One Pot Lasagna Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
If you’re craving the rich, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna but want a quicker and easier option, look no further than One Pot Lasagna Soup. This comforting dish combines all the classic ingredients of lasagna—ground beef, Italian sausage, pasta, and cheese—but in a soup format, allowing you to skip the layering process and simplify your meal preparation. The best part? You only need one pot, making clean-up a breeze!
In this guide, we’ll explore the ingredients, steps, and tips for making this delicious soup, along with variations and serving suggestions that will elevate this dish to new heights.
Why You’ll Love One Pot Lasagna Soup
Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the standout features of One Pot Lasagna Soup is how quickly it comes together. In less than 45 minutes, you can have a warm, hearty meal on the table that everyone will enjoy. The recipe uses common pantry staples like chicken broth, tomato paste, and pasta sauce, along with a few fresh ingredients, to create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Since everything is cooked in a single pot, there’s no need to pre-cook the noodles separately or fuss over multiple pans. You can enjoy a comforting homemade lasagna-inspired soup without the hassle.
Packed with Flavor
The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage in this soup creates a rich, savory base, while the garlic, onions, and herbs (such as basil and oregano) enhance the flavor profile. The addition of tomato paste and diced tomatoes brings a tangy depth to the soup, making each spoonful satisfying and full of flavor.
And of course, the lasagna noodles cook directly in the soup, absorbing all the delicious flavors, just like the layers of noodles in traditional lasagna.
Minimal Cleanup
Cooking everything in one pot means minimal cleanup afterward. You won’t have to worry about washing multiple pans and dishes, which makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Key Ingredients for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Ground Beef and Italian Sausage
The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage is what makes this soup so rich and flavorful. The beef provides a hearty, meaty texture, while the sausage adds a bit of spiciness and complexity. Both meats work together to create a robust soup base that feels indulgent but still balanced.
Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes
These two tomato-based ingredients are essential for creating the soup’s deep, tangy flavor. The tomato paste provides a concentrated richness, while the diced tomatoes offer chunks of tomato for texture and brightness. Together, they give the soup a well-rounded taste that’s comforting and familiar.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth serves as the liquid base for this soup, adding a savory background flavor. You can substitute with beef broth for a richer taste or even use vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter version of the soup. The key is to use a good-quality broth to ensure the soup is flavorful and not watered down.
Pasta Sauce
Using your favorite pasta sauce adds even more depth of flavor to the soup. Whether you choose a classic marinara, garlic and herb, or spicy arrabbiata, the pasta sauce helps to tie all the flavors together and brings a bit of tanginess that mimics the sauce of traditional lasagna.
Lasagna Noodles
The broken-up lasagna noodles are the star of the show in this soup. By breaking them into pieces before adding them to the soup, you mimic the layers of lasagna but in a much simpler format. As they cook, they absorb the flavors of the broth and sauce, becoming tender and satisfying. It’s the perfect way to incorporate pasta into the dish without the need for assembling individual layers.
Herbs and Seasonings
Classic Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic create the signature flavor profile of lasagna. These ingredients, combined with salt and pepper, season the soup to perfection. If you like a little sweetness, add sugar to cut through the acidity of the tomatoes. It’s a small step that can elevate the taste of your soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making One Pot Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure the meat is browned and cooked through. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. This step helps to release the essential oils from the garlic and onion, infusing the soup with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes
Next, stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to combine. The tomato paste and diced tomatoes will form the base of the soup, providing a rich, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Pasta Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and pasta sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add the Noodles and Seasonings
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and stir them into the soup. Simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Season the soup with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, add sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the noodles are cooked, your soup is ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Variations of One Pot Lasagna Soup
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef and sausage with plant-based proteins such as lentils, tofu, or vegetarian sausage for a meatless version of this soup.
- Cheesy Lasagna Soup: For an extra cheesy twist, stir in ricotta cheese or cream cheese after the soup is done cooking. This will give the soup a creamy texture that mimics the cheese layer in traditional lasagna.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy pasta sauce to give the soup a bit of heat. For an extra kick, top with sliced jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a perfect meal for busy families, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. It combines the flavors of traditional lasagna with the simplicity of a one-pot meal, offering both convenience and taste. With its rich, hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.