Name: One Pot Lasagna Soup for Cozy Nights with Family
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (use ground chuck for best tenderness); 3 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more as needed); ground black pepper (to taste); 14 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can); 32 oz chicken broth; 1 cup water; 2 tsp tomato paste; 6 oz lasagna noodles (broken up); 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (no need to thaw); 1/4 cup heavy cream; ricotta cheese; 4 oz mozzarella cheese (sliced); Parmesan cheese (optional)

As I stirred the bubbling pot on my stove, the warm aroma of garlic and herbs filled my kitchen, awakening memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. This is the magic of my One Pot Lasagna Soup—a perfect blend of classic Italian comfort food and modern convenience. In just one pot, you’ll create a hearty meal layered with tender pasta, rich tomato broth, and creamy cheeses, all while minimizing cleanup. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also makes family mealtime a breeze, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet easy to prepare. Ready to transport your kitchen to Italy without the fuss? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why Is One Pot Lasagna Soup a Winner?

Simplicity at Its Best: Everything comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
Rich, Hearty Flavor: A delightful mix of spices, cheeses, and tomatoes creates a robust taste reminiscent of your favorite lasagna.
Family-Friendly: This meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a cornerstone of family dinners.
Versatile Options: Easily swap ingredients to cater to dietary preferences, like using ground turkey or making it vegetarian.
Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be whipped up in about 30 minutes!
Complete your family meal with a side of crusty garlic bread or serve it alongside a refreshing Caesar salad for balance. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!

One Pot Lasagna Soup Ingredients

For the Soup

Ground Beef – Provides protein and rich flavor; use ground chuck for the best tenderness.
Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced) – Adds aromatic depth and enhances the soup’s flavor.
Yellow Onion (1/2, diced) – Sautéed to bring sweetness and texture to the mix.
Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) – Boosts garlic flavor effortlessly without extra prep time.
Onion Powder (1/2 tsp) – Contributes background complexity to the overall taste.
Dried Basil (1/4 tsp) & Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp) – Infuse classic Italian herb flavors into the soup.
Kosher Salt (1 tsp, plus more as needed) – Essential for balancing and enhancing the dish’s flavors.
Ground Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat for seasoning.
Crushed Tomatoes (14 oz can) – Forms the base of the One Pot Lasagna Soup, delivering rich acidity.
Chicken Broth (32 oz) – Provides moisture and flavor; feel free to add more if desired.
Water (1 cup) – Adjusts the soup’s consistency to your preference.
Tomato Paste (2 tsp) – Thickens the soup and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Lasagna Noodles (6 oz, broken up) – The star carbohydrate; break into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
Frozen Chopped Spinach (1 cup) – Adds nutrition with minimal effort—no need to thaw beforehand!
Heavy Cream (1/4 cup) – Brings a delightful creaminess and richness to the soup.

For Topping

Ricotta Cheese – Offers traditional lasagna creaminess when dolloped on top.
Mozzarella Cheese (4 oz, sliced) – Melts beautifully, providing that gooey, cheesy finish.
Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Sprinkle on top for an extra umami flavor boost.

Dive into your One Pot Lasagna Soup adventure and watch as your family gathers around the table for this comforting delight!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One Pot Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, leaving the flavorful bits at the bottom for the soup’s base.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and ½ diced yellow onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of dried basil, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in one 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 32 ounces of chicken broth, 1 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of tomato paste. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Incorporate Noodles
Break 6 ounces of lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add them to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the noodles are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
Stir in 1 cup of frozen chopped spinach and ¼ cup of heavy cream. Let the One Pot Lasagna Soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend while adding a rich, creamy texture that elevates the soup’s heartiness.

Step 6: Serve with Cheesy Goodness
To serve, place a slice of mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each bowl and ladle the warm One Pot Lasagna Soup over it. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese, and if desired, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and charm.

What to Serve with One Pot Lasagna Soup

A cozy family dinner isn’t complete without delicious pairings to complement the heartiness of your soup.

Garlic Bread: The perfect crispy counterpart; its buttery, garlicky flavor elevates the creamy richness of the soup.
Caesar Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons offers a delightful contrast to the warm soup.
Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft, chewy knots infused with garlic and cheese make for an indulgent, satisfying side that’s fun to share.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and caramelized veggies add an earthy sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the lasagna soup beautifully.
Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Pinot Noir, pairs wonderfully, enhancing the Italian flavors throughout the meal.
Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, this warm, gooey treat with a molten center rounds off your meal with an irresistible sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Expert Tips for One Pot Lasagna Soup

Perfect Noodle Timing: Allow noodles to cook in simmering broth for the best texture; adding them too early risks mushiness.
Flavorful Beef: Brown the ground beef in smaller pieces to enhance flavor; it helps create that delicious base for the soup.
Cream Last: Always add cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling, ensuring a rich, velvety consistency in your One Pot Lasagna Soup.
Keep Broth Handy: Have additional chicken broth on hand for reheating; noodles tend to absorb liquid over time, so adjust consistency as needed.
Variations Welcome: Don’t hesitate to swap in ground turkey or add extra veggies; customizing to dietary preferences keeps it fresh and exciting!

Make Ahead Options

One Pot Lasagna Soup is a fantastic meal prep choice, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container. The soup ingredients, like crushed tomatoes and broth, can also be combined a day ahead for easy assembly. When you’re ready to serve, just add the noodles, spinach, and cream, and simmer for about 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, reheat gently and add a splash more broth to maintain consistency. This way, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of One Pot Lasagna Soup with minimal effort!

Variations & Substitutions for One Pot Lasagna Soup

Feel free to adapt this comforting dish to better suit your family’s taste preferences and dietary needs!

Ground Turkey: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein without sacrificing flavor. It pairs beautifully with the rich broth.
Vegetarian Delight: Use vegetable broth and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta for a dish everyone can enjoy, without compromising on taste or comfort.
Dairy-Free Twist: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle sweetness and richness.
Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to kick up the heat for those who love a bit of spice in their soup. This adds a delightful warmth!
Cheesy Dream: Incorporate ricotta cheese directly into the soup for an extra creamy texture throughout. It enhances the lasagna experience in each spoonful.
Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried. This fresh addition can elevate the meal and bring a vibrant flavor!
One-Pot Wonder: If you enjoy heartier soups, consider adding beans or lentils for added protein and texture, making each bowl a satisfying meal.

For great pairings, consider serving your One Pot Lasagna Soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness of the dish! You can also enjoy the creamy goodness of a Broccoli Cheddar Soup alongside for a delicious rescue from the daily fast-food grind!

How to Store and Freeze One Pot Lasagna Soup

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; flavors continue to deepen overnight, making each reheating delightful.

Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months without cream; add cream while reheating to preserve texture and creaminess.

Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop, adding extra chicken broth to adjust consistency as noodles absorb liquid over time.

Room Temperature: Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, avoiding bacteria growth by transferring it to the fridge or freezer within 2 hours.

One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using ground chuck with an 80/20 to 85/15 fat-to-lean ratio. This balance ensures your One Pot Lasagna Soup is rich and satisfying without being overly greasy. Avoid lean ground beef as it may lack flavor and tenderness.

What’s the best way to store leftovers of One Pot Lasagna Soup?
Very! Store your One Pot Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more enjoyable the next day! Just reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the consistency.

Can I freeze One Pot Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze your lasagna soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just remember to omit the heavy cream before freezing—adding it later when you reheat will maintain the soup’s creamy texture. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. For reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stovetop.

Why did my noodles become mushy in the soup?
Ah, that’s a common issue! If noodles become mushy, it’s usually because they were added too early. Always allow the broth to come to a simmer before adding broken lasagna noodles, and cook them for the specified time—about 10 minutes until tender. If you find the noodles absorbing too much liquid over time, just keep extra chicken broth handy for reheating to adjust the texture.

Is this soup suitable for kids or those with dietary restrictions?
Very much so! The One Pot Lasagna Soup is family-friendly and can easily be adapted to suit dietary needs. You can substitute ground turkey for beef or use vegetable broth and add more veggies like zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version. Always check labels for allergies, especially concerning dairy if you’re adding cheeses. Plus, give it a try without the cream for a lighter dish!

How can I enhance the flavor of One Pot Lasagna Soup?
For an extra flavor boost, consider browning the ground beef in smaller pieces to create a tastier base. You can also add additional herbs or spices such as crushed red pepper for a hint of heat or fresh basil just before serving for a pop of freshness. Enjoy playing with the flavors to make it your own!