One Pot Lasagna Soup
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a delicious and cozy dish that combines all the great flavors of lasagna into a comforting, hearty soup. It features tender pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy cheeses—all brought together in one pot for easy preparation and cleanup.
This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy lasagna without the hassle of layering. It’s great for busy weeknights when you want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, especially for those who lead a busy lifestyle. It provides the comforting essence of lasagna with fewer steps and less mess, making it an ideal choice for families.
Additionally, it is customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste. The use of one pot means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning.
Equipment Needed for One Pot Lasagna Soup
To make this One Pot Lasagna Soup, you will need the following equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle for serving
- Bowls for serving
What You Need to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt + more to taste
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 32 oz chicken broth + more if needed
- 1 c water
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 c frozen spinach
- 1/4 c cream
- Ricotta cheese
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
How to Cook One Pot Lasagna Soup Step by Step
To start, brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, making sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once the meat has browned, drain off the excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Next, add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot along with the garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
After this time, add in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste. Stir well until everything is combined. Then, add the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are submerged. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about ten minutes. This will give the noodles a chance to soften and absorb all the rich flavors of the soup.
After ten minutes, stir in the frozen spinach and cream. Simmer for an additional five minutes to heat through, allowing the spinach to wilt and the soup to become creamy.
To serve, place a slice of mozzarella cheese at the bottom of each bowl. Ladle the hot soup over the cheese, which will melt slightly. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup
Making One Pot Lasagna Soup is an enjoyable cooking process that unfolds easily. The combination of familiar ingredients makes it simple to follow.
Firstly, you start by browning the ground beef, ensuring it is fully cooked. Seasoning it early with garlic and onion enhances the flavor base.
Next, the addition of liquids along with broken lasagna noodles transforms the dish into a soup. The simmering process awakens the flavors, allowing them to blend perfectly.
Finally, incorporating creamy elements like spinach and cheese helps to achieve that lasagna feel in a soup format. The final step of layering cheese in bowls elevates the presentation and enjoyment.
How to Serve One Pot Lasagna Soup
Serving One Pot Lasagna Soup is straightforward, and it can be made appealing by layering ingredients.
When you ladle the soup into bowls, placing a slice of mozzarella at the bottom creates a delicious contrast between the melted cheese and the hot soup.
Don’t forget to add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese on top. If you opt for Parmesan, a light sprinkle adds an extra kick of flavor.
This rustic approach combines the look of lasagna with the comfort of soup, ensuring everyone enjoys both the presentation and taste.
What to Serve with One Pot Lasagna Soup
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but for those who want more, consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. The bread is great for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
A fresh salad, such as a simple Caesar or a mixed green salad, can also be an excellent side dish. The acidity of a salad balances the richness of the soup beautifully and refreshes the palate.
For added crunch, a sprinkle of croutons can bring a delightful texture to the overall experience. Capping the meal with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or sorbet, rounds it off nicely.
How to Store One Pot Lasagna Soup
Storing One Pot Lasagna Soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for about three months. If freezing, be sure to use a container suitable for freezing to maintain the best texture.
When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency.
Tips to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup
To get the best results with One Pot Lasagna Soup, here are some handy tips. First, don’t rush the simmering stage; letting it simmer allows the flavors to develop fully.
If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the spinach and cream.
Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to boost nutrition and add color. You can also substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Consider using homemade marinara sauce for even richer flavor. Just reduce the amount of salt if your sauce is already salted.
Variation of One Pot Lasagna Soup
There are plenty of variations to make One Pot Lasagna Soup more exciting. Instead of ground beef, try using Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
You can also make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat entirely and using mushrooms instead.
For an even creamier soup, consider adding more cheese or using a blend of different cheeses. Adding some fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, at the end provides a fresh taste.
Best Time to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup
One Pot Lasagna Soup shines in cooler months as it’s warm and cozy. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.
However, it’s also a fantastic weeknight meal option due to its quick preparation time and simplicity. Serving it during gatherings or family dinners is sure to impress guests with its hearty flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making One Pot Lasagna Soup, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. One major mistake is overcooking the noodles, which can result in a mushy texture.
Additionally, don’t skip draining the grease from the beef—it can make the soup oily.
Be cautious with seasoning; taste as you go to avoid over-salting. It’s best to start with less salt and adjust later.
Lastly, leaving out the cheese at the end can make the dish less rich, so make sure not to skip it!
Nutritional Notes
One Pot Lasagna Soup can be a nutritionally balanced meal with protein from the beef, vitamins from the spinach, and carbohydrates from the noodles.
The addition of cream and cheese does increase the calorie count, so if you are looking for a lighter version, you can use less cheese or substitute low-fat options.
It’s also an excellent source of iron and calcium, making it not only comforting but beneficial.
FAQs
Can I make One Pot Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based substitute are great alternatives.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a delightful and convenient meal that brings all the flavors of lasagna into one bowl. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy making it and sharing it with loved ones, and remember that the heart of this recipe lies in its comfort and warmth.
