Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup has become my go-to when I crave that classic Italian comfort without all the fuss. I remember my mom spending hours layering noodles and sauce, and while I love that memory, I needed something quicker for busy nights. This recipe is my answer! It delivers all the rich, savory flavors and cheesy goodness you expect from a delicious one pot lasagna recipe, but in a fraction of the time. The aroma of simmering tomatoes, herbs, and savory beef fills my kitchen, making it the perfect easy weeknight one pot lasagna. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Lasagna
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a weeknight miracle! Here’s why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation:
- Incredible Flavor: It tastes just like traditional lasagna, but it’s so much simpler. You get that deep, savory taste that makes it a truly flavorful one pot lasagna.
- Super Speedy: Most of the magic happens in one pot, meaning less cleanup and a quick 40-minute total time.
- Healthy-ish: Packed with protein from the beef and veggies, it feels indulgent yet is surprisingly balanced.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and common ingredients, making it a great meal when you’re watching your wallet.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters adore this hearty, cheesy soup. It’s a guaranteed hit for everyone.
- Pure Comfort: This is the ultimate comfort food one pot lasagna experience, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a warm hug in a bowl.
- Beginner Friendly: If you’re new to cooking or looking for a simple meal, this recipe is foolproof.
Ingredients for Your Best One Pot Lasagna
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious and easy one pot lasagna dinner. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort:
- 1 lb ground beef – I prefer an 80/20 blend for the best flavor, but 90/10 works too.
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced – Fresh garlic adds so much punch!
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced – About 1 cup, this adds a subtle sweetness.
- 2 tsp tomato paste – This little powerhouse deepens the tomato flavor.
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes – The base of our rich sauce.
- 32 oz chicken broth, more if needed – This provides the liquid for cooking the noodles and creating the soup consistency.
- 1 cup water – Helps achieve the perfect soup texture.
- 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken up – No need to boil them first! Just break them into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach – A simple way to sneak in some greens.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – This makes the soup wonderfully creamy and luxurious.
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut in slices – Essential for that classic cheesy lasagna bite, perfect for our One Pot Lasagna with Ricotta experience.
- Ricotta cheese, for serving – For dolloping on top, adding an extra layer of creamy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese, optional – A sprinkle adds a salty, nutty finish.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp kosher salt, and Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – These herbs and seasonings tie all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup
This recipe makes enjoying classic lasagna flavors incredibly easy, even on your busiest nights. Get ready for a truly satisfying meal!
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 lb ground beef. Cook until well-browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon as it cooks. This step is key for developing a deep flavor base. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Add 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 tsp kosher salt, and Freshly ground black pepper, to taste to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in the 14 oz can crushed tomatoes, 32 oz chicken broth, 1 cup water, and 2 tsp tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine. This is where the magic of a quick one pot lasagna really starts to happen.
- Step 4: Add the 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken up, stirring them into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Step 5: Stir in the 1 cup frozen chopped spinach and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Continue to cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This simple process makes it a simple one pot lasagna that’s hard to beat.
- Step 6: To serve this delicious one pot lasagna soup, place a slice of 4 oz mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each serving bowl. Ladle the hot soup over the cheese, allowing it to melt slightly, and top with dollops of ricotta cheese and optional Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Lasagna
Want to elevate your one pot lasagna soup from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference:
- Don’t rush the browning of the beef! Those crispy browned bits are flavor bombs that make your soup taste like it simmered for hours.
- Break your lasagna noodles into irregular pieces. This helps them cook evenly and gives a more rustic, appealing texture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Broth and tomato paste can vary in saltiness, so a final check ensures perfection.
- If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Lasagna Soup?
The real secret is developing those deeply browned bits on the ground beef before adding liquids. This technique, often used in restaurant kitchens, builds an incredible flavor foundation for your cheesy one pot lasagna. For more on developing flavor in cooking, check out the science of browning meat.
Can I make One Pot Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients and even brown the beef and sauté the onions. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, just combine everything in the pot and follow the simmering instructions. For more information on food safety and storage, consult the FDA’s food safety guidelines.
How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Lasagna?
Make sure to break your lasagna noodles into smaller pieces so they cook through properly. Also, keep an eye on the liquid level; add more broth if it gets too thick before the noodles are tender.
Best Ways to Serve Your One Pot Lasagna Dinner Idea
This hearty and flavorful soup is a complete meal in itself, but serving it with a few simple additions can make it even more special. It’s the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Crusty Bread: No Italian-inspired meal is complete without good bread! A warm, crusty baguette or some garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra broth.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy soup, making your one pot lasagna skillet recipe feel even more complete.
- Extra Toppings: Always offer extra Parmesan cheese and a dollop of ricotta on the side. Some people love adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
Nutrition Facts for Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna
This recipe makes a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat One Pot Lasagna
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep. This one pot lasagna without boiling noodles is just as delicious as leftovers!
- Cool Completely: Always let the soup cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps it safe.
- Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. You can portion it into individual servings for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Freezer Friendly: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave a little headspace as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Lasagna for Beginners
What is One Pot Lasagna?
What is one pot lasagna? It’s a brilliant cooking method where all the ingredients, including the noodles, are cooked together in a single pot or skillet. This streamlines the entire process, eliminating the need to pre-boil noodles or dirty multiple pans. It’s essentially a deconstructed lasagna served as a hearty soup or a saucy pasta dish, perfect for anyone looking for a simpler way to enjoy those classic flavors.
Why is One Pot Lasagna so easy?
The beauty of this style of cooking is its sheer simplicity! Why one pot lasagna is easy boils down to minimal prep and almost no cleanup. You brown your meat, sauté your aromatics, add liquids and noodles, and let it all simmer together. No separate boiling, no layering dishes – just one pot doing all the heavy lifting. It’s a fantastic way to get a comforting, delicious meal on the table quickly. Learn more about Niki’s approach to easy cooking.
Can I use different types of noodles?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for broken lasagna noodles, you can experiment. Rotini, penne, or even farfalle work well. Just ensure they are cooked according to package directions within the soup or sauce, and adjust liquid if needed. The goal is a tender noodle that soaks up all that delicious flavor.
What are the best additions for beginner lasagna?
For a beginner-friendly experience, stick to the core ingredients first. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, consider adding pre-cooked Italian sausage alongside the ground beef, or stir in a handful of chopped mushrooms with the onions. These additions boost flavor without adding much complexity. For more beginner recipes, check out our latest recipes.
Variations of One Pot Lasagna You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative with this versatile dish! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- One Pot Ground Beef Lasagna: This is the classic we’ve made, but you can easily swap other proteins. Try using Italian sausage (mild or hot!) for a spicier kick, or a mix of ground beef and pork for extra richness.
- One Pot Vegetarian Lasagna: Skip the meat entirely! Sauté extra mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions in place of the beef. You can also add a can of drained lentils or chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.
- Creamy Chicken & Spinach: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef and add even more spinach. A touch of lemon zest can brighten the flavors beautifully.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free lasagna noodles and a dairy-free ricotta alternative. For the creamy element, try full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna: 40-Min Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful and hearty one-pot lasagna soup that captures all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a single, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 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
- Ricotta cheese, for serving
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut in slices
- Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste. Add broken lasagna noodles and stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen chopped spinach and heavy cream. Cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each serving bowl. Ladle the hot soup over the cheese and top with ricotta and parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, allow the ground beef to develop crispy browned bits before draining.
- Feel free to add more chicken broth if you prefer thinner soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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