If there were ever a dish that captured all the cozy magic of classic oven-baked lasagna without the layering, fussing, or mountains of dishes, it’s this One Pot Lasagna Soup. This bowl brings together everything people adore about the iconic Italian comfort food: bold tomato richness, tender noodles, savory meat, fragrant herbs, and of course, that irresistible trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Instead of layering and baking for hours, you get all those comforting flavors slowly simmered in one pot, resulting in a soup that’s rich, creamy, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying. Each bite gives you that familiar cozy lasagna comfort, but in a quick, no-fuss way that fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy after a long day or need a dependable weeknight dinner, this lasagna soup never disappoints.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make the soup step-by-step, discover helpful substitution ideas, and get tips on storing, reheating, and customizing your bowl. Ready?
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lasagna Soup
- A True One-Pot Meal
Everything cooks together; meat, aromatics, broth, noodles, and finishers, so cleanup stays minimal.
- Ready in Under 45 Minutes
You get all the classic lasagna goodness, but in a quicker, easier, and far more convenient form than the traditional baked version.
- Rich, Cheesy, Comforting Flavor
Each serving delivers true lasagna vibes, rich beef, robust tomato flavor, fragrant herbs, and ribbons of melty cheese in every spoonful.
- Family-Approved
Kids love it. Adults love it. Even picky eaters ask for seconds.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients
You’ll likely have everything on hand already—nothing unusual or hard to track down.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs
Feel free to use turkey, chicken, plant-based crumbles, gluten-free pasta, or your favorite dairy-free substitutes, this one pot lasagna soup recipe adapts effortlessly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly
The flavors deepen by the next day, giving the ingredients time to blend together perfectly.
What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best?
To achieve a flavorful yet non-greasy broth, ground beef with a fat ratio of 80/20 or 85/15 works beautifully. The slight fat content creates richness without overwhelming the soup.
- Ground chuck is an excellent option because it browns well and stays tender.
- If using leaner beef like 90/10, you can add 1–2 teaspoons of olive oil to help it brown nicely.
- Break the beef into small crumbles so every spoonful includes meat.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Lasagna Soup
🔹 Great Bread Pairings
- Garlic bread
- Crusty baguette
- Toasted Italian rolls
- Soft dinner rolls
- Parmesan breadsticks
🔹 Fresh Salads That Balance the Richness
- Classic Caesar
- Simple mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
- Italian chopped salad
🔹 Extra Comfort Options
- Herb focaccia
- Garlic knots
- Warm rosemary flatbread
This soup pairs well with anything that offers crunch, freshness, or dipping opportunities—because that broth deserves to be scooped up to the last drop.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator (3–4 Days)
Keep leftovers in an airtight container. Since the noodles soak up more liquid as they sit, stir in a bit of broth or water when reheating to bring back that perfect soup consistency.
Freezer (Up to 3 Months)
For best texture:
- Freeze the soup without cream and without the cheese topping.
- Add the cream when reheating for maximum freshness.
- Noodles may soften slightly but still taste delicious.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm on medium-low, adding broth if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals and stir between each round.
For that real lasagna experience, always finish with mozzarella and ricotta after reheating not before freezing.
Ingredients for One Pot Lasagna Soup
For the Soup
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 32 oz chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For Serving
- Ricotta cheese
- 4 oz mozzarella, sliced
- Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- Place a large pot on medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook until the meat is well browned, breaking it apart into smaller crumbles.
- Pour off any excess grease so the soup doesn’t become too heavy.
- For extra depth of flavor, let the beef develop a few caramelized, crispy edges before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
To the browned beef, add:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Basil
- Oregano
- Salt + pepper
Cook on medium-low for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and aromatic.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth & Noodles
Stir in:
- Crushed tomatoes
- Broth
- Water
- Tomato paste
Break the lasagna noodles into pieces about 2 inches long and stir them into the pot.
Increase the heat and let the mixture come to a light boil.
Then lower heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until noodles begin to soften.
Step 4: Add Spinach & Cream
Add the frozen spinach and heavy cream to the pot.
Simmer it uncovered for about 5 more minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly and the flavors to come together. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve With the Cheese Trio
In your serving bowl:
- Place a slice of mozzarella at the bottom.
- Ladle hot soup over it.
- Add a generous spoon of ricotta on top.
- Finish with grated parmesan.
As the cheeses melt, they enrich the broth with a silky, classic lasagna-style creaminess.
Expert Tips & Variations
Make It Lighter
Use:
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
- Low-fat ricotta
- Reduced-fat mozzarella
Make It Spicy
Add:
- Chili flakes
- Hot Italian sausage
- Calabrian chili paste
Vegetarian Version
Swap meat with:
- Plant-based crumbles
- Lentils
- Mushrooms + zucchini
Thicker or Thinner Soup
- Add broth for a thinner consistency
- Simmer longer for a thicker, stew-like lasagna bowl
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely; penne, rigatoni, or mafalda corta (mini lasagna noodles) work wonderfully.
Does this work without spinach?
Yes! You can omit it or swap with kale or fresh basil.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a large pot and increase simmering time slightly.
Should I cook the noodles separately?
Not necessary cooking them in the soup adds flavor, starch, and texture.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories (Estimated): 2200–2400 for the full pot
