One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Lasagna is a classic Italian comfort dish loved for its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese. However, traditional lasagna can be time-consuming, involving multiple steps and baking time. That’s where One-Pot Lasagna Soup comes in! This recipe captures all the familiar flavors of lasagna but in a cozy, easy-to-make soup. This hearty dish combines ground beef (or Italian sausage), crushed tomatoes, tender lasagna noodles, and a blend of cheeses to create a rich, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup takes a fraction of the time and all in one pot, making clean-up a breeze.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (adds depth of flavor; you can use a combination of both)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (for a savory base)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds aromatic richness)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (for a thick, tomatoey base)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (adds body to the soup)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (enhances the tomato flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (for authentic Italian flavor)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (adds the pasta element of lasagna)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (for a creamy texture)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for melty goodness)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a savory, umami kick)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine everything well. Add the Italian seasoning, and if you find the tomatoes a bit too acidic, add the optional sugar to balance it.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
  5. Add the Pasta: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup. Stir well to make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Cover and let the soup simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  6. Prepare the Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed; this will be the creamy topping for each serving.
  7. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust any other seasonings to your preference.
  8. Serve the Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. The cheese will start to melt into the hot soup, creating a creamy and cheesy “lasagna” experience in every bite.

Nutrition Facts (estimated per serving):

  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use gluten-free noodles?
    • Yes! Substitute regular lasagna noodles with a gluten-free variety. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as some gluten-free noodles may cook faster or slower.
  2. What’s a good substitute for ricotta cheese?
    • Cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta. It has a similar texture but a slightly different flavor. You can blend it for a smoother consistency if preferred.
  3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
    • Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or more vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, for added heartiness.
  4. How do I prevent the noodles from getting too soft?
    • If you’re not planning to eat all the soup at once, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual servings. This keeps the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and becoming overly soft.

Tips for Making the Best Lasagna Soup:

  1. Use Quality Tomatoes: The tomato base is key in this recipe, so try to use good-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
  2. Customize Your Cheese Blend: While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor twist.
  3. Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: Basil and parsley are excellent garnishes that enhance the taste and bring out the freshness in the soup.
  4. Simmer for Better Flavor: Allowing the soup to simmer for at least 15 minutes before adding the noodles enhances the flavor and melds the ingredients together.
  5. Control the Salt: Between the cheeses and the broth, this soup can get salty quickly. Taste the soup after it simmers and season carefully as needed.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover soup (without the cheese topping) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the noodles absorb too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
  • Freezing Tips: If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the noodles, as they can become mushy. Cook the noodles separately and add them when ready to serve. Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup over medium heat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. Stir in a little broth or water if it’s too thick.

Conclusion:

One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food for lasagna lovers who crave those classic Italian flavors without the hassle of layering and baking. It’s a warming, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you want something filling but easy. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup is ideal for both weeknight dinners and family gatherings. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal that brings the essence of lasagna to your bowl with far less fuss. Enjoy each bite as the cheese melts into the soup, giving you a taste of lasagna with every spoonful.