This One Pot Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on the classic lasagna that combines all the comforting flavors in a warm, hearty soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish brings together savory ground beef, rich tomato broth, and creamy cheeses—all in one pot. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it an ideal choice for various occasions, from hearty family meals to casual gatherings with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices, cheeses, and hearty ingredients creates a rich flavor that warms you up from the inside out.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it! This lasagna soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily modify it by adding vegetables or using different proteins based on your preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you begin. Having everything ready will ensure that your One Pot Lasagna Soup comes together smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for making soups; it allows even heat distribution and holds all your ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt + more to taste
- fresh ground pepper, to taste
For the Broth
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 32 oz chicken broth + more if needed
- 1 c water
- 2 tsp tomato paste
For the Noodles and Greens
- 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 c frozen spinach
For the Creaminess
- 1/4 c cream
- Ricotta cheese
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
Optional Topping
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in your large pot over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep your soup light.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasoning
Add in the minced garlic, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat until fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, tomato paste, and broken lasagna noodles. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer Your Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
After simmering for 10 minutes, stir in the frozen spinach and cream. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Serve with Cheese Toppings
To serve your delicious One Pot Lasagna Soup, place a slice of mozzarella cheese at the bottom of each bowl. Ladle in the soup and top with a dollop of ricotta cheese. If desired, sprinkle with parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Lasagna Soup
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Add freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Chives: Sprinkle some chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the soup well.
Accompanying Cheeses
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan cheese over the top for an extra savory touch.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble feta for a tangy twist that pairs nicely with the richness of the soup.
On the Side
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread slices for dipping, adding a crunchy texture to the meal.
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Offer soft bread rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and balance to the meal.
- Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad with vinaigrette can lighten up the hearty soup.
How to Perfect One Pot Lasagna Soup
To make your One Pot Lasagna Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance flavors by using fresh herbs instead of dried ones when possible.
- Creaminess Factor: For a creamier soup, add more cream or use half-and-half instead of just cream.
- Noodle Texture: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly and absorb flavors well.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and taste.
- Simmer Time: Let the soup simmer longer if you prefer softer noodles and deeper flavors.
- Storage Tips: If making ahead, store noodles separately to prevent them from getting mushy in leftovers.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Pair your One Pot Lasagna Soup with these delightful side dishes for a complete meal experience.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery sticks perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, olives, and cheeses that offer diverse flavors alongside your soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs that complement your main dish beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add flavor and nutrition to your table.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits baked with cheese make for a comforting side that pairs well with any soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Lasagna Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them.
- Not browning the beef properly: Ensure the ground beef is well-browned for maximum flavor. Undercooked meat can lead to a bland soup.
- Skipping the spices: Don’t skip the garlic powder and dried herbs. They add essential flavor to your soup. Use fresh ingredients when possible.
- Overcooking the noodles: Lasagna noodles need just enough time to cook. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and ruin the texture of your soup.
- Ignoring texture balance: Be mindful of how much liquid you add. Too much broth can make the soup thin. Adjust as needed for your desired consistency.
- Piling on the cheese too early: Adding all the cheese at once can lead to a greasy result. Reserve some for topping each bowl for presentation and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing One Pot Lasagna Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.
Reheating One Pot Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about One Pot Lasagna Soup that may help you out.
Can I use other types of meat in One Pot Lasagna Soup?
Yes! Ground turkey or sausage can be used instead of ground beef for different flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of One Pot Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.
How can I customize my One Pot Lasagna Soup?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also vary the cheeses based on your preference.
What is the best way to serve One Pot Lasagna Soup?
Serve it hot in bowls topped with ricotta and mozzarella cheese for a delicious finish.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Lasagna Soup is not just an easy meal; it’s a cozy dish that brings warmth and comfort on chilly evenings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients while still delivering that classic lasagna flavor. Try it today and enjoy this delightful family-friendly recipe!
One Pot Lasagna Soup
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty twist on the classic lasagna, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This delightful dish combines savory ground beef, rich tomato broth, and creamy cheeses, all prepared in just one pot for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 c water
- 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 c frozen spinach
- 1/4 c cream
- Ricotta cheese
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat; drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, chopped onion, spices, and seasonings. Cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, tomato paste, and broken lasagna noodles. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add frozen spinach and cream; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with mozzarella and ricotta cheese toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
