Hearty Lasagna Soup: A One-Pot Wonder for Comforting Family Dinners 

Once, I attempted to make traditional lasagna for a cozy family dinner. I had all the ingredients lined up, from the sauce to the ricotta and cheese, ready to layer everything to perfection. However, halfway through, I realized I was completely out of lasagna noodles! Panic set in for a moment, but then I thought, “Why not turn this into something else entirely?” A little improvisation later, I transformed the ingredients into a hearty and delicious soup. To my surprise, my family loved it just as much—maybe even more! And thus, One-Pot Lasagna Soup was born in my kitchen.

This recipe has since become a household favorite, especially on those chilly days when all you want is a warm, comforting meal without the fuss of layering pasta sheets. It combines everything you love about lasagna—savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—into a single bowl of pure happiness. Plus, it’s made in one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean up!

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, entertaining guests, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, lasagna soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup

If you love lasagna but dread the lengthy preparation, this soup version will be your new favorite go-to recipe. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Easy to Make: Minimal effort with everyday ingredients. You only need one pot to make this entire dish, making cleanup a breeze!
• Rich in Flavor: This soup has all the robust, savory flavors of classic lasagna—ground beef, herbs, tomatoes, and melted cheese.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this cozy, cheesy comfort food. Perfect for picky eaters!
• Perfectly Hearty: With tender pasta, a thick tomato broth, and creamy cheese toppings, this soup is filling enough to serve as a main course.
• Customizable: Swap the meat, use a different pasta shape, or make it vegetarian—this soup is super versatile!

With every spoonful, you’ll experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tangy tomatoes, fragrant Italian spices, and gooey cheese come together beautifully to create a dish that feels both familiar and new.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Serving Size: Makes approximately 12 cups (serves 6–8 people)

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for your lasagna soup:

For the Soup:

• Olive Oil: 1–2 tablespoons (for sautéing the base).
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option).
• Onion: 1 large, diced (adds a sweet and savory flavor to the soup).
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (for that classic Italian aroma).
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (15 ounces, with juice included).
• Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces, adds thickness and depth).
• Tomato Paste: 3 ounces (about ¼ cup, for a concentrated tomato flavor).
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (you can use vegetable broth if preferred).
• Water: 1–2 cups (adjust for your desired soup consistency).
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and marjoram).
• Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste).
• Black Pepper: To taste.
• Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): 8 ounces, uncooked (sturdy enough to hold its shape in soup).

For the Cheese Topping:

• Ricotta Cheese: ½ cup (adds creamy, luxurious texture).
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 ounces, shredded (about ½ cup, for that gooey melt).
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, shaved or grated (for extra cheesy goodness).
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped (for garnishing and a burst of freshness).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a bowl of this comforting lasagna soup:

1. Sauté the Base

• In a large soup pot, heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir frequently and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent (about 5–7 minutes).
• Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

2. Add Tomatoes and Broth

• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix everything well to incorporate the flavors.
• Pour in the chicken broth and 1 cup of water. Give the mixture a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

3. Season the Soup

• Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper into the pot. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
• Bring the soup to a gentle boil over high heat.

4. Cook the Pasta

• Once the soup begins to boil, add the uncooked bowtie pasta. Stir to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer, loosely covered, for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
• Check the pasta for doneness. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). If the soup gets too thick during this step, add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Prepare the Cheese Topping

• While the soup is simmering, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until well blended.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
• Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. The heat from the soup will gently melt the cheeses, creating a creamy, delicious layer.
• Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve One-Pot Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal with any of these serving ideas:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with warm garlic bread, French bread, or a soft dinner roll to soak up all that delicious broth.
• Paired with Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Extra Cheese: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella on top for an even cheesier experience.
• With a Side of Roasted Veggies: Pair it with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for a balanced, veggie-packed meal.

Tips for the Best One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your lasagna soup turns out perfectly every time:

1. Pasta Choices: Sturdy pasta like bowtie, rigatoni, or penne holds up best in soups. Avoid thin or delicate pasta that may become mushy.
2. Adjust the Consistency: If you like a thicker soup, reduce the water slightly. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water as needed.
3. Cheese Perfection: For best results, use full-fat ricotta and mozzarella for a rich, creamy topping.
4. Prevent Overcooking: Don’t let the soup sit on the stove too long after the pasta is added, as it may overcook and absorb too much liquid.
5. Reheating Tip: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or broth to the soup since the pasta will continue to soak up the liquid.

One-Pot Lasagna Soup Variations

This lasagna soup is highly customizable! Here are a few variations to try:

• Make It Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a mix of mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Switch the Pasta: Feel free to use rotini, fusilli, or even broken lasagna noodles for a more traditional feel.
• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and tomato products are gluten-free.
• Lighter Option: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken.

Storing and Freezing

Storing:

• Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the soup if needed.

Freezing:

• For longer storage, freeze the soup (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight, bring it to a simmer, and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any sturdy pasta works well, such as penne, rotini, or broken lasagna noodles.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time. Just add the pasta when reheating to keep it from getting soggy.

3. Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

4. Can I use store-bought ricotta?

Definitely! Just ensure it’s fresh and creamy for the best texture.

5. How do I thicken the soup?

Add a bit more tomato paste or reduce the water slightly for a thicker broth.

Conclusion

This easy lasagna soup brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, hearty bowl. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss.

Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to share your creations—snap a photo, leave a comment, or tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see how your lasagna soup turns out!

Enjoy every spoonful of this deliciously simple, comforting dish.

Print