Gathering the family around the dinner table is one of my favorite parts of the day. There’s just something so special about sharing a hearty, comforting meal together – and One Pot Lasagna Soup has become our go-to recipe for those chilly evenings when we’re craving something warm and cozy. I’ll never forget the first time I made it a few years ago…
It was a blustery winter night, and I was feeling inspired to try something new in the kitchen. I had all the classic lasagna ingredients on hand, but I didn’t feel like going through the whole layering process. That’s when I stumbled upon a recipe for One Pot Lasagna Soup, and let me tell you, it was an absolute game-changer! The kids were thrilled when they saw me pulling out the big pot, and their excitement only grew as the aroma of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese filled the air.
As I ladled out the first steaming bowls, their eyes lit up – this One Pot Lasagna Soup was unlike anything they’d ever tasted before. The flavors were so rich and comforting, with all the classic lasagna elements coming together in an easy, one-pot meal. It was pure perfection, and I knew in that moment that this recipe was destined to become a new family favorite.
Why This One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect One Pot Lasagna Soup
What makes this One Pot Lasagna Soup so special is the way the ingredients work together to create a truly crave-worthy dish. By simmering the ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings in broth, you end up with a wonderfully flavorful base that’s the perfect canvas for the other components. And let’s not forget about the noodles – instead of traditional lasagna noodles, I use broken-up lasagna sheets, which create the perfect texture and shape to mimic the real thing.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef: The foundation of this soup, providing hearty protein and savory flavor.
- Onion: Adds depth and aromatics to the broth.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its pungent and aromatic notes.
- Crushed tomatoes: The tomato base that gives this soup its signature “lasagna” taste.
- Beef broth: The liquid that brings everything together and allows the flavors to meld.
- Dried basil: Provides that signature Italian seasoning flavor.
- Broken lasagna noodles: Recreates the texture of lasagna in a soup format.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, cheesy element to the soup.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts into the soup, creating ooey-gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
Step-by-Step One Pot Lasagna Soup Instructions
Preparing Your One Pot Lasagna Soup
This One Pot Lasagna Soup is an incredibly easy and straightforward recipe, taking just about 45 minutes from start to finish. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven to bring this comforting meal together. Let’s dive in!
1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
2- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5- Stir in the ricotta cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the soup.
6- Ladle the One Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
One of the keys to making this One Pot Lasagna Soup truly exceptional is to let the flavors have time to develop. Don’t be tempted to rush the simmering process – the longer you let it cook, the richer and more cohesive the flavors will become.
Another pro tip is to be mindful of the noodle size. You want them to be small enough to easily fit on a spoon, but not so small that they get lost in the soup. Aiming for 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces is the sweet spot.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! A sprinkle of fresh basil, a dollop of pesto, or even a handful of crushed crackers can all take this One Pot Lasagna Soup to the next level.
Serving and Storing Your One Pot Lasagna Soup
Perfect Pairings for One Pot Lasagna Soup
This One Pot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs beautifully with simple side salads, crusty garlic bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables. For a more indulgent meal, try serving it with a side of garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks.
As for beverages, a nice glass of red wine or a cold beer would be the perfect accompaniment to this hearty soup. And if you’re feeding a crowd, a big batch of this One Pot Lasagna Soup would make an excellent main course for a cozy dinner party or a casual family gathering.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this One Pot Lasagna Soup is that it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent meal-prep option. Simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
You can also make this soup in advance and freeze it for longer-term storage. Once cooled, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Creative One Pot Lasagna Soup Variations
While this classic One Pot Lasagna Soup is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile. You could also add in extra veggies, like diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to boost the nutrition.
For a heartier version, stir in some cooked spinach or kale. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different cheese combinations, like a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano.
Making One Pot Lasagna Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this One Pot Lasagna Soup more diet-friendly, you can use lean ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef. You can also opt for low-fat ricotta cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella to cut down on the overall fat and calories.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables. And for a vegan or dairy-free adaptation, swap the ricotta and mozzarella for your favorite non-dairy alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of breaking them up?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have broken lasagna noodles on hand, you can use full-size lasagna noodles. Just be sure to break or cut them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the soup.
Q: How long does this One Pot Lasagna Soup take to make?
A: From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes. The active prep time is around 15-20 minutes, and the rest of the time is dedicated to simmering the soup to allow the flavors to meld.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, One Pot Lasagna Soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. Once it’s cooked, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on portion size. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a bigger batch.
Q: What if my soup is too thick or too thin?
A: If your One Pot Lasagna Soup ends up too thick, simply add a bit more broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the soup to thicken up.
One Pot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in this easy-to-make One Pot Lasagna Soup. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. 2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. 4. Add the broken lasagna noodles, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. 5. Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. 6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner consistency, add more broth. Top with fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or dollops of ricotta cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a big bowl of One Pot Lasagna Soup. The rich, tomatoey broth, the tender noodles, and the melty cheese all come together to create a dish that’s truly irresistible. I hope this recipe becomes a new go-to for you and your family, just like it has for mine.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to dive into a cozy, delicious bowl of One Pot Lasagna Soup. I promise, it’ll be love at first spoonful!
