Amazing One Pot Lasagna Soup: Quick & Easy
I often find myself wondering, “What will I cook?” and sometimes, the answer needs to be something wonderfully comforting, yet incredibly simple. That’s exactly how I feel about this One Pot Lasagna Soup. It’s a dish that brings all the rich, hearty flavors of classic lasagna to your table, but with minimal effort and, even better, minimal cleanup!
I promise, you’re going to adore how quickly this satisfying meal comes together. From start to finish, this delicious One Pot Lasagna Soup is ready in approximately 40-50 minutes total. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you still crave something truly special.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This One Pot Lasagna Soup
I know you’ll quickly add this recipe to your regular rotation, and here’s why I think you’ll love it as much as I do:
- It’s incredibly quick from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
- You get all that authentic lasagna flavor without the fuss of layering individual sheets.
- The one-pot method means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a huge win in my kitchen.
- It’s easily customizable, so everyone at the table can enjoy it just the way they like it.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful One Pot Lasagna Soup
Gathering good ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. I always say that choosing quality makes all the difference, especially for something as comforting as this One Pot Lasagna Soup.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 24 oz. jar Prego Traditional Italian Sauce (I love how a good quality jarred sauce gives us a head start on flavor here!)
- 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided (Using low sodium gives me more control over the final saltiness.)
- 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes (These add a wonderful, rich texture and depth to the soup.)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried oregano, salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into approx. 1-2 inch pieces*)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional**
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- freshly finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ricotta cheese
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Delicious One Pot Lasagna Soup
Making this One Pot Lasagna Soup is truly a breeze! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the beef and onion, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- Next, add the Prego Sauce, 6 cups chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, spices, bay leaf, and the broken lasagna noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer until the lasagna noodles are tender. Remember to stir occasionally during this time, which is approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream (if you’re using it) and an additional 2-4 cups of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Garnish individual servings with your desired amount of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses.
Amazing One Pot Lasagna Soup: Quick & Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the beef and onion, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- Next, add the Prego Sauce, 6 cups chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, spices, bay leaf, and the broken lasagna noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer until the lasagna noodles are tender. Remember to stir occasionally during this time, which is approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream (if you’re using it) and an additional 2-4 cups of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Garnish individual servings with your desired amount of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses.
Notes
Maya’s Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Perfect One Pot Lasagna Soup
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that can elevate any dish, and this One Pot Lasagna Soup is no exception! Here are my personal tips to make sure your soup is absolutely perfect.
When you’re browning the meat, don’t rush it; getting a good sear adds so much flavor to the base of your soup. After draining any excess fat, I like to add a splash of broth or water and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot; this is called deglazing, and it locks in extra deliciousness. Always taste your soup before serving, and don’t be shy about adjusting the seasonings; sometimes a little extra salt or a pinch of sugar can make all the difference. For a burst of freshness, try stirring in some fresh basil or parsley right before serving.
If your soup seems a bit too thick, simply add more chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken it slightly. If the flavor seems a little bland, a tiny splash more balsamic vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten things up beautifully!
Customize Your One Pot Lasagna Soup: Variations & Dietary Adaptations
One of the things I love most about cooking is the ability to make a recipe truly my own, and this One Pot Lasagna Soup is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and dietary adaptations you might enjoy!
| Category | Ideas & Instructions |
|---|---|
| Pasta Swaps | Try penne, rotini, or orecchiette for a different texture. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully – choose a brand known for holding its shape. |
| Protein Power | Swap ground beef for Italian sausage (mild or spicy!), ground turkey, or a plant-based crumble. |
| Veggies Galore | Stir in spinach or kale at the very end. Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when sautéing the onion and beef for added nutrition with vegetables. |
| Make it Spicy! | Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce base. A swirl of chili oil at the end works too! |
| Gluten-Free | Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles (ensure they are oven-ready if that’s your preference, but standard GF pasta works well). |
| Dairy-Free | Omit the heavy cream and use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives for garnishing. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor to the soup base. |
| Low-Carb Ideas | While traditional lasagna noodles are key, for a very low-carb approach, consider serving the soup base over zucchini noodles or ribbons (add them briefly at the very end to prevent mushiness). Note: This significantly changes the texture. |
| Kid-Friendly | Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Break noodles into smaller pieces. Offer cheese toppings on the side so kids can customize. |
Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty One Pot Lasagna Soup
This One Pot Lasagna Soup is a meal in itself, but I always love to offer a little something extra to make the dinner experience even more special. I enjoy serving it alongside a warm, crusty baguette for dipping, or even some homemade garlic bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad makes a lovely fresh contrast to the rich soup. If you’re feeling indulgent, a light dessert like a scoop of lemon sorbet or fresh berries can be a wonderful palate cleanser.
For the iconic lasagna experience, balancing the cheese blend is key. I like to use a combination of shredded mozzarella for that satisfying melt and stringiness, and finely grated Parmesan for its salty, sharp flavor. A dollop of creamy ricotta on top of each serving adds an extra layer of richness and cools things down slightly, creating that classic lasagna taste and texture with every spoonful.
Meal Prep & Storage: Enjoying Your One Pot Lasagna Soup All Week Long
I love a recipe that keeps giving throughout the week, and this One Pot Lasagna Soup is perfect for meal prepping! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened too much.
For best results, especially if you’re planning to freeze this soup, I recommend freezing the broth base without the noodles. The noodles can become mushy after thawing and reheating. Simply cook the soup according to the instructions, but omit the lasagna noodles. Let the broth cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the broth base in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop. Once simmering, add fresh lasagna noodles (broken into pieces) and cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes.
You can also prep some components in advance to save time on cook day. I often dice my onion and mince the garlic a day or two ahead of time, storing them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This makes throwing the soup together even quicker on a busy weeknight!
Essential Equipment for Making One Pot Lasagna Soup
To make this delicious One Pot Lasagna Soup, I find that a large Dutch oven is absolutely ideal. Its heavy bottom and even heat distribution are perfect for browning the meat and simmering the soup without sticking. The generous capacity also means there’s plenty of room for all the ingredients and the noodles to cook properly.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, don’t worry! A heavy-bottomed stockpot or a large, deep soup pot can certainly work. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold about 6-8 quarts comfortably. A heavy bottom is important to prevent scorching, and a good lid will help the soup simmer nicely. While a Dutch oven is my top choice for its superior heat retention, other large pots will get the job done wonderfully.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Lasagna Soup
Can you make One Pot Lasagna Soup in a slow cooker?
While I typically make this on the stovetop for speed, you could adapt it for a slow cooker! I would brown the beef and onion first on the stovetop, then transfer them to the slow cooker with all the other ingredients except the lasagna noodles and heavy cream. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, or cook them separately and add them to individual bowls before serving, along with the heavy cream, if desired.
Can you make One Pot Lasagna Soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely! I would use the sauté function to brown the beef and onion, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Drain any excess fat. Add all other ingredients, except the heavy cream and cheese garnishes, including the broken lasagna noodles. Secure the lid, set the vent to sealing, and pressure cook on High for 5-7 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and garnish with cheese.
Can you make a vegetarian One Pot Lasagna Soup?
You certainly can! I suggest referring to my “Customize Your One Pot Lasagna Soup” section. There, I detail how you can swap out the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or even hearty mushrooms to make it a delicious vegetarian option. You’ll still get all those wonderful lasagna flavors!
How do you prevent mushy noodles if you’re meal prepping this soup?
This is a great question! My best advice for preventing mushy noodles when meal prepping is to follow my freezing instructions mentioned earlier. I recommend freezing the broth base separately, without the noodles. Then, when you reheat the thawed soup, you can cook fresh noodles directly in the hot broth. This way, you always have perfectly cooked pasta without any sogginess.
Conclusion
I genuinely hope this One Pot Lasagna Soup becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. It’s truly one of those magical recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated. It brings so much comfort and joy to the table!
I would absolutely love to hear from you. Have you tried this recipe? What did you think? Please leave a comment below with your thoughts, or if you have any lingering questions. I also always enjoy hearing about your own creative adaptations or serving ideas. Go ahead, give this one-pot wonder a try, and let’s make everyday cooking joyful again!