BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe! — one-pot lasagna soup

There are some recipes that feel like a warm hug on a busy weeknight — this is one of them. I first made this BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe! on a rainy evening when I craved lasagna but didn’t have the time (or energy) for layers and a long bake. The flavors transported me straight to a cozy Italian kitchen: savory beef and tomatoes, tender pasta, and that creamy ricotta finish. Over the years I’ve simplified the process into one pot so the whole family gets lasagna flavor with far less fuss and pile of dishes to wash. Whether you learned to cook from a Nonna or are discovering comfort food on your own, this soup brings that familiar, homey joy right to the table.

Who is this recipe for?

• Busy families, soup lovers, novice cooks, and anyone who wants classic lasagna flavors without the fuss of an oven.

Core ingredients overview:

• This dish combines ground beef (or Italian sausage), garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, broken lasagna noodles, and creamy cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) to recreate lasagna in a fast, comforting soup.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot — even heat and one-pot cooking
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula — for browning meat and stirring
• Chef’s knife — for chopping aromatics
• Cutting board — safe workspace for prep
• Measuring cups and spoons — consistent results
• Ladle — for serving
• Optional: immersion blender — to smooth the tomato base if desired

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• Olive oil (2 tbsp) — helps sauté aromatics and adds richness
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage — builds savory, meaty depth
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced — adds sweetness and aroma
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — boosts flavor and supports immunity
• 1 carrot, finely diced (optional) — adds natural sweetness and nutrition
• 1 tsp dried oregano — classic Italian herb flavor
• 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped — bright, fragrant notes
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) — adds gentle heat and complexity
• 28 oz (800 g) crushed tomatoes — the sauce base, rich tomato flavor
• 6–8 cups beef or vegetable broth (start with 4 and add as needed) — creates the soup body and enriches flavor
• 8 oz (about 2 cups) broken lasagna noodles or wide egg noodles — provides tender pasta texture
• 1 cup ricotta cheese — creamy, tangy finish that mimics lasagna layers
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella — melty, gooey cheese pull
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan — umami and salty finish
• Salt and black pepper to taste — balances and enhances flavors
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish — fresh herbal brightness

Instructions

1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion (and carrot if using) and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned with no pink remaining, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot, leaving a little for flavor.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the herbs and release their aroma.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If the soup is too thick, add more broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Break the lasagna noodles into 2–3 inch pieces and add them to the simmering pot. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente, about 8–10 minutes (cook time depends on noodle type).
9. Once the noodles are tender, reduce heat to low. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan until melted and incorporated.
10. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta and the remaining mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra cracked black pepper to taste.
11. If you prefer a smoother tomato base, pulse about a cup of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheeses.
12. Enjoy immediately with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes — freeze the soup before adding ricotta and fresh mozzarella. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding fresh cheeses just before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of ground beef?
A: Replace with Italian sausage (mild or spicy), ground turkey, or a plant-based crumble to suit dietary preferences. Each swap adjusts flavor slightly; season accordingly.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Use a high-quality plant-based ground substitute or omit meat and boost umami with mushrooms, lentils, or extra Parmesan and soy sauce/soy-free alternatives.

Q: Can I use whole lasagna noodles without breaking them?
A: You can, but they’ll need to be stirred gently and may take a bit longer to cook. Breaking them helps them cook evenly and be easier to eat with a spoon.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the noodles: remove from heat as soon as they’re al dente; they’ll soften further in hot bowls.
• Adjust broth gradually: start with less and add more to control thickness — you want hearty, spoonable soup, not watery sauce.
• Layer cheeses at the end: adding ricotta and fresh mozzarella at serving keeps them creamy and prevents them from becoming grainy.
• Make it ahead: the flavors often deepen the next day, so this makes a great meal prep option. Reheat gently and add fresh ricotta when serving.

Conclusion

If you want more variations or inspiration for lasagna soup, check out this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe for simple swaps, or explore this comforting One Pot Lasagna Soup for family-friendly tips. For a homemade twist with detailed photos, see One Pot Lasagna Soup – Homemade In The Kitchen. If you’re after another top-rated take, try The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe – The Girl on Bloor. For a slow-cooker version and video guidance, visit Crock pot Lasagna soup recipe (and VIDEO) – Easy Lasagna Soup ….

Enjoy this bowl of cozy lasagna goodness and feel free to share it with loved ones —