The night I first smelled onions caramelizing in sausage fat for One Pot Lasagna Soup, it was like my childhood kitchen came rushing backwarm, loud, and filled with the promise of something good. This comforting bowl has quickly become an online favorite because it delivers all the deliciousness of classic lasagna without the traditional fuss, ready in a single pot and perfect for a cozy meal enjoyed straight from a big spoon on the couch.
This dish is truly a weeknight dinner heropacked with savory ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, and gooey cheese in a rich tomato broth. It’s like your favorite layered pasta bake, but significantly faster and with far fewer dishes to wash. It’s cozy, savory, and utilizes pantry staples, making it incredibly convenient. Dive into the full details in the blog!
My mom used to make a seven-layer lasagna that was reserved for special occasions. I transformed those cherished memories into something truly doable on a busy Tuesday night, incorporating smart shortcuts that still deliver that unmistakable taste of home. After many tests, I perfected the balanceand you’ll discover the simple secret to its depth of flavor!
There’s something truly magical about digging into a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This easy lasagna soup checks all the boxes: it boasts big, bold flavors, hearty bites, and all the cheese-pull goodness without the tedious layering. Plus, it’s made in just one pot, which translates to fewer dishes and more precious time to spend with your family (or to simply relax on the couch with a cozy blanket).
Another reason you’ll adore this recipe? It’s incredibly flexible. You can easily swap proteins, adjust the broth-to-noodle ratio, or amp up the veggies for a healthier spinit will still taste like it came straight from an old-school Italian kitchen. Oh, and did I mention it’s a weeknight dinner dream? You can have this comforting meal on the table in under an hour!
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe relies on simple staples and a balanced blend of spices to deliver those big lasagna flavors without any fuss. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting soup:
Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: This savory duo forms the delicious base for the soup, adding profound depth. Feel free to use all ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken for a lighter option.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken into rustic pieces, they are the undeniable star. Don’t worry about perfect chunks; the uneven shapes add to the charm.
Tomato Sauce & Paste: A full-bodied marinara sauce combined with tomato paste adds rich flavor and a vibrant color to the broth.
Cheese Trio: Grated Parmesan mixed directly into the soup enhances its savory notes, while creamy mozzarella and ricotta create that irresistible, melty topping.
Seasonings: Dried oregano, dried thyme, and garlic powder are essential for building the classic Italian profile of this comforting dish.
Fresh Spinach: This easy addition wilts beautifully into the hot soup, providing a welcome pop of green and balancing the richness of the broth.
Pro Tip: Out of ground sausage? You can absolutely swap it for all ground beef, or for a hearty vegetarian option, bulk up the soup with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils!
Simple Steps to Make It
This one-pot wonder is straightforward and perfect for cooks of all levels. Let’s break down the easy steps:
Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain most of the grease, then remove the meat and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add a touch of olive oil if needed. Cook the chopped onions until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Flavor Base: Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the pasta sauce, seasonings (dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder), and 6 cups of your chosen broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable broth work well). Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Soup: Add the cooked meat back to the pot. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, ensuring they are submerged. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish with Spinach & Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the soup. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, topped with generous dollops of the ricotta-mozzarella mixture for that iconic cheesy lasagna experience!
Shortcut: Save time on prep by using pre-minced garlic and frozen diced onion!
Timing Guide
Total Time
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Total
40 minutes
Easy Customizations
What I love most about this recipe (besides the cheesy deliciousness) is how incredibly versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
Meat Swap: For a lighter or vegetarian version, easily substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for the beef and sausage.
More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables! Zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers would be excellent additions to sauté alongside the onions.
Thicker, More Stew-like: Prefer a heartier, thicker dish? Use slightly less broth (e.g., 5 cups instead of 6), or simply cook the noodles a little longer uncovered to allow more liquid to evaporate.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add extra red pepper flakes during the simmering stage for a pleasant kick!
Note: The ricotta-mozzarella cheese mixture adds an incredible creamy texture and depth to every bite. However, if you’re aiming for a lighter option, you can certainly skip it or simply sprinkle a little mozzarella on top for a touch of melted cheese.
How to Serve & Store
This delicious dish is best enjoyed hot, with the cheesy ricotta topping gently melting into every spoonful. For a complete and satisfying meal, pair it with a slice of warm, crusty garlic bread or a fresh side salad.
Storing Leftovers:
Refrigerator: Store any leftover One Pot Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra broth or water if the soup has thickened considerably.
Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze the soup *without* the cheese topping in a sturdy, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add the fresh cheese topping just before serving.
Reheat Tip: Stir the soup gently when reheating to help keep the noodles intact and maintain that perfect, comforting texture.
Expert Insight: The Enduring Appeal of One Pot Lasagna Soup
One Pot Lasagna Soup ingeniously captures the beloved, complex flavors of traditional lasagna while dramatically simplifying the cooking process and cleanup. This method allows all ingredients to simmer together in a single pot, which deepens and enriches the broth. The result is a harmonious balance of vibrant tomato acidity, savory meat, and creamy cheese, ensuring that every spoonful delivers a perfectly integrated taste experience. It’s the ultimate culinary shortcut for those craving comfort without the fuss.
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How I Finally Nailed My One Pot Lasagna Soup
This one pot lasagna soup was a patient teacher, born from many kitchen experiments. After numerous attempts involving bubbling, splashing, and even initially choosing the wrong pasta, I finally discovered the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This perfected recipe is the direct result of those dedicated trials, now bringing cozy lasagna comfort to your table in a simple, truly family-friendly soup that tastes just like the secret from my introduction!
FAQs ( One Pot Lasagna Soup )
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
This recipe can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Avoid freezing with pasta to keep the texture from becoming mushy.
What substitutions work well for ground beef?
Ground turkey or Italian sausage are great alternatives and add unique flavors. For a vegetarian version, swap meat for mushrooms or lentils to maintain heartiness without sacrificing taste.
How do I thicken the soup if too thin?
Simmer uncovered for several minutes to reduce excess liquid. Alternatively, stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste or a slurry of flour and water for a richer, thicker texture.
Can I use different pasta types?
Small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best for this meal, holding up well in soup. Avoid large or delicate noodles that can overcook quickly and make the soup mushy.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes during cooking or a dash of hot sauce when serving to suit your spice preference. Fresh jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne powder also complement the flavors well without overpowering.
Conclusion
One Pot Lasagna Soup comes together effortlessly in under an hour, filling your kitchen with that irresistible, cozy aroma that just feels like home. The tender noodles, savory ground beef, and melty cheese combine to create a perfect comforting texture you’ll want to dive into again and again. You’ll love how incredibly easy it is to whip up, especially when you’re craving something hearty but fuss-free on a busy night.
Feel free to switch up the protein or toss in extra veggies for a personal twistItalian sausage, ground turkey, or even mushrooms work wonders to customize this dish. A quick trick I picked up? Adding a splash of extra broth or water when reheating helps keep the noodles from getting gummy and maintains that perfect consistency. Serve this versatile family friendly soup with garlic bread or a crisp salad to round out a truly satisfying meal that’s as adaptable as it is delicious.
Did this recipe spark any kitchen memories for you? I’d love to hear about your cozy dinners or favorite shortcuts! Snap a photo, share your story on social media, or save this easy lasagna soup for the next time life calls for a little extra comfort. Here’s to many warm bowls and happy hearts at your table!
Cozy season is here with this one pot lasagna soup full of bold and comforting flavors. This easy lasagna soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and sure to impress the whole family. Enjoy a cheesy Italian lasagna soup with a hearty texture.
Ingredients
Scale
½ lb lean ground beef *see notes
½ lb italian ground sausage
1 tsp olive oil
½ cup yellow onion chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 24 oz jar red pasta sauce or marinara
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
¼ tsp salt *more to taste as needed
¼ tsp black ground pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp crushed dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
7 cup beef or chicken broth
9–10 uncooked lasagna noodles broken into pieces
3 cup fresh baby spinach
½ cup shredded parmesan
1 cup fresh ricotta
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Break the lasagna noodles into 4ths and set aside.
In a large dutch oven or deep pot, brown the meat together on medium high, stirring often about 8-10 minutes.
Drain or soak up the grease in the pot.
Add the onions directly to the pot use olive oil if needed and brown for about 5 minutes then add minced garlic and stir.
Add tomato paste and cook on heated pot for one minute then mix in.
Add seasonings, red tomato sauce or marinara, broth, meat and bring to a low simmer.
Add broken lasagna noodles cover and bring down to a rough simmer for about 20 minutes or until noodles are cooked.
Add spinach and let wilt.
Add parmesan to the soup.
Mix ricotta with shredded mozzarella in a small bowl.
Serve soup and dollop each bowl with ricotta mozzarella mixture.
Notes
*Use ground chicken or turkey for a healthier alternative or you can also use all ground beef
*Freezing instructions: Freeze lasagna soup without the cheese
Place soup in a freezer safe container and freeze for 2-3 months
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stovetop for best flavor
*Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip sausage and ground beef and add more chopped vegetables cooking with onion and garlic
I recommend zucchini mushrooms and/or yellow squash
*This is great for meal prep and will last in the fridge for up to 5 days
You can also freeze this soup once cooled
Add it to a freezer friendly container and freeze for up to 3 months
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
