One Pot Lasagna Soup

Cozy season is here! This One Pot Lasagna Soup is not only bold and packed with flavors, but it also offers a hearty texture that you’ll crave. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. With its unique blend of ingredients and comforting essence, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a delightful depth of flavor.
• Versatile Options: Customize your soup by adding vegetables or using different cheeses based on your preferences.
• Hearty and Filling: This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, providing warmth and satisfaction.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tasty layers of lasagna in soup form.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the essential tools to make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or deep pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or deep pot: Ideal for browning meat evenly and allowing for ample space to simmer the soup without spills.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pots, ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

• ½ lb lean ground beef (*see notes)
• ½ lb Italian ground sausage
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 24 oz jar red pasta sauce or marinara
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp salt (*more to taste as needed)
• ¼ tsp black ground pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp crushed, dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 7 cups beef or chicken broth
• 9-10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup shredded parmesan
• 1 cup fresh ricotta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by breaking the lasagna noodles into quarters and setting them aside. In a large Dutch oven or deep pot, brown the lean ground beef and Italian ground sausage together on medium-high heat, stirring often for about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, soak up any excess grease with a paper towel or drain it. Set the meat aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped yellow onion directly to the pot. If needed, use olive oil or sauté in the remaining fat from the meat. Cook for about five minutes before adding in minced garlic. Stir well. Next, add tomato paste, letting it cook directly on the heated pot for a minute before mixing; this enhances its flavor.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add seasonings like red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Then mix in the red pasta sauce/marinara and broth along with the browned meat. Bring everything to a low simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles, cover, and let it simmer for about twenty minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with shredded mozzarella. Serve each bowl of soup topped with a dollop of this creamy mixture. Enjoy this comforting One Pot Lasagna Soup!

How to Serve One Pot Lasagna Soup

Serving One Pot Lasagna Soup is as delightful as making it. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions that will impress your family and friends.

Enjoy with a Garlic Bread Twist

• This classic pairing adds a crunchy texture. Simply toast slices of bread with garlic butter for a perfect complement.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with chopped basil or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor. It also adds a beautiful color contrast.

Add Extra Cheese

• Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before serving. Melted cheese brings richness to every spoonful.

Pair with a Salad

• A simple green salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a mixed greens salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Provide slices of crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious broth!

Customize Each Bowl

• Allow guests to customize their bowls with toppings like olives, red pepper flakes, or even hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Perfect One Pot Lasagna Soup

To ensure your One Pot Lasagna Soup is always a hit, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh herbs and high-quality broth. They significantly impact the overall taste of the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, then taste as you go. This prevents over-seasoning.
• Cook Noodles Separately (if needed): If you prefer firmer noodles, cook them separately and add them just before serving.
• Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• Store Properly: For leftovers, store the soup without noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for best texture.
• Experiment with Protein: Try ground turkey or lamb as alternatives to beef for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Lasagna Soup

One Pot Lasagna Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
2. Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a light, flavorful appetizer.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice provide a filling side that complements the lasagna flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender bring a healthy touch to the table alongside your soup.
5. Cheesy Herb Focaccia: This soft bread infused with herbs and cheese is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served with tortilla chips adds an indulgent touch that pairs well with the soup.
7. Zucchini Fries: Baked zucchini fries offer a crispy side that balances nicely against the warm comfort of lasagna soup.
8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a hearty addition that complements every bite of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Pot Lasagna Soup can be easy, but here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Neglecting to Brown the Meat: Not browning the meat can result in a less flavorful soup. Always take the time to brown the meat properly before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking lasagna noodles for too long can make them mushy. Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark and adjust as needed.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and add salt or spices as necessary.
• Adding Spinach Too Early: If you add spinach too early, it may become overcooked and lose its bright color. Add it at the end to keep it vibrant and fresh.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: A poor-quality broth can lead to a lackluster flavor. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing One Pot Lasagna Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating One Pot Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about One Pot Lasagna Soup.

What is One Pot Lasagna Soup?

One Pot Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty soup made in one pot.

Can I make One Pot Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat before serving.

What can I customize in One Pot Lasagna Soup?

You can customize by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or even swap proteins based on your preference.

How do I thicken my One Pot Lasagna Soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add more noodles or let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid content.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Lasagna Soup is not only easy to prepare but also offers endless customization options. Whether you’re adding extra veggies or trying different cheeses, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Try it out for a cozy meal that’s both satisfying and versatile!