Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup

Introduction

If you love traditional lasagna but wish it came together with far less work, fewer dishes, and all the same cozy, melty, Italian-inspired flavor, this Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup may quickly become one of your favorite comfort meals. It delivers everything you adore about classic lasagna—the rich tomato base, tender noodles, savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a cheesy finish so satisfying you will want seconds—yet it all cooks in a single pot from start to finish.

This dish has become incredibly popular among home cooks because it captures nostalgia while embracing convenience. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, you simply simmer everything together until the flavors meld into a hearty, soul-warming bowl of soup. The addition of melted mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and optional parmesan gives every spoonful that unmistakable lasagna richness.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, family dinners, meal prep, or cold evenings when only something warm and comforting will do. Because everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is incredibly simple—a true gift after a satisfying meal. Whether this is your first lasagna soup or you are already a fan of one-pot comfort recipes, this version stands out for its flavor depth, balanced seasonings, and melty cheese finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience makes cooking and cleanup simple and stress-free
• All the cozy, nostalgic flavors of classic lasagna without layering or baking
• Hearty, rich, cheesy, and comforting—perfect for families and weeknight dinners
• Customizable with optional garnishes and flexible ingredient substitutions
• Great for meal prep thanks to a sturdy base that reheats beautifully
• Balanced herbs, aromatics, and textures that make the dish feel restaurant-quality

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the full ingredient list exactly as provided, separated into components for clarity.

For the Soup (Serves 6)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 32 oz chicken broth, more if needed
• 1 cup water
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken up
• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For Serving

• ricotta cheese
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into slices
• parmesan cheese, optional

Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 bowls of lasagna soup.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Ladle for serving
• Bowls for serving with cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below are your exact cooking instructions presented in a clear, detailed, modern-blog format for maximum clarity and SEO strength.

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Allow it to develop some browned bits for extra flavor. Once browned, drain off any excess grease so the soup doesn’t become oily.

2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings

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. Stir and cook on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and the mixture to become fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

3. Add Liquids and Noodles

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste. Break the lasagna noodles into roughly 2-inch pieces and add them to the pot. Stir everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the noodles begin to soften.

4. Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in the frozen chopped spinach and heavy cream. Let the soup cook uncovered on low for 5 more minutes, or until the spinach is heated through and the broth becomes slightly creamy. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

5. Assemble and Serve

Place a slice of mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each serving bowl. Ladle hot lasagna soup over the cheese so it melts beautifully. Add a dollop of ricotta cheese and finish with parmesan if desired. Stir lightly in the bowl to mimic the layered richness of classic lasagna.

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian Version

Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat, or use a medley of mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, earthy variation.

Vegan Version

Use plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, coconut cream or cashew cream, vegan lasagna noodles, and dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella substitutes.

Gluten-Free Variation

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and verify that your broth is gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Option

Leave out the ricotta and mozzarella. Unsweetened coconut milk can replace the heavy cream.

Adjusting Spice Levels

If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic.

Easy Pantry Substitutions

• Frozen spinach can be replaced with fresh chopped spinach
• Tomato paste can be omitted if necessary, though the soup becomes slightly less rich
• Lasagna noodles can be swapped with any pasta shape in a pinch

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture

This soup is rich, comforting, and deeply savory. The broth is tomato-forward with aromatic Italian herbs supporting each bite. The ground beef brings hearty depth, while the heavy cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes. Broken lasagna noodles give the classic pasta texture you expect from the original dish, and the cheesy topping adds unmistakable lasagna authenticity.

Best Side Dishes

• Garlic bread or garlic knots
• A simple side salad with crisp greens
• Roasted vegetables
• Focaccia or crusty sourdough
• Italian-seasoned roasted potatoes

Nutritional Overview (Estimated)

Exact values vary by brand, but a general estimate per serving includes:

• Calories: approx. 2300 kcal (as provided)
• Protein: high due to beef, ricotta, and mozzarella
• Carbs: moderate from lasagna noodles
• Fat: higher due to beef and cheese additions
• Fiber: moderate due to tomatoes and spinach

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare the soup base (everything except the cheese) up to 2 days ahead.
• Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
• Add cheese only when serving for best texture.
• Noodles may soften over time, so consider undercooking them by 2 minutes if planning for meal prep.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes. Substitute with the same volume of fresh chopped spinach. Add it at the same stage and cook until wilted.

Can I freeze lasagna soup?

You can freeze the soup base without cheese. Keep in mind that the noodles will soften during freezing and reheating.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well and produces a slightly lighter flavor.

How do I thicken the soup?

Simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes, or add a small spoonful of ricotta directly into the pot.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Use a very large pot or Dutch oven and double all ingredient amounts exactly as listed.

Cooking Timeline at a Glance

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	13 minutes
Brown Beef	5–7 minutes
Sauté Aromatics	5 minutes
Simmer with Noodles	10 minutes
Add Spinach and Cream	5 minutes
Serve & Garnish	2 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in deep bowls to capture all the broth and cheese.
• Add mozzarella to the bottom of the bowl for a melty, gooey effect.
• Top with fresh basil or cracked pepper for visual appeal.
• Pair with crusty bread to scoop up the broth.

Recipe Variations

Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup

Swap half the beef for mild or spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.

White Lasagna Soup

Use chicken, omit the crushed tomatoes, and add extra cream and parmesan for a creamy, white-based version.

Veggie-Packed Lasagna Soup

Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers while sautéing the onion.

Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup

Increase ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for an ultra-rich, indulgent twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Lasagna Noodles

Breaking lasagna noodles into pieces keeps the familiar lasagna shape while allowing them to cook evenly in soup. When selecting noodles, choose a brand that holds its shape well during simmering.

Storage Tip: Store dry noodles in a cool, dry pantry. Avoid humidity to prevent cracking.

Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes provide a smooth texture that’s perfect for soup. Look for high-quality tomatoes with no added sugar for the best flavor profile.

Storage Tip: Once opened, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 5 days.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Allow the beef to brown deeply before draining—this builds essential flavor.
• Stir often after adding noodles so they don’t stick to the pot.
• Add the cream after simmering to prevent curdling.
• Pace the seasoning carefully; taste after the cheese is added because cheese adds salt.
• For richer flavor, simmer 10 additional minutes before serving.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator

• Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Freezing

• Freeze only the soup base (without cheese) for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain texture.
• Add cheeses only after reheating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Approximate Amount
Calories	2300 kcal
Protein	High
Carbohydrates	Moderate
Fat	High
Fiber	Moderate
Dietary Notes	Contains dairy, gluten, and meat

Expanded Conclusion

This Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup captures everything people love about the classic layered dish but transforms it into a simple, comforting, one-pot experience that fits effortlessly into modern cooking. It’s rich, hearty, beautifully balanced in flavor, and wonderfully nostalgic. Whether you make it on a busy weeknight or for a cozy family dinner, it is guaranteed to warm your home and your table.

The combination of melty mozzarella, creamy ricotta, tender pasta, savory beef, and aromatic herbs delivers an unforgettable bowl of comfort food. Once you try it, you may find yourself making it again and again.

If you enjoy this recipe, share it, save it, and come back for more comforting dishes that bring joy to every bite.

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