 24 hours ahead, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain flavor. Additionally, you can mix the broth, including crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices in advance. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting soup, simply combine the prepped ingredients in the pot, add broken lasagna noodles, and follow the remaining steps to cook and finish with spinach and cream. This way, you’ll have a hearty meal ready with minimal effort, just as delicious as if made fresh!
Expert Tips for One Pot Lasagna Soup
- Timing is Key: Add broken noodles to the simmering broth at the right moment to prevent mushiness. This ensures a perfect texture in your One Pot Lasagna Soup.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t rush the beef browning! Properly browning the beef before adding other ingredients deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in heavy cream at the end to keep it from curdling, yielding a luscious finish to your One Pot Lasagna Soup.
- Storage Solutions: Expect leftovers? Keep extra chicken broth handy for reheating to maintain soup consistency as noodles absorb liquid.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors; don’t shy away from gourmet blends!
How to Store and Freeze One Pot Lasagna Soup
Fridge: Store leftover One Pot Lasagna Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the soup is cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the heavy cream for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for easy meal prep.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the fridge, then warm it gently on the stove, adding chicken broth as needed to restore consistency.
Tip: When storing, remember noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so keep some extra broth handy to keep your soup perfectly creamy upon reheating.
One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of ground beef should I use?
For the best flavor and texture in your One Pot Lasagna Soup, I recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 fat content. This balance of meat and fat will ensure rich flavor while keeping the soup from being too greasy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well, just be sure to adjust any cooking times accordingly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover One Pot Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the soup fresh, allow it to cool completely before sealing the container. Remember that the noodles will absorb some of the broth over time, so you might want to keep some extra chicken broth handy to add in when reheating for that perfect creamy texture.
Can I freeze the One Pot Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze the soup without the heavy cream for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then gently heat it on the stove, adding chicken broth as needed to restore its consistency.
What should I do if the noodles become mushy?
If you find that your noodles have become mushy, don’t worry! Next time, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot only once it has reached a simmer. A simmering broth helps control cooking time, allowing for the noodles to cook just right without losing their structure. Also, consider breaking them into slightly larger pieces, as they will swell as they cook.
Is this soup suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the One Pot Lasagna Soup can be adjusted to meet various dietary considerations! For a gluten-free version, simply substitute traditional lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones. Additionally, if you’re cooking for someone with a dairy allergy, you can omit the cheeses or use dairy-free alternatives such as cashew cream or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How do I know if the ingredients are ripe or fresh?
When selecting ingredients, look for fresh vegetables like tomatoes and onions that are firm and free from dark spots or blemishes. For ground beef, ensure it’s bright red (indicating freshness), and opt for ricotta and mozzarella that is refrigerated and within expiration dates. Fresh spinach should be vibrant green without any wilting or browning.
One Pot Lasagna Soup That's Comfort in Every Spoonful
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat and add 1 lb of ground beef. Break apart with a wooden spoon, browning for about 7-10 minutes until no pink remains and it's fragrant. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ diced yellow onion, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp dried basil, ½ tsp oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the beef. Stir these ingredients together and sauté for 5 minutes until the onion softens slightly.
- Pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 32 oz of chicken broth, 1 cup of water, and 2 tsp of tomato paste into the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Break 6 oz of lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and gently fold them into the pot, ensuring they are immersed in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- After the simmering, add in 1 cup of frozen chopped spinach and ¼ cup of heavy cream. Stir gently and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Ladle the rich One Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls, placing a slice of mozzarella cheese into each. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with parmesan, if desired.
Leave a Reply