One-Pot Lasagna Soup – Cozy, Cheesy, and Comforting
All the comforting flavors of classic lasagna — but in a warm, hearty soup that comes together in just one pot. This One-Pot Lasagna Soup has everything you love about the traditional dish: tender noodles, rich tomato broth, savory ground beef, Italian herbs, and plenty of melty cheese.
It’s a family favorite for busy weeknights because it’s easier, faster, and much less cleanup than layered lasagna. You still get all the cozy, cheesy satisfaction, but with the convenience of a one-pot meal.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or want to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor, this soup delivers everything you love about lasagna — spoonful by spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup
1. One pot, minimal cleanup:
Everything cooks together — no need for multiple pans or baking dishes.
2. Classic lasagna flavor, simplified:
All the layers of flavor you love, now in an easy-to-serve soup.
3. Family-friendly comfort food:
Rich, hearty, and perfectly balanced — everyone loves it.
4. Perfect for leftovers:
Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
5. Customizable:
Use beef, sausage, turkey, or make it vegetarian — it’s flexible for any diet.
6. Freezer-friendly:
Make a batch now and freeze half for an easy future meal.
What You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
For the Cheese Mixture (Topping):
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
If there’s excess grease, drain it before proceeding.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomato Base
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick together.
Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
If the soup thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the soup simmers, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
This creamy blend will be dolloped on top when serving — just like the cheesy filling in traditional lasagna.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once the noodles are tender, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then add a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture on top.
Finish with extra mozzarella or Parmesan if desired.
Let it melt slightly into the soup before eating — every bite will taste like classic lasagna in a bowl.
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Lasagna Soup
- Use quality tomatoes.
A good brand of crushed tomatoes makes a big difference in flavor. - Break the noodles unevenly.
Rustic, varied shapes make the soup more visually appealing and fun to eat. - Don’t overcook the noodles.
They’ll continue to soften as the soup rests. - Make the cheese topping fresh.
Adding it at the end gives that signature lasagna flavor and creaminess. - Adjust the spice level.
Add more red pepper flakes for heat or omit entirely for a milder soup. - Let it rest before serving.
Five minutes of resting helps the flavors blend and the soup thicken slightly.
Flavor Variations
Protein Swaps:
- Italian sausage: Adds a spicier, richer flavor.
- Ground turkey or chicken: A leaner option.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
Broth & Tomato Options:
- Use vegetable broth for a lighter base.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra texture.
- Stir in tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes for a smoother soup.
Add-Ins:
- Baby spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Chopped bell peppers for sweetness.
- A splash of cream for a rich, velvety version.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy soup pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks – for dipping into the rich tomato broth.
- Simple green salad – with Italian vinaigrette for a light side.
- Grated Parmesan or mozzarella – sprinkled just before serving.
- Fresh basil leaves – for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve it family-style in a big pot, or portion into bowls with a generous dollop of ricotta topping for that authentic “lasagna” feel.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup as it thickens.
Freezer:
Freeze cooled soup (without the cheese topping) in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove until warm.
Prepare the ricotta topping fresh when serving.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the base of the soup (everything except the noodles) up to 2 days ahead.
When ready to serve, reheat the base, add the noodles, and cook until tender.
This keeps the pasta from getting too soft while saving prep time.
Alternatively, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls when serving — ideal for storing leftovers.
Troubleshooting
Soup too thick:
Add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Soup too thin:
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Noodles overcooked:
Add them later in the process next time and monitor closely.
Not enough flavor:
Increase seasonings, use better-quality tomatoes, or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Cheese mixture separating:
Add the ricotta topping right before serving rather than stirring it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes. Mafalda, rotini, or broken spaghetti all work well as substitutes.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free ricotta or omit the cheese mixture and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, but reduce the simmer time by a few minutes — they soften faster.
Can I use leftover lasagna noodles?
Definitely. Just chop them into pieces before adding.
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients except noodles to the slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 390
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
(Nutrition values vary depending on ingredients and cheese amounts.)
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe captures the rich, layered flavor of lasagna while cutting down prep time and cleanup. Browning the meat and aromatics builds a deep base, while crushed tomatoes and broth create a flavorful sauce that transforms into soup as the noodles cook right in the pot.
The ricotta topping adds creamy, cheesy richness with every bite — giving you all the flavor of baked lasagna without turning on the oven. It’s hearty, balanced, and guaranteed to satisfy that Italian comfort food craving.
Tips for Customizing Your Lasagna Soup Routine
- Add a creamier twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a silky tomato broth.
- Try a white lasagna version: Use chicken broth, cream, and spinach instead of tomato base.
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in jars or containers for easy grab-and-heat lunches.
- Turn leftovers into baked pasta: Mix leftover soup with extra noodles and cheese, then bake for a quick pasta casserole.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Lasagna Soup is everything you love about lasagna — but faster, easier, and just as comforting. It’s rich, cheesy, hearty, and perfect for any night of the week.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy meal for yourself, this soup brings the soul-warming flavors of Italy straight to your table with minimal effort.
One pot, endless comfort — the perfect way to enjoy lasagna without the layering or the mess.
Homemade comfort food has never been this easy — or this delicious.
