If you love lasagna but dread all the layering, baking, and cleanup, this One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the answer. It has all the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of traditional lasagna—ground meat, tomatoes, herbs, and melty cheese—but in a hearty soup that’s ready in under an hour. I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted comfort food without the fuss, and it’s been a favorite ever since. Each spoonful is packed with pasta, meat, and a creamy tomato broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna soup delivers everything you love about classic lasagna in a quick, one-pot format. It’s flavorful, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare. The broth is rich and aromatic with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream, while the pasta soaks up just enough flavor to feel indulgent. You’ll love how it all comes together in one pot—less mess, more comfort. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or meal prepping for the week.
One-Pot Lasagna Soup – All the Comfort of Lasagna, Made Easy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
One-Pot Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy, one-pot meal. With ground beef, tomato sauce, herbs, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the perfect cozy dinner without the layering or baking hassle.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Once cooked, adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a bit of Parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta directly into the soup before serving.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- This soup thickens as it sits — add extra broth or water when reheating.
- Perfect to pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: The flavorful base of the soup. You can use lean ground beef or a mix of beef and sausage for a deeper, heartier taste.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic: Essential for building that classic Italian flavor.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the soup slightly.
Crushed Tomatoes: Create the rich, tangy tomato base that mimics lasagna sauce.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and helps create a perfectly balanced soup consistency.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic lasagna flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that complements the richness.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken into pieces to create that true lasagna texture in every spoonful.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and mimics the cheesy layers of lasagna.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the soup for gooey, stretchy goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish.
Heavy Cream (optional): For extra richness and a velvety texture.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish and freshness.
Directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in tomato paste, cooking it briefly to deepen the flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender. Stir in a spoonful of ricotta cheese and a splash of cream if desired. Just before serving, mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra cheese on top.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking time about 30 minutes, for a total of 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth with diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Spicy Lasagna Soup: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
Creamy Version: Stir in extra ricotta or heavy cream at the end for a velvety texture.
Cheese Lovers: Add extra mozzarella or even provolone for an ultra-cheesy version.
Chicken Lasagna Soup: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to keep it friendly for all diets.
White Lasagna Soup: Replace tomatoes with a creamy Alfredo-style base for a unique twist.
Loaded Veggie Soup: Add spinach, carrots, and bell peppers for color and nutrients.
Bacon Topping: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the soup before serving for smoky flavor.
Make Ahead Meal: Prepare the soup base in advance and cook the noodles fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use any pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes, bow-tie, rotini, or penne pasta all work well.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely—just use veggie broth and skip the meat.
What kind of cheese is best?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create the classic lasagna flavor combo.
Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes, but cook the noodles separately when reheating to prevent them from getting mushy.
How do I make it creamier?
Add extra ricotta or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes, substitute it for the crushed tomatoes for a quicker option.
What meat works best?
Ground beef, sausage, or a mix of both gives the soup a robust flavor.
How spicy is it?
It’s mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for more heat.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients except noodles and cheese; cook on low for 6 hours, add noodles in the last 30 minutes.
What should I serve with it?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a side of roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Conclusion
One-Pot Lasagna Soup brings all the classic flavors of lasagna into a simple, satisfying bowl. It’s cheesy, hearty, and brimming with Italian comfort—without the effort of layering or baking. With its rich tomato base, tender pasta, and melted cheese, this dish feels indulgent yet easy enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding family or warming up on a cold evening, this soup is sure to become a cozy favorite.
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