Easy One Pot Lasagna Soup

Ah, lasagna soup—a hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I stumbled upon this delightful dish. I was rifling through my recipe box, looking for something comforting to ward off the chill of a winter evening. What I found was this glorious marriage of lasagna and soup—a soothing bowl filled with layers of flavor that feels both nostalgic and inventive. The aroma alone will have you dreaming of cozy family dinners, and believe me, it’s a dish that brings everyone together.

Why you'll love this recipe

Now, let me tell you why this lasagna soup should be your go-to recipe tonight. It embodies the essence of comfort food with a twist. Imagine slurping up hearty bites of tender noodles laden with robust beef or sausage, mingled with tangy tomatoes and greens. You get all the rich flavors of a traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering!

Besides its soul-warming qualities, this recipe is super versatile. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. You can mix and match ingredients based on your pantry; swap in chicken, turkey, or even go vegetarian with chickpeas for protein. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder—fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up!

Gather these ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful lasagna soup:

1. 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: This is your flavor base. You can use lean beef or turkey for a lighter option, or even a meat-free sausage if you’re looking to cut back on meat.
2. 1 onion, chopped: The king of flavor! Onions caramelize beautifully and offer that aromatic sweetness that forms the backbone of many dishes.
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have! Garlic gives that punchy flavor that herbal notes love to dance with.
4. 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The star of our show! Choose a high-quality can that reflects that beautiful red hue we associate with Italian cuisine.
5. 4 cups chicken broth: A savory liquid that brings everything together. Vegetable broth works beautifully for our veggie pals, while homemade broth packs an extra flavor punch!
6. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Your secret herb mix! Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, if you have them on hand.
7. Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season as you go! Taste is your best friend here.
8. 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: These noodles will soak up all that delicious broth, becoming tender little parcels of joy.
9. 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped: Go green! This adds not just nutrition but a lovely color contrast to your soup.
10. 1 cup ricotta cheese: A creamy dollop of bliss! The ricotta adds richness and a touch of indulgence.
11. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This melty goodness just makes everything better. You can sub in provolone if you’re feeling adventurous!
12. Fresh basil for garnish: The cherry on top! It not only looks gorgeous but adds fresh flavor to your finish.

How this recipe comes together

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring this masterpiece to life:

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot, over medium heat, toss in your ground beef or sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s beautifully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until they soften and become aromatic.
2. Create the base: Add in your crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this vibrant concoction to a boil, and let the flavors mingle like old friends.
3. Cook the pasta: Toss in those broken lasagna noodles! Cook them right in the soup until they’re tender—about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Add greens: Now it’s time for the spinach or kale. Stir in the greens and cook until they wilt. This will take just 2-3 minutes, adding not only nutrition but that lovely green hue.
5. Serve it up: Dish up the soup into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of ricotta and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Drop a few fresh basil leaves in for that final pop of freshness and serve it hot!

Best way to enjoy it

Now, for the pièce de résistance: how to enjoy your lasagna soup! Serve it with some crispy garlic bread for dipping—trust me, you’ll want to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the soup. Feeling adventurous? Try a glass of red wine to elevate your dining experience. Your friends will be thinking you've turned your kitchen into a rustic Italian trattoria!

Storage and reheating tips

Before you pack away leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, consider portioning it into freezer-safe bags—this way, you can thaw just what you need! When reheating, you may need to add a splash more broth to bring back its luscious texture.

Tips for a success recipe

To ensure your lasagna soup is as magical as possible, here are some pro tips:

• Toast your spices: Heat the Italian seasoning in the pan for a minute before adding the tomatoes. This little trick intensifies the flavors!
• Play with the greens: Try adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients!
• Want it spicier?: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
• Extra cheese, please!: If you're a cheese lover like me, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or even fontina for an extra layer of flavor.

Creative Twists

Feeling like you need a twist? Here are some creative spins on this classic recipe:

• Buffalo chicken lasagna soup: Replace the beef with shredded cooked chicken and stir in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce for an exciting kick.
• Mushroom lasagna soup: Substituting mushrooms for the meat creates a delicious vegan option while bringing earthiness and depth of flavor.
• Pesto infusion: Stir in a spoonful of pesto just before serving for a burst of herby goodness.
• Cashew cream: Instead of ricotta, blend soaked cashews with a splash of lemon juice and herbs for a dairy-free alternative.

Directions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Add broken lasagna noodles; cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Stir in chopped spinach or kale; cook until wilted.
6. Serve in bowls, topping with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Your questions answered

• What’s the prep time?: You can whip this up in about 15 minutes. It’s quick and easy!
• Can I make it vegetarian?: Absolutely! Swap in lentils or chickpeas and vegetable broth for a hearty, meatless version.
• How spicy is this soup?: It’s mild, but you can easily kick it up a notch with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage!
• Can I use fresh pasta?: Yes! Just remember that fresh pasta cooks faster, so you’ll want to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• How can I customize the toppings?: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs based on what you love!

Well, there you have it! I hope you get to experience the magic of this lasagna soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a chilly evening. So roll up your sleeves, dive into the process, and don’t be afraid to make it your own—after all, cooking is all about joy and creativity! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!