Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you love all the gooey, saucy layers of classic lasagna but dread the stack of pots and pans, let me introduce you to your next weeknight hero: Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup. This dish combines every bit of the rich, cheesy, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty soup that’s perfect for busy evenings. With everything simmered together in a single pot, cleanup is minimal, but satisfaction is guaranteed. Trust me, once you ladle up a bowl of this soul-warming soup, lasagna night will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe magical is how simple yet thoughtfully chosen each ingredient is. Each one brings a vital piece of flavor or texture, so don’t skip any of the essentials if you want that authentic, craveable taste of Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a flavorful base.
- Onion: Gives sweetness and depth, melting into the background of the soup.
- Garlic: Offers that unmistakable Italian aroma and sharp, warm flavor.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: The hearty main, bringing savory umami and classic lasagna vibes.
- Dried basil: Infuses the broth with a sweet, slightly peppery herbal note.
- Dried oregano: Adds a touch of earthiness and that signature Italian personality.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of gentle heat.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every other flavor in the pot.
- Black pepper: Rounds out the seasonings with a mild kick.
- Tomato paste: Gives concentrated tomato richness that deepens the soup’s color and taste.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: The star player for tangy, saucy goodness—choose your favorite brand.
- Diced tomatoes: Brightens things up and adds little pops of tomato flavor throughout.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps things light but flavorful, and lets you control the salt.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into rustic pieces, they become perfectly scoopable and just as satisfying as the classic sheets.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds that signature creamy dollop that will melt right into your bowl.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty glue that brings all the flavors together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty finish and serious Italian vibes.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley: Adds fresh, herby color and aroma at the very end.
How to Make Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onion and let it soften for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the onion is tender and fragrant, add the minced garlic and give it another minute—your kitchen will already start smelling incredible!
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add your ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up as it cooks and stir until it’s beautifully browned. This step infuses the soup with savory richness, and don’t worry about it being perfect—rustic is the name of the game for Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup! If there’s a lot of extra fat, drain it, but leave a little for flavor.
Step 3: Add the Spices and Tomato Paste
Time to layer in all that iconic Italian flavor! Sprinkle in your dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Follow with the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two. This not only wakes up the dried herbs but also deepens the soup’s savory notes and gives that telltale lasagna hue.
Step 4: Stir in the Sauces and Broth
Pour in your jar of marinara or pasta sauce, the can of diced tomatoes, and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is when it’ll really start smelling like lasagna night at your favorite trattoria!
Step 5: Add the Lasagna Noodles
Break your lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces (no need for perfection), then drop them straight into the simmering soup. Stir occasionally and let everything bubble uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes. You want the noodles to be tender but not mushy—they’ll soak up all the goodness from the broth and sauce.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While your soup simmers, mix together the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. This creamy, cheesy trio is the secret weapon—each dollop brings the Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup to life!
Step 7: Serve and Top with Cheese
Ladle steaming bowls of soup and top each with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Give it a little swirl so the cheese melts slightly into the broth. Finish with a flourish of fresh basil or parsley for color and a burst of flavor. Dig in while it’s piping hot!
How to Serve Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
A little finishing touch goes a long way! A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley not only looks beautiful but also adds fresh herbal notes that brighten up every spoonful. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dusting of extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top just before serving makes the whole bowl irresistibly cheesy.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a simple side can turn dinner into a full Italian feast. Try serving Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup with warm, crusty garlic bread (perfect for dunking), a simple green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, or even roasted vegetables to add some extra color and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take presentation up a notch? Try serving the soup in rustic crocks or small Dutch ovens for a cozy feel. For gatherings, set up a “lasagna soup bar” and let everyone add their own cheeses and herbs. You can also ladle the soup into mugs for a casual, handheld option at parties—just don’t forget the extra cheese bowls on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some soup left over? Lucky you! Store any cooled Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the cheese mixture separate if possible, so you can add a fresh dollop whenever you reheat a bowl.
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream. Let it cool down completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to relive lasagna night, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat. For the best texture, add noodle pieces only if you know you’ll eat the soup soon, as they may soften further when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup’s thickened up in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water as it warms. Top each serving with reserved cheese mixture and fresh herbs for that just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Yes, oven-ready lasagna noodles work just fine! You might want to check for doneness a few minutes earlier, as they tend to cook quicker than traditional noodles. Just don’t overcook, and your Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup will still be perfectly comforting.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite plant-based ground meat or add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. And opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken. You won’t miss the meat with all the bold flavors in this fabulous soup.
How can I make it creamier?
For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of extra ricotta at the very end of cooking. This small touch makes Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup even more luxurious, especially on chilly nights.
Can I prep it ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can make the soup base a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just prepare the cheese mixture fresh and add it when you serve, so it stays creamy and melty. It’s a crowd-pleaser that gets better as the flavors meld!
What toppings work well for kids or picky eaters?
Kids love to customize, so set out bowls of shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or even mini pepperoni. You can also leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder version. With so many ways to top each bowl, everyone can build their dream version of Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a new family favorite or weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss, Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup is your answer. It has all the cozy nostalgia of classic lasagna with a fraction of the effort, and it truly brings people together around the table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears (and how easy it is to make again and again)!
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Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup recipe that captures all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient soup form. With hearty ground beef or sausage, tender lasagna noodles, and a cheesy topping, this soup is perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
Cheese Topping:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic.
- Cook Meat: Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato paste and cook briefly.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer, then add broken lasagna noodles. Simmer until noodles are tender.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with cheese mixture, garnish with herbs, and serve.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- You can use oven-ready noodles, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- This soup reheats well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
