This One-Pot Lasagna Soup has all the flavors of a classic lasagna but with less effort and cleanup. With layers of savory beef, rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, this dish is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or use rotini or bowtie pasta for convenience)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped parsley or basil.
- Stir well and set aside.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- For a thicker soup, simmer for an additional 5 minutes or add more pasta if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture. Let the heat of the soup melt the cheese for that classic lasagna flavor.
- Garnish with extra parsley or basil and serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup
- Customize the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
- Add Veggies: Include spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Control the Heat: Skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder soup.
- Make It Ahead: The soup base can be prepared ahead of time, but cook the pasta fresh before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Why You’ll Love It
This One-Pot Lasagna Soup is:
- Rich and Flavorful: Packed with all the comforting flavors of lasagna.
- Quick and Easy: No layering or baking required, and it’s all made in one pot.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
- Add a Caesar salad or mixed greens on the side for a balanced meal.
- Serve with a glass of red wine for an Italian-inspired dinner.