If you’re craving something that tastes like your favorite lasagna but in a cozy, slurpable form, then this Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of rich tomato broth, savory ground beef, tender noodles, and all the cheeses you love, all cooked together in one pot to make dinner effortlessly satisfyingly comforting. This soup brings that nostalgic Italian dinner vibe right to your bowl without the fuss of layering or baking, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple but crucial for capturing those authentic flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a unique role—from the aromatic garlic to the creamy cheeses—working together to create a balanced and hearty dish.
- 1.5 tsp vegetable oil: Helps to sauté and bring out the richness of the beef and onions.
- 10 oz ground beef (80/20 fat ratio): Provides the savory base and fat that enriches the broth beautifully.
- 3/4 cup onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic releases an intoxicating aroma that lifts the whole dish.
- 2.5 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the broth its signature deep red color.
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes: Brings fresh, bright notes and a chunky texture to the soup.
- 3.5 cups chicken stock: A savory liquid base—Swanson stock is a great choice for that rich flavor.
- 1.25 tsp oregano: Adds a classic Italian herb flavor that complements the tomato and beef.
- 1.25 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances acidity.
- 0.75 tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and earthy spice.
- 5 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces: Give that signature pasta bite without having to bake.
- 0.66 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for cheesy, gooey goodness.
- 0.33 cup parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it adds depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1.5 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness that finishes the soup beautifully.
- 1.5 tsp sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes for a well-rounded broth.
- 0.33 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat): Adds creamy richness and moisture for a luscious spoonful every time.
How to Make Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes. Breaking the meat apart as it cooks creates a savory base with lots of flavor. Then add the chopped onions and cook until translucent; this softens them, bringing out subtle sweetness. Finally, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds to release that irresistible aroma without burning it.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Now stir in the tomato paste and cook it with the meat mixture for a couple of minutes. This step caramelizes the paste slightly, intensifying its rich, tangy character. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken stock, stirring to unify everything into a beautiful red broth. Add oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar—these seasonings balance and layer the flavors to replicate that classic lasagna taste you love.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Simmer
Drop those broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup. Stir well so no noodles stick to the bottom, and let the soup simmer gently until the noodles are tender but not mushy, about 10-12 minutes. This step melds the pasta with the broth, soaking up all those tomato and herb flavors, making every bite hearty and satisfying.
Step 4: Finish with Cheeses and Herbs
Once the noodles are perfectly al dente, stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted and wonderfully gooey. Turn off the heat and gently fold in the ricotta and fresh basil ribbons. These last additions bring creamy texture and fresh herbal notes that make this Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe totally unforgettable.
How to Serve Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup elevates it from comforting to downright restaurant-worthy. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or finely chopped basil adds visual appeal and amplifies flavor. Consider adding a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. These little touches turn every spoonful into a celebration of Italian flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or crusty garlic bread that’s perfect for dunking. A fresh Caesar salad or roasted vegetables are also fantastic companions, providing contrast in texture and temperature that makes the meal feel complete and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or mini cast iron skillets to wow your guests. Layer extra ricotta on top or swirl in pesto for an extra burst of flavor. You might even sprinkle toasted pine nuts for crunch. Presenting this Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe with a personal flair makes the experience all the more delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Since the noodles continue to soak up broth over time, the soup may thicken but will still taste just as delicious. You can always add a splash of stock or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully if you want to batch cook. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the texture of pasta may soften further after freezing, so consider slightly undercooking the noodles if you plan to freeze it.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a little broth if the soup is too thick. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating. You can also microwave single servings in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating and preserve that luscious, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well, though the broth might be less rich, so consider adding a bit more oil or butter for flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with hearty veggies like mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The flavor will be different but still deliciously comforting.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
Feel free to use other pasta shapes like broken spaghetti, penne, or rotini. The key is to add them broken into bite-sized pieces so your soup stays easy to eat.
How spicy is this soup?
This Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is mild and family-friendly by default, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can, but I recommend browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic first, then transferring everything to the slow cooker to simmer. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, comforting meals without the hassle. It’s delicious, cozy, and easy to make—all in a single pot. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite go-to soup that invites warmth and happiness with every spoonful.
Print
Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Classic One Pot Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty twist on the traditional Italian lasagna. Combining ground beef, rich tomato broth, broken lasagna noodles, and a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheese, this soup delivers all the flavor of lasagna in a quick and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1.5 tsp vegetable oil
- 10 oz ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
Tomato and Seasoning
- 2.5 tbsp tomato paste (Hunt’s recommended)
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1.25 tsp oregano
- 1.25 tsp salt
- 0.75 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 tsp sugar
Liquids and Broth
- 3.5 cups chicken stock (Swanson brand suggested)
Pasta
- 5 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces before cooking
Cheeses and Herbs
- 0.66 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 0.33 cup parmesan, grated
- 0.33 cup ricotta (full-fat preferred)
- 1.5 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced into ribbons
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning and flavor development.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onions and freshly minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add tomato paste and tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes, mixing everything well to combine.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken stock, then add oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer and add pasta: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate cheeses and basil: Lower the heat and gently stir in the mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, and thinly sliced basil ribbons. Let the soup simmer an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and blends into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot garnished with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired for an enhanced presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Breaking the lasagna noodles before cooking helps them cook evenly and mimic the layered texture of traditional lasagna.
- Using full-fat ricotta cheese improves the soup’s creaminess and moisture level.
- For a richer broth, choose a chicken stock brand with a full-bodied flavor like Swanson.
- Brown the ground beef well to develop a deep, savory flavor base for the soup.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated; pasta may continue to soften, so adjust cooking time if reheating.
