There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy bowl of lasagna, but let’s be honest—traditional lasagna can take a lot of time and effort to make. Between boiling the noodles, layering the ingredients, and baking everything to perfection, it’s not always the best option for a quick dinner. That’s where this One-Pot Lasagna Soup comes in! It has all the rich, meaty, cheesy flavors of classic lasagna but in a cozy, hearty soup that comes together in just 30 minutes. Plus, since it’s all made in one pot, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
This soup is packed with savory Italian flavors, from the tender ground beef (or sausage) to the tangy tomato broth and the melty, gooey cheese topping. Every spoonful feels like a bite of lasagna but with a comforting soup-like consistency. What makes it even better is that it’s incredibly versatile—you can add extra vegetables, swap out the meat, or even make it vegetarian. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
I first made this recipe on a night when I was craving lasagna but didn’t have the patience for all the steps. I had some leftover lasagna noodles and thought, “Why not just turn it into soup?” The result was an instant hit, and now it’s a go-to meal in my house, especially during chilly nights when I need something warm and comforting. If you love easy, hearty meals that bring people together, you need to try this One-Pot Lasagna Soup!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
One-Pot Meal – No need to deal with multiple pots, pans, or layers—everything cooks together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Quick & Easy – Unlike traditional lasagna, which takes over an hour, this soup is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but satisfying.
Family Favorite – Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, meaty, and savory flavors. It’s like eating lasagna with a spoon!
Customizable – You can easily switch up the ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Add veggies, use a different type of protein, or make it vegetarian by swapping out the meat for mushrooms or lentils.
Great for Meal Prep – This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers.
Preparation Time and Servings of this One-Pot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories Per Serving: ~400 kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds a rich, savory base and prevents the meat from sticking.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – Adds deep, meaty flavor and makes the soup hearty.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Enhances the overall taste with a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Brings in bold, garlicky goodness that complements the tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning the broth and enhancing the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds just the right amount of spice and warmth.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs that give the soup its classic lasagna flavor.
For the Broth & Pasta:
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – Creates a thick, rich tomato base.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds texture and a slight tangy taste.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth – Forms the main liquid base, giving the soup depth.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces – Mimics the texture of lasagna layers in every bite.
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and mimics the classic lasagna filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, giving the soup that cheesy, gooey goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami boost.
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) – Gives a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat & Aromatics
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent. At this point, stir in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure the flavors infuse into the meat. This step builds a strong, aromatic base for the soup.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Broth
Once your meat and aromatics are cooked, pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir everything together to coat the meat in the rich tomato flavor. Slowly add the chicken or beef broth, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Stir well to make sure they don’t stick together. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles should be tender but not mushy. If the soup gets too thick, add an extra splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Topping
While the soup is cooking, prepare the cheese topping. In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. This creamy, cheesy mixture will be spooned onto each bowl of soup to mimic the layers of lasagna.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the noodles are cooked and the soup has thickened slightly, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and dollop a generous spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. The heat from the soup will melt the cheese, creating a luscious, creamy bite. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad, and enjoy!
What to Serve with One-Pot Lasagna Soup
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping and soaking up the broth.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich soup.
- Grilled Cheese – Extra melty goodness to go with the soup.
Tips & Variations of the One-Pot Lasagna Soup
- Make it Healthier – Add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
- Spice it Up – Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap out the meat for mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or serve over rice instead.
Storage & Reheating of the One-Pot Lasagna Soup
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The soup thickens as it sits, so add a little extra broth when reheating.
- Freeze: For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles. When reheating, cook fresh noodles separately and add them before serving.
Common Questions About Lasagna Soup
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short pastas like penne, rotini, or broken spaghetti work well.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients (except noodles) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the noodles in the last 30 minutes.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese substitutes or simply skip the ricotta topping.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate way to enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna without the extra effort. It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out—I love hearing your feedback!
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One-Pot Lasagna Soup – Easy, Cheesy & Comforting
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food! It delivers all the rich, cheesy, meaty goodness of traditional lasagna but in an easy, fuss-free soup form. Made in just one pot and ready in 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. With tender noodles, a savory tomato broth, and a melty cheese topping, every bite tastes like homemade lasagna—without the extra work. Plus, it’s customizable! You can swap out the meat, add extra veggies, or make it vegetarian. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for the perfect meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Broth & Pasta:
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Slowly add broth and bring to a boil.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the cheese topping.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and dollop the cheese mixture on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Healthier: Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian: Swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American