One Pot Lasagna Soup: A Comforting, Easy Weeknight Dinner 🍝🥣
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Introduction:
What if you could enjoy all the rich, cheesy, and comforting flavors of lasagna, but with half the effort? Say hello to One Pot Lasagna Soup! This hearty, easy-to-make soup has all the classic lasagna ingredients—ground beef, marinara sauce, lasagna noodles, and plenty of melty cheese—without the fuss of layering or baking. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have time for an elaborate meal.
This recipe is not only quick but also customizable. You can switch up the meat, toss in some veggies, or make it vegetarian. Let’s dive into this easy, flavor-packed dish!
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups water
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
For Serving:
- Crusty bread
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash and a quicker clean-up.
- All the Flavors of Lasagna: You get the same meaty, cheesy, tomato-rich flavors of lasagna in soup form.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup reheats well, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Brown the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Season the Soup
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water, stirring to combine.
3. Add the Lasagna Noodles
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still al dente. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
4. Make it Cheesy
Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt into the soup, making it rich and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and serve with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!
Why This Recipe Works:
- One Pot Convenience: Busy weeknights demand easy recipes, and this one-pot lasagna soup is a perfect fit. Everything comes together in one pot, making both prep and clean-up a breeze.
- Rich Lasagna Flavors: This soup captures the essence of lasagna, with rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and a gooey cheese blend.
- Customizable: You can make this soup your own by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or using gluten-free noodles.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup makes for great leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and simply reheat before serving.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: The lasagna noodles will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so cook them until just al dente to prevent them from getting too soft.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make this a veggie-friendly soup.
- Freeze for Later: Make a big batch and freeze half for a quick meal down the road. Just leave out the noodles when freezing, and add them fresh when you reheat the soup.
FAQs:
Can I use regular lasagna noodles?
Yes! Just break them into smaller pieces so they fit comfortably in the soup pot and cook evenly.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything (except the noodles) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup thickens too much as it sits, simply add a bit more broth or water to thin it out to your liking.