Name: Hearty Beef Lasagna Soup: Easy One-Pot Dinner Idea
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 6 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional); Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional); 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, to taste (for ricotta topping); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for ricotta topping); Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Hearty Lasagna Soup Easy One Pot Recipe – doesn’t that sound like the ultimate culinary dream? Today, I am absolutely delighted to share a dish that takes everything we adore about classic lasagna and reimagines it into a beautifully simple, incredibly flavorful, and truly convenient one-pot wonder. Forget the lengthy layering process and the stack of dirty dishes; this recipe brings all those beloved, comforting flavors to your table with minimal fuss.

For centuries, lasagna has held a cherished place in kitchens worldwide, celebrated for its rich, layered textures and deep, satisfying flavors. It’s a dish synonymous with family gatherings and hearty meals. However, we all know that the traditional preparation can be quite an undertaking. That’s where this brilliant soup comes into its own. It masterfully captures the essence of lasagna – the savory meat, tangy tomato base, tender pasta, and creamy, cheesy goodness – all simmered together to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Lasagna Soup Easy One Pot Recipe

The appeal is undeniable: it’s incredibly quick to prepare, requires just one pot for cooking (meaning significantly less cleanup!), and delivers an explosion of authentic lasagna taste in every spoonful. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight meal or a simple yet impressive dish for guests, this soup offers a perfect blend of convenience and gourmet appeal. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: I always start with a good quality olive oil; it truly sets the foundation for flavor.
1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage: I find that lean ground beef works beautifully, but if you’re like me and love a little extra kick, a mild or even spicy Italian sausage can elevate this soup to new heights. If using sausage, I remove it from its casings.
1 large yellow onion: Finely diced. This is one of my essential aromatics, bringing a subtle sweetness and depth to our Hearty Lasagna Soup.
4-5 cloves garlic: Minced. I’m a big believer that you can never have too much garlic, especially in Italian-inspired dishes!
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste: This concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a beautiful richness. Don’t skip the step of cooking it down; it makes all the difference!
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: I love the texture and base flavor that crushed tomatoes provide. They’re the backbone of our tomato sauce.
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes: For a little more texture and acidity, I always include a can of diced tomatoes. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes are a fantastic option if you want to add a smoky depth.
6 cups beef broth or chicken broth: I typically use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness, but chicken broth works just as well. You might need a little extra on hand to adjust consistency later.
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that pulls all the flavors together.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: This adds that characteristic Italian restaurant aroma and taste.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you enjoy a little warmth in your soup, like I do, these are a wonderful addition. Feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, but recommended): A little sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more well-rounded flavor profile. I find it really makes a difference.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Seasoning throughout the cooking process is key for the best flavor.
8 ounces lasagna noodles: Broken into 1-2 inch pieces. These are the star of our Hearty Lasagna Soup, giving it that classic lasagna feel without all the layering fuss!
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional): For a touch of luxurious creaminess at the end, I sometimes stir this in.
For the Creamy Ricotta Topping:
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides the best creaminess and flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, cheesy goodness we all love.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best for flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped. Its fresh, herbaceous notes are a beautiful contrast to the rich soup.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil: Chopped. Another fresh herb that really brightens up the topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: To give our topping a little extra savory punch.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, ensuring our topping is as flavorful as the soup itself.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A final flourish that adds both beauty and a burst of fresh aroma.

Preparing Our Aromatic Base for a Hearty Lasagna Soup

Heat the Olive Oil and Brown the Meat: First things first, grab a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot – this is going to be our one-pot wonder for this Hearty Lasagna Soup Easy One Pot Recipe. Place it over medium-high heat and add the two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add your ground beef or Italian sausage. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned all over. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. It usually takes me about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, if you’ve used a fattier ground meat, you’ll want to carefully drain off any excess grease. I usually tilt the pot and use a spoon to scoop out the fat, leaving just enough to help sauté our aromatics.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add your finely diced yellow onion to the pot with the browned meat. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these are flavor gold! Cook the onion for about 5-7 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. You’ll notice it taking on a lovely, slightly sweet aroma. Next, add your minced garlic. Stir it in and cook for just about 60 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly. I love how the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible at this stage!
Cook the Tomato Paste: Now, push the meat and onion mixture to one side of the pot, creating a little space in the center. Spoon in the entire can of tomato paste into this cleared area. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, stirring it occasionally and allowing it to caramelize slightly. This step might seem minor, but it’s incredibly important. Cooking the tomato paste deepens its flavor, making it less raw and more robust, which contributes significantly to the richness of our lasagna soup. After it has cooked down a bit, stir it into the meat and onion mixture until everything is well combined.

Building and Simmering the Hearty Lasagna Soup

Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the diced tomatoes (and any juices from the can). Give everything a good stir. Then, slowly pour in your 6 cups of beef or chicken broth. If you’re like me and aiming for a truly comforting and Hearty Lasagna Soup, you’ll appreciate how these liquid components come together to form the perfect base. Add the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and the optional teaspoon of granulated sugar. The sugar, as I mentioned, is my secret weapon for balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and really making all the flavors sing. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Bring to a Simmer and Cook the Noodles: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld and deepen. This simmering time is key for creating a truly flavourful Hearty Lasagna Soup Easy One Pot Recipe. After this initial simmer, uncover the pot and add your broken lasagna noodles. Stir them into the soup, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Stir frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking to each other or to the bottom of the pot. If the soup becomes too thick during this process, I usually add a little extra broth or even some hot water, a quarter cup at a time, until I reach my desired consistency. Remember, the noodles will continue to absorb liquid even after you take it off the heat.
Optional Creaminess: If you desire an even richer, creamier texture, stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 5 minutes of cooking the noodles. This addition makes the soup incredibly luxurious and smooth. It’s a wonderful touch that takes this One Pot Lasagna Soup from great to absolutely divine!
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is a crucial step for any good cook! Carefully taste the soup. Does it need more salt? A pinch more pepper? Maybe a bit more Italian seasoning? Adjust any seasonings to your preference. Remember, a perfectly seasoned dish is a delicious dish!

Crafting the Creamy Topping and Serving Our Hearty Lasagna Soup

Prepare the Creamy Ricotta Topping: While your soup is simmering and the noodles are cooking, let’s get this incredible topping ready! In a medium-sized bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, and garlic powder. Season with a pinch of salt and a grind of fresh black pepper. Stir all these ingredients together until they are well combined. I love how this mixture mimics the layers of cheese in a traditional lasagna, but in a convenient, dollop-able form. The fresh herbs and garlic powder really brighten up the dairy, creating a perfect balance to the rich tomato soup.
Serve Your Hearty Lasagna Soup: Once the noodles are perfectly cooked and the soup is seasoned to your liking, it’s time to serve up this comforting masterpiece! Ladle generous portions of the hot, steamy Hearty Lasagna Soup into individual bowls. The aroma alone is usually enough to get everyone’s mouths watering!
Garnish and Enjoy: For the grand finale, place a generous dollop (or two, I’m not judging!) of the creamy ricotta mixture right in the center of each bowl of soup. The heat from the soup will gently warm the cheese, making it wonderfully soft and slightly melty. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and freshness. You can also add a little more grated Parmesan if you wish. Serve immediately and prepare to be amazed by how easily you created such a flavorful and satisfying Hearty Lasagna Soup Easy One Pot Recipe. I promise you, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for a cozy night in, and it’s quickly become a go-to favorite in my kitchen!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple yet profoundly satisfying process of creating what I genuinely believe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This isn’t just another soup; it’s a revelation, a clever reimagining of a classic that strips away all the fuss while retaining every ounce of the beloved flavor. Imagine the rich, savory depth of a slow-cooked lasagna, with its tender pasta, robust tomato sauce, and creamy cheese layers, all concentrated into a single, magnificent bowl. That’s precisely what you get with our featured Hearty Lasagna Soup Easy One Pot Recipe. It delivers that unparalleled comfort food experience without the daunting prep time or the multiple baking dishes to wash. I truly poured my heart into perfecting this recipe so that you can enjoy an incredibly flavorful, deeply satisfying meal that feels gourmet but is astoundingly simple to execute.

I can’t stress enough how much this recipe has transformed my weeknight dinners. Gone are the days of craving lasagna but shying away from the effort. This soup offers all the warmth, all the cheesy goodness, and all the vibrant tomato notes you adore, but in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something substantial to warm you from the inside out, or when you’re hosting friends and want to impress them with minimal stress. This recipe truly embodies convenience without compromise on flavor. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy families or anyone looking for a delicious, straightforward dinner solution. I promise you, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Elevate Your Bowl: Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the art of this incredible lasagna soup, let’s talk about how to make it even more spectacular. While it’s absolutely perfect as is, a few thoughtful additions or clever twists can truly personalize your experience. For a classic pairing, I highly recommend serving your steaming bowl with some warm, crusty garlic bread. Dunking a piece of crispy bread into the rich, tomatoey broth is an experience unto itself! A fresh, vibrant side salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, also provides a wonderful contrast to the soup’s richness, adding a refreshing crunch that balances the meal beautifully. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for an aromatic flourish!

But don’t stop there! This soup is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to experiment and make it your own. For a meatier version, consider browning some Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference) or lean ground beef along with the onions and garlic at the beginning. If you’re leaning towards a vegetarian option, cooked lentils or even some crumbled firm tofu could add a great protein boost and texture. Want more veggies? Sauté some finely diced zucchini, bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until just wilted) to boost the nutritional content and add different layers of flavor. For an extra creamy kick, a swirl of mascarpone cheese or a splash of heavy cream stirred in just before serving can elevate the indulgence factor, giving it an even silkier texture. This simple addition transforms it into an even more decadent experience, perfect for a special occasion.

And let’s talk cheese! While the ricotta and mozzarella are star players, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties. A sprinkle of sharp provolone or a generous grating of aged Pecorino Romano adds a different depth of savory notes, introducing a delightful piquancy. For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the herbs, giving a subtle warmth that complements the robust flavors without overpowering them. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; it’s a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more oregano, basil, or even a touch of balsamic glaze for an extra tangy finish. Each spoonful can be a delightful journey of flavor, tailored precisely to your preferences, making every bowl uniquely yours.

Your Kitchen Awaits: Time to Dive In and Share!

Now, it’s your turn! I’ve shared my secrets, my passion, and my absolute conviction that this Hearty Lasagna Soup Easy One Pot Recipe will bring immense joy to your table. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a meal that’s both deeply comforting and surprisingly simple, and I truly believe this recipe embodies that perfect balance. Don’t just read about it; make it! Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible flavors you can achieve with so little effort. This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to reclaim your evenings, enjoy more delicious home-cooked meals, and perhaps even discover a new family favorite that everyone will eagerly ask for again and again. It truly is a game-changer for busy weeknights.

I am genuinely excited for you to experience the magic of this soup for yourself. And once you do, please don’t keep it a secret! I absolutely love hearing from you. Come back and leave a comment below, sharing your experience, your serving suggestions, or any creative twists you added. Did you try it with Italian sausage? Did you add extra veggies? How did your family react? I thrive on your feedback and the wonderful community we’re building around delicious, accessible food. Even better, snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it! Let’s inspire each other to cook more, share more, and savor every single bite. Happy cooking, my friends, and I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious adventure!