Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but who has time for all that layering and baking? This one-pot lasagna soup delivers all the rich, cheesy goodness of lasagna in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple. This recipe is adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
What Makes One-Pot Lasagna Soup So Appealing?
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. No more layering noodles, spreading sauce, and meticulously arranging cheese. This recipe combines all the essential elements of lasagna – pasta, meat (or vegetables!), cheese, and rich tomato sauce – in a single pot. It simmers to perfection, resulting in a hearty, flavorful soup that's ready in under an hour.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is a guideline; feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you need.
- Ground meat: 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or omit for a vegetarian version)
- Onion & Garlic: 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pasta: 1 lb lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces (oven-ready noodles work well)
- Canned Tomatoes: 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- Tomato Paste: 6 oz can tomato paste
- Broth: 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- Seasoning: Italian seasoning, dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cheese: 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make One-Pot Lasagna Soup:
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Add Pasta: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir to combine and ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of pasta?
While lasagna noodles are traditionally used, you can experiment with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ditalini. Just be sure to break them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The cheese might separate slightly upon reheating, but this won't affect the taste.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What are some variations I can try?
Get creative! Add different vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers. Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect blend of flavors. You could even add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
This one-pot lasagna soup is a delicious and convenient meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it a recipe you'll return to again and again. Enjoy!
