BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup

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There’s something undeniably cozy and satisfying about a big pot of lasagna soup bubbling away on the stove. This One-Pot Lasagna Soup takes everything you love about classic lasagna—rich meat sauce, tender noodles, cheesy goodness—and transforms it into a hearty, slurp-worthy soup that comes together easily in just one pot. It’s bold, meaty, and full of those comforting Italian flavors we all crave, without the effort of layering and baking.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal mess. Whether you’re serving it to family, feeding a crowd, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup hits all the right notes. From the depth of the tomato broth to the tender noodles and melty cheese topping, every spoonful is a hug in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup

• All the flavors of lasagna with half the work – no layering, no baking, just one pot.
• Weeknight-friendly – ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Comfort food at its best – warm, savory, and deeply satisfying.
• Minimal cleanup – fewer dishes, more enjoyment.
• Customizable – easy to make gluten-free, vegetarian, or extra cheesy.
• Meal-prep approved – stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Making One-Pot Lasagna Soup is all about simplicity, but a few reliable tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This is the most important tool for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly and holds all the soup components comfortably without overflowing.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for browning the meat and stirring the soup as it simmers without scratching your pot.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For dicing onions, garlic, and herbs efficiently.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Ensure consistent flavor and seasoning with accurate measurements.
• Ladle: Makes serving the soup cleaner and easier.
• Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese that melts beautifully into the soup.

These tools ensure your soup cooks evenly, the flavors meld perfectly, and you can work efficiently without overcomplicating things.

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Preparation Tips

• Brown the meat thoroughly before adding liquids. This step deepens the flavor and gives the soup that signature “lasagna” richness.
• Use broken-up lasagna noodles or substitute with other pasta shapes like mafaldine or farfalle if needed—just break them into smaller pieces.
• Layer flavors early: Sauté onions and garlic until golden and fragrant before adding the meat. This builds the base of your soup’s flavor.
• Keep extra broth on hand: As the noodles cook, they’ll absorb liquid. You can always loosen the soup with more broth if it thickens too much.
• Simmer gently: Once all the ingredients are added, lower the heat to a simmer so the noodles cook evenly without turning mushy.
• Cheese timing matters: Add your cheese at the end or serve it over each bowl to avoid it melting into a gooey mass in the pot.

With these tips, you’re well on your way to making a foolproof, flavorful pot of lasagna soup.

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Ingredients for This One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a comforting pot of One-Pot Lasagna Soup. These ingredients are pantry-friendly and easy to find, making this a great last-minute dinner option.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
• 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional additions: A handful of chopped spinach or kale, or swap in gluten-free pasta if needed.

These ingredients bring together the savory depth of classic lasagna in a format that’s so much easier and quicker to prepare—without sacrificing flavor.

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink—about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

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Step 3: Build the Base

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil.

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Step 4: Add the Noodles

Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the noodles are tender but not mushy.

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Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until creamy and well-blended. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread, and enjoy your cozy one-pot lasagna experience.

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Notes

• Adjust the consistency: This soup thickens as it sits. Add extra broth or water when reheating if you prefer a more soup-like texture.
• Cheese it your way: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, swap it out with a dollop of mascarpone or a swirl of heavy cream for a creamy finish.
• Make it veggie: Omit the meat and load up on diced zucchini, mushrooms, or lentils for a vegetarian version that’s still super satisfying.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the browning step: Not fully browning the meat can leave you with a flat-tasting base. Take your time here—it’s key to the depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the noodles: Pasta continues to cook in the hot soup. Pull it off the heat when they’re just al dente to avoid a mushy mess.
• Adding cheese too early: Stirring cheese into boiling soup can cause it to separate or clump. Wait until after removing it from heat for the best texture.
• Using too little liquid: The noodles soak up a lot. Keep broth handy to loosen things up if needed.
• Not seasoning as you go: Salt builds flavor in layers. Season the onions, meat, and broth stages to avoid a bland finish.

Taking note of these common mistakes helps guarantee a pot of soup that’s rich, balanced, and beautifully textured every time.

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What to Serve With One-Pot Lasagna Soup?

A hearty bowl of One-Pot Lasagna Soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. From crunchy textures to fresh, light contrasts, here are some great additions to your table.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread
   Warm, crispy garlic bread is a no-brainer. Use it to soak up every last bit of that rich tomato broth.
2. Caesar Salad
   A chilled Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing balances the warmth and richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Lightly seasoned roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots complement the Italian flavors beautifully.
4. Caprese Salad
   Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a refreshing and elegant touch.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   Upgrade your comfort food with a melty grilled cheese on sourdough—perfect for dipping.
6. Toasted Baguette with Herb Butter
   Simple and delicious, serve thin slices of toasted baguette spread with herb or garlic butter on the side.
7. Antipasto Platter
   Add some variety with a small plate of olives, cured meats, and marinated artichokes as a starter.
8. Steamed Green Beans or Broccolini
   For a lighter, healthier side, go with tender-crisp greens tossed in lemon or olive oil.

These sides round out your meal, offering contrast and texture while keeping the focus on that flavorful bowl of lasagna soup.

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Storage Instructions

One-Pot Lasagna Soup stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. However, the noodles may soften over time. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding extra broth or water to loosen it up if needed.

Pro tip: Store cheese separately and add it fresh when serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving — based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Sugar: 6g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! Mafaldine, fusilli, bowtie, or even broken spaghetti work well. Just adjust the cooking time to match the pasta type.

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2. How do I make this lasagna soup vegetarian?

Simply skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for protein and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

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3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the broth and tomatoes. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes and stir in cheese right before serving.

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4. Is this soup spicy?

Not by default. The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can leave them out or adjust to your spice preference.

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5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can! Prepare the soup up to the point before adding pasta and store it. When ready to eat, reheat and add pasta to cook fresh—this prevents soggy noodles.

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6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add extra broth or water if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

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7. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta. Be sure to check your broth and cheeses for any hidden gluten as well.

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8. How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra ricotta at the end, or blend a small portion of the soup and mix it back in for a creamy texture without dairy overload.

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Conclusion

One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food hack—everything you love about lasagna without the layering, baking, or sink full of dishes. It’s bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. With simple ingredients, one pot, and endless customization options, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. Grab your spoon and dig into a bowl of lasagna love—no oven required.

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