BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!

The kitchen lights are warm and low. A pan cracks and sizzles on the stove. Garlic blooms in olive oil and the air smells like comfort and dinner plans. My daughter presses her nose to the counter and guesses when the tomato aroma will get stronger. That sound and that scent always mean we are making BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe! Tonight, it will be my way to take the chaos of the day and turn it into something soothing and simple.

Sometimes I lean on recipes I know will gather everyone to the table. I often share tips from time-saving favorites like this one in my little recipe notebook and even compare notes with neighbors over weekend brunch. If you want a similar crowd pleaser, I once followed a helpful step-by-step guide that gave me the confidence to cut prep time in half: a mouthwatering one-pot lasagna soup that inspired my timing and technique.

Why Make This BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!

BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!

There is comfort in simplicity. This soup brings the layers of lasagna into one pot. It keeps the flavor and sheds the fuss. You get the tomato sweetness, the savory meat, the creamy ricotta, and the pasta textures in a single bowl. It is a small miracle after a long day.

For my family, it is the weeknight winner. I work late sometimes and finish on the subway with a list of things to do. From there I come home and have thirty to forty minutes to make dinner. This recipe fits into that window. It warms hands, fills bellies, and invites conversation. Meanwhile the living room couch fills up with shoes and homework.

I call it BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe! because it is forgiving. It will forgive a rushed chop, a slightly late timing, or a missing ingredient in the pantry. It brings people close, and it tastes like a small celebration. Afterward I always find a quiet moment to sip the last spoonful left in my bowl.

How to Make BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Before we list the exact ingredients, let me tell you about the process in the kitchen. You will notice the pan glow as the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. The tomatoes will go from bright red to a deep, cozy hue once the broth joins them. The pasta softens in the broth and picks up flavor as it cooks. From there, dollops of ricotta turn the soup into a silky finish. The ladle hums against the pot, and steam carries promises of comfort to the table.

The process is deliberately simple. It is a one-pot technique that builds flavor by layering, stirring, and simmering patiently. You will toast spices, brown the meat, and then bring everything together. Once it is ready, you will grate a shower of cheese and sprinkle fresh basil for brightness. It is the little rituals that make this meal feel like a gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix). Personal note: I use half beef, half sweet Italian sausage for depth.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Tip: Yellow onion holds its shape well.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced. Use fresh garlic if you can; it gives the dish that garden brightness.
  • 1 cup carrots, finely diced. Optional but adds sweetness and texture.
  • 1 cup celery, finely diced.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste.
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, one can.
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
  • 8 ounces broken lasagna sheets or 8 ounces short pasta like rotini. Break lasagna sheets into 1 to 2 inch pieces.
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish.
  • Optional: 1 cup baby spinach stirred in at the end.

Personal note: If you want less meat, swap in chopped mushrooms. For a lighter touch, use ground turkey and low-fat ricotta. For an extra punch, add a splash of red wine during the browning stage.

I often consult recipe variations when I am curious about seasoning ratios. If you love sausage and tortellini combinations, I learned a neat twist from an autumn soup idea that plays well with spinach and rich broth: a sausage and tortellini inspiration.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and warm it until it shimmers. Use a 5 to 6 quart pot for the volume. This gives ingredients room to breathe and simmer.
  2. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Stir often. You want the vegetables tender and slightly golden. Watch for golden edges on the onion.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Garlic should perfume the oil, not bitter the dish.
  4. Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef and/or sausage. Break the meat into small pieces and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Meanwhile, use the back of a wooden spoon to get small crumbles for even cooking.
  5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Toasting wakes up the dried herbs and deepens their aroma.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the broth. Stir to combine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. These bits carry much of the savory flavor.
  7. Add the broken lasagna noodles or short pasta, and bring the pot to a simmer. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle, rolling simmer. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from clumping.
  8. Simmer until the pasta is tender, usually 10 to 12 minutes. Check the package directions and taste for doneness. If using thicker lasagna pieces, it may take up to 14 minutes.
  9. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Stir until creamy and well combined. The soup will thicken and become lush.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup feels too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or water. If it needs brightness, add a teaspoon of red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
  11. Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately with a green salad or crusty garlic bread.

Practical tip: If you want to prepare ahead, cook steps 1 through 6 in the morning and cool the base. Keep the pasta and dairy additions for just before serving. For another take on layering flavors in a one-pot soup, I sometimes peek at an easy one-pot lasagna idea for timing cues: a simple one-pot lasagna method.

Serving BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe! at the Family Table

BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!

When I bring this pot to the table, the steam rises and the house fills with that tomato and herb perfume. My son always reaches for the biggest bowl. We set out small plates of grated cheese and a jar of hot pepper flakes. The clink of spoons and laughter mix with the soup steam.

I like to serve a crisp salad alongside, something green with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness and makes the meal feel balanced. A spoonful of ricotta on top of a bowl is like a finishing touch on a painting. The mozzarella melts into soft strings. Children often break a crust of garlic bread and dip it into the bowl. It becomes an interactive meal.

Timing matters. Once it is ready, call everyone in. Serve with warm plates and napkins. Place the pot on the stove turned off but within reach so guests can add more cheese or basil. This is a relaxed meal that invites conversation.

Storing and Reheating BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!

Cool the soup to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Divide into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and I often prefer a day-old bowl because it tastes more cohesive.

To freeze, cool completely and place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. I recommend removing some broth so expansion does not burst the container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture. Stir often to prevent sticking. For single servings, microwave on medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stir, then heat another 1 minute until hot. Stir until creamy and serve.

Leftovers shine in new ways. I often add a handful of fresh spinach to a leftover bowl and heat until wilted. Another favorite is layering leftover soup in a baking dish, topping with extra mozzarella and breadcrumbs, and baking at 375 F for 15 minutes until golden for a lasagna-style casserole.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use fresh basil at the end. It turns the soup from cozy to bright. Tear it with your hands and sprinkle just before serving.
  • Toast dried herbs briefly in the pot. It releases more flavor and keeps the soup from tasting flat.
  • For a creamier finish, stir in ricotta off the heat. It keeps the cheese silky and prevents curdling.
  • Watch the pasta toward the end. Stir every few minutes so it cooks evenly and does not clump.
  • If short on time, use pre-chopped mirepoix or a bag of mixed veggies. It saves 10 minutes of prep and still scores on flavor.

These small shifts keep weeknights manageable and the flavors honest. I learned these tricks over years of rushing from ballet pickups to late meetings and wanting to still feed my family with something nourishing.

Variations on BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!

Family dinners benefit from a little creativity. Here are ways I change this soup depending on the season or what I have in the pantry.

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with a cup of chopped mushrooms and a can of drained lentils. Add an extra splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for savory depth.
  • Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. Brown gently and add a tablespoon of butter to round the flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions and increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon. Top with pickled peppers for extra zing.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or broken gluten-free lasagna sheets. Note that gluten-free pasta sometimes needs a shorter cook time.
  • Lower Sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and no-salt-added tomatoes. Taste before salting and add herbs for extra flavor instead.
  • Cheesy Bake: Pour leftover soup into a shallow casserole, top with mozzarella and panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 375 F for 12 minutes for a bubbly casserole twist.

I change this soup often based on what my kids will eat. When my eldest had a phase of rejecting visible meat, I hid finely chopped mushrooms in my portion and no one noticed. It is about keeping the meal flexible and kind to real life.

Print
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BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe


  • Author: Natali Rossi
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Meat

Description

A comforting one-pot lasagna soup that combines the layers of traditional lasagna into a hearty and flavorful bowl, perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, finely diced
  • 1 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 8 ounces broken lasagna sheets or short pasta like rotini
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Optional: 1 cup baby spinach stirred in at the end


Instructions

  1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and warm it until it shimmers.
  2. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened, stirring often.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef and/or sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the broth. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits.
  7. Add the broken lasagna noodles or short pasta, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and maintain a gentle simmer.
  8. Simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  9. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Thin with more broth or water if needed.
  11. Ladle into bowls and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, replace meat with chopped mushrooms and lentils. This dish is perfect served with a green salad or crusty garlic bread.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

FAQs About BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I often prep the sauce base in the morning and refrigerate it. Finish the pasta and cheese right before serving. It saves time and keeps the textures fresh.

What pasta works best in lasagna soup?

Broken lasagna sheets are classic. Short pasta like rotini or penne is also good. Choose a pasta that can cook to al dente in a broth without getting gluey.

How do I keep the ricotta creamy and not grainy?

Stir ricotta in off the heat and use whole-milk ricotta if possible. That adds creaminess. If it still seems grainy, blend it with a tablespoon of milk before adding.

Can I make this dairy free?

Yes. Use dairy-free ricotta or a spoonful of coconut milk for richness and top with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Is this recipe child friendly?

Absolutely. The flavors are familiar and warm. You can adjust the spices for kids by reducing or omitting red pepper flakes.

A Final Thought

Cooking should feel like a kind invitation, not a task on a long list. BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe! is my little ritual of comfort. It warms more than bowls. It warms evenings. It becomes a place for homework to be done nearby, for stories to be shared, and for small celebrations at the end of a weekday.

I hope this recipe brings you that same simple joy. Thank you for letting me share my kitchen moments. I will keep writing down the small tricks that make dinner smoother and the table happier. Until next time, may your kitchen smell like garlic and good things, and may your family gather around warmth and kindness.

Conclusion

If you want another easy version to compare timing and ingredient notes, try this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe for a slightly different one-pot approach.

For a different take on flavors and presentation that inspired some of my technique, check out this One Pot Lasagna Soup and see how small changes make a big difference in comfort food.

Author

  • BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe! Natali Rossi

    Natali Rossi, a New York City culinary expert, transforms everyday meals into vibrant, healthy celebrations. She empowers home cooks to create delicious, quick weeknight dinners and comforting dishes with a nutritious twist, proving that healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly satisfying.