Craving lasagna but don’t want to go through the hassle of layering noodles and baking? This One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe offers all the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna in a single pot, saving time and effort without sacrificing flavor. Filled with ground beef, Italian sausage, tangy marinara, and creamy cheese, this soup will become your new go-to for cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Our Lasagna Soup is designed to taste just like a traditional lasagna but without the fuss. With each spoonful, you’ll enjoy layers of flavors from savory beef, aromatic garlic, and tender noodles to a rich tomato broth topped with cheesy goodness. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as you simply cook everything in one pot, let it simmer, and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lasagna Soup
Before you begin, gather all the ingredients to make cooking smooth and easy.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ½ pound Italian sausage for a mix of flavors.
- 1 yellow onion, diced – adds a mild sweetness and depth.
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced – a must for that classic Italian aroma.
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional, but adds a gentle heat.
- 1 24 oz. jar of Prego Traditional Italian Sauce – for a flavorful tomato base.
- 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided – provides the liquid for the soup and helps balance flavors.
- 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes – for additional tomato richness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar – adds acidity for depth of flavor.
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar – balances acidity for a rounded taste.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon each dried parsley, dried oregano, and salt – classic Italian spices for seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf – adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles broken into 1-2 inch pieces – perfect for soaking up the flavors of the soup.
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional) – for added creaminess.
Cheese Garnishes
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Ricotta cheese
How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat it over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef (or Italian sausage, if using) and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth
- Add the jar of Prego Traditional Italian Sauce, 6 cups of chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar, sugar, dried basil, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. These spices create a broth that tastes just like traditional lasagna sauce.
Step 3: Add the Lasagna Noodles
- Break up the uncooked lasagna noodles into 1-2 inch pieces and add them to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lasagna noodles are tender.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Add Cream (Optional)
- Once the noodles are cooked, discard the bay leaf.
- Stir in the heavy cream if you’d like a richer texture. For a thinner soup, add 2-4 cups of additional chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a dollop of ricotta cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna in every spoonful!
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
1. Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce
Using a well-flavored marinara sauce like Prego adds depth without needing extra ingredients. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
If you like a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. If cooking for kids or those with a low spice tolerance, feel free to omit it entirely.
3. Try Different Cheeses
For an extra twist, consider using Italian-blend cheeses or adding some Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
4. Make It Vegetarian
To make a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
5. Store and Reheat for Later
Lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to return it to the right consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make Lasagna Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions in a skillet, then transfer everything except the noodles and cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles 30-45 minutes before serving.
How Can I Thicken Lasagna Soup?
To make the soup thicker, reduce the amount of broth or cook the soup uncovered for a few minutes to let it reduce. Stirring in heavy cream at the end also makes the soup richer.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Soup?
Yes, lasagna soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles, as they can become mushy when reheated. Freeze the soup base, then add fresh noodles when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pot Lasagna Soup is hearty enough to be served on its own, but if you’d like some sides, try pairing it with:
- A simple green salad with Italian dressing.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks to dip into the soup.
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to complement the Italian flavors.
Why One Pot Lasagna Soup is the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
The beauty of this lasagna soup lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s ideal for busy nights when you crave comfort food without the work. Every bowl brings the essence of lasagna into a spoonable, satisfying soup that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.