Oh, my friends, let me take you back to a chilly evening not so long ago. I was rummaging through my pantry, craving the cozy comfort of lasagna but dreading the long layers of assembly. As I stared at a few ingredients staring back at me—ground beef, tomatoes, and noodles—a warm spark of inspiration hit me. What if I combined all the beloved flavors of lasagna into a delightful pot of soup? The aroma that wafted through my kitchen was an embrace of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomatoes. And just like that, Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup was born! It quickly became a family favorite, filling bellies and warming hearts with each savory spoonful. Trust me, you’ll want to bundle up your loved ones and whip this up yourself; they’re going to love it just as much!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: Just one pot, so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal!
- Quick Cooking: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
- Flavor Party: Rich, savory flavors without complex steps—your taste buds will sing with joy!
- Crowd-Pleasing: A delicious hit for friends and family, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Healthy Twist: Packed with spinach for a nutrient boost without losing that cheesy, comforting essence.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: For that rich, meaty base. Feel free to swap for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer!
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Fresh garlic is a flavor powerhouse; the aroma alone will have everyone swooning.
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced: Sweet and savory, onion adds depth to the soup.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Layer of flavor for those moments you may not have fresh garlic on hand.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: A little extra onion magic to amplify the taste.
- 1/4 tsp dried basil: Perfect for that Italian twist we all love.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Another layer of Italian flavor that makes this soup feel authentic.
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Just a pinch (or more!) adds a lovely warmth.
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes: The sweet, tangy base for our soup; go for quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 32 oz chicken broth, more if needed: A comforting liquid embrace; use low sodium for better control over the soup’s saltiness.
- 1 cup water: Helps balance the concentrated flavors and ensures the noodles cook perfectly.
- 2 tsp tomato paste: An extra boost of tomato richness.
- 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken up: Bring that lasagna vibe—no layers to assemble here!
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach: A fantastic way to sneak in some greens without a fuss.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: For a creamy, dreamy texture.
- Ricotta cheese: The classic lasagna ingredient that adds a beautiful creaminess.
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut in slices: Melty goodness—who can resist?
- Parmesan cheese, optional: Because, let’s be honest, everything’s better with cheese!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until it is well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease from the pot to prevent the soup from being too oily. If you like a deeper flavor, let the beef develop some crispy browned bits before draining.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add the finely minced garlic, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the browned beef in the pot. Stir everything together and cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, letting the onion soften and the aromatics become fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic; we want everything beautifully caramelized, not charred!
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
Pour the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste into the pot with the sautéed beef and aromatics. Break the lasagna noodles into pieces (about 2 inches each) and add them to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Raise the heat and bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes until the noodles begin to cook and soften. Oh, that lovely bubbling sounds just like an invitation to feast!
Step 4: Add Spinach and Cream
Stir in the frozen chopped spinach and heavy cream to the simmering soup. Continue to cook on low heat, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is heated through and the soup is creamy. I like to let the flavors meld together in these last few minutes—taste and adjust the salt or pepper if needed to make it just right.
Step 5: Serve
Place a slice of mozzarella cheese in the bottom of your serving bowl. Ladle the hot lasagna soup over the cheese, allowing it to melt. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if using. Those mixed cheeses will deliver the classic lasagna flavor to each bite!
Pro Tips for Success
- Quality Ingredients Matter: The better the ingredients, the more flavorful your soup—choose high-quality tomatoes and broth.
- Adjust for Personal Taste: Feel free to increase or decrease spices based on your taste preferences.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Properly browning the meat adds a depth of flavor that can’t be hurried.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil on top for an elevated finish.
Flavor Variations
- Veggie Delight: Swap the ground beef for a medley of your favorite vegetables or plant-based meat.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
- Seasonal Swaps: Replace spinach with kale or even diced zucchini in the summer months!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your lasagna soup with a herby garlic bread or a light mixed greens salad dressed in a zingy vinaigrette. And don’t forget a glass of red wine or sparkling water to elevate your meal!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the soup ahead by chopping your vegetables and browning the meat a day in advance. Store all the components separately in the fridge. The soup will last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Leftovers
Transform leftovers into a delightful baked lasagna by layering them in an oven-proof dish with more cheese on top, bake until bubbly, and enjoy a cozy twist on this classic!
Freezing
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat on the stove over medium heat, giving it a good stir to redistribute the flavors. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s heated through.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, and you can even opt for lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Can I use whole lasagna sheets instead of broken noodles?
You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly. Just ensure to break them into manageable pieces when you stir!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup may be a touch less creamy.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! It has a mild flavor, but you can easily add heat with red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some kick.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy blanket. It’s comforting, delicious, and full of love in every bowl. Whether it’s a cold evening or a busy weeknight, it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table. So don your apron, gather your friends or family around, and let’s create some delightful memories together. Happy cooking, my friend! 🍲✨
One Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef Feel free to swap for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer!
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced Fresh garlic is a flavor powerhouse.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced Adds depth to the soup.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder Adds an additional layer of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder Enhances the onion flavor.
- 1/4 tsp dried basil Imparts an Italian twist.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano Another layer of Italian flavor.
- 1 tsp kosher salt Essential for flavor.
- to taste freshly ground black pepper Adds warmth.
Soup Base
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes Sweet, tangy base.
- 32 oz chicken broth Use low sodium for better control.
- 1 cup water Balances concentrated flavors.
- 2 tsp tomato paste Boosts tomato flavor.
- 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken up Brings the lasagna vibe.
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach Sneaks in some greens.
Creaminess and Toppings
- 1/4 cup heavy cream Adds creamy texture.
- to taste ricotta cheese Adds creaminess.
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut in slices Melty goodness.
- to taste parmesan cheese, optional Enhances richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir and cook on medium-low for about 5 minutes.
Cooking
- Pour crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste into the pot. Break lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in frozen spinach and heavy cream. Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Serving
- Place a slice of mozzarella in each serving bowl. Ladle hot soup over the cheese, then top with ricotta and Parmesan cheese if using.