One Pot Lasagna Soup

Craving the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna but don’t have the time or energy to layer and bake a full pan? This One Pot Lasagna Soup is your answer. It combines all the classic lasagna elements—savory beef, tomatoes, noodles, and cheese—into a quick, satisfying soup you can make in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms a traditional comfort food into a weeknight-friendly dish. By cooking the lasagna noodles directly in a flavorful tomato broth, you save time and reduce cleanup. It delivers the same heartwarming taste of lasagna in a fraction of the effort, making it a perfect one-pot solution for busy days or cozy nights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• vegetable oil

• ground beef

• chopped onion

• garlic clove, minced

• tomato paste

• canned diced tomatoes with juices

• chicken stock or broth

• dried oregano

• kosher salt

• ground black pepper

• uncooked lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready), broken into pieces

• shredded mozzarella cheese

• shredded Parmesan cheese

• chopped fresh basil

• granulated sugar (optional)

• full-fat ricotta cheese

Directions

1. Cook the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and a few pinches of salt. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

2. Add garlic and tomato base: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.

3. Build the broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups of broth, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Add noodles: Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Stir occasionally and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until noodles are al dente. Add more broth if needed to maintain the soup consistency.

5. Add cheese and basil: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the soup is too acidic, stir in a bit of sugar.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat, and use vegetable broth.

• Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

• Pasta swap: Use rotini, penne, or broken spaghetti if you don’t have lasagna noodles.

• Cheese lovers: Add a dollop of pesto or more Parmesan when serving for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may continue to absorb liquid, so the soup will thicken over time.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if needed.

Freezer: Not recommended for best texture, as the noodles may become overly soft upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but the noodles will absorb liquid and soften. For best texture, make the soup base ahead and add the noodles just before serving.

Do I need to cook the noodles separately?

No, the noodles cook directly in the broth, saving time and adding flavor.

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Yes, oven-ready noodles work just as well as traditional ones in this recipe.

How can I make this lower in fat?

Use lean ground beef or turkey and part-skim cheeses. You can also reduce the amount of cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger pot and adjust the broth as needed to maintain the soup consistency.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Don’t overcook the noodles. Remove the pot from heat as soon as they are al dente.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese or a small dollop of Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free cheeses or omit the cheese altogether for a lighter version.

What should I serve with lasagna soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad make great accompaniments.

Conclusion

One Pot Lasagna Soup is everything you love about classic lasagna—cheesy, savory, and comforting—delivered in a fast and easy format that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a satisfying meal you’ll turn to again and again.