One Pot Lasagna Soup Comforting and Simple Meal

Looking for a warm and easy meal? Try my One Pot Lasagna Soup! It’s a hearty dish packed with layers of flavor, like rich ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheeses. Best of all, you make it in just one pot! In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, tips, and tasty variations. Get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of deliciousness that will satisfy the whole family!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the main part, I like using ground beef or Italian sausage. Both add great flavor. Dice one medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. These ingredients will create a strong base for your soup.

Broth and Seasonings

- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Next, add one can of crushed tomatoes and four cups of chicken or vegetable broth. This gives the soup a rich taste. Season with two teaspoons of Italian seasoning for a classic flavor and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you like heat.

Noodle and Cheese Components

- 1 cup uncooked whole wheat noodles or lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces

- 1 cup ricotta cheese

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the noodles, I suggest using one cup of uncooked whole wheat noodles or breaking lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. They will soak up the flavors well. You will also need one cup of ricotta cheese and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. These cheeses make the soup creamy and delicious.

When you gather these ingredients, you are ready to create a warm, hearty meal. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish comforting and simple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn translucent and smell great.

3. Next, add the minced garlic and your choice of meat. I like using ground beef or Italian sausage.

4. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is fully browned and no longer pink.

Combining the Ingredients

1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Use 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.

2. Next, add the broken noodles to the pot. Whole wheat noodles work well.

3. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat, if you like it spicy.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix.

Cooking the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.

2. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Check the noodles after about 15 minutes. They should be cooked al dente and ready to enjoy.

Finishing Touches

1. Once the noodles are cooked, take the pot off the heat.

2. Stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese. This makes the soup creamy and rich.

3. Serve the soup hot. Ladle it into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of lasagna soup!

Tips & Tricks

Time-Saving Tips

Prepping ingredients in advance: You can save time by chopping your onion and garlic before you start. Measure out the spices and set them aside. This way, you can focus on cooking.

Using quick-cooking noodles: For even faster results, use quick-cooking noodles. They cook faster and blend well with the soup's flavors. This can cut down your total cooking time.

Enhancing Flavor

Adding fresh herbs: Fresh basil brightens the dish. Add it just before serving for the best taste. You can also try parsley or oregano for different flavors.

Using quality broth: The broth is key to a tasty soup. Choose a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth. It adds depth and richness to your dish, making it more delicious.

Making it Creamier

Adjusting cheese quantities: You can change the amount of ricotta cheese. More cheese makes the soup thicker and creamier. If you prefer a lighter soup, use less.

Adding cream or milk: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a little cream or milk. This will make your soup smooth and rich. Just be careful not to add too much, or it may become too heavy.

Variations

Meat Variations

You can switch up the meat in this soup to suit your taste. Ground turkey or chicken works great. They keep the dish light but still full of flavor. Just brown them the same way as the beef or sausage. If you prefer a meatless option, try using vegetarian sausage. It gives a nice texture and flavor without the meat. Simply cook it as you would the beef.

No-Noodle Version

If you want to cut carbs, skip the noodles. Instead, add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These will give you a hearty meal while keeping it low-carb. Just chop them finely and add them to the pot. This way, you still enjoy the rich flavors without the noodles.

Spicy Variation

For those who love heat, make it spicy! You can add more red pepper flakes to your taste. This will make your soup sizzle. If you want more depth, try adding spicy sausage. It brings a rich, warm flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Just cook it like the regular sausage for a nice kick.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your One Pot Lasagna Soup fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the soup before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating Tips

You can reheat the soup in two ways: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the soup in a bowl and cover it loosely. Heat it for two to three minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming. If using the stovetop, pour the soup into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring often.

When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water. This helps keep the soup from becoming too thick.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze your soup, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand. It stays good in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat it, move the soup to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave. Remember to add a little liquid if it seems thick after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. Making this soup ahead saves time on busy days. To do this, follow the recipe steps up to adding the ricotta cheese. Cool the soup and store it in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stove. Once hot, stir in the ricotta cheese before serving. This keeps the soup creamy and fresh.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you need a substitute for ricotta cheese, try cottage cheese. It has a similar texture and taste. You can also use cream cheese for a richer flavor. Another option is to blend soft tofu with a bit of lemon juice. This gives a creamy texture without dairy. Choose the option that fits your diet best.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, swap the ground beef with a meat alternative. You can use lentils or chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture. For the broth, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. This keeps the flavor rich and savory. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the best taste. Enjoy a comforting meal that fits your diet!

This blog taught you how to make a hearty soup with simple steps. We covered the key ingredients like ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and cheese. I shared easy instructions for cooking and enhancing flavor. You learned tips for storing leftovers and making variations.

Now, you can enjoy this delicious soup anytime. Remember, cooking is about having fun. Experiment with flavors and make it your own! Enjoy your soup journey!