One-Pot Lasagna Soup Meal is like all the best parts of classic lasagna, but in a cozy, bubbling pot of soup. It’s full of tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, ground meat, and gooey cheese, all coming together in a warm, comforting bowl. You get those lasagna flavors without the wait or the mess of layering a whole casserole.
I love making this soup when I want something hearty but simple. The best part is it all cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. I usually toss in some fresh basil on top and stir in a little extra cheese just before serving – it makes the whole meal feel extra homey and satisfying.
This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly. I like serving it with some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce. It’s a recipe that always gets everyone smiling and asking for seconds, which is exactly what I want when sharing a meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Ground beef or Italian sausage adds rich flavor and texture. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarian? Crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils work well too.
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles are convenient and cook right in the soup. If you don’t have them, broken regular lasagna noodles or even broken lasagna sheets can work, just watch cooking time closely.
Tomatoes & Broth: Crushed tomatoes give the sauce its classic flavor and texture. You can swap beef broth for vegetable broth for a milder or vegetarian version.
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella provide that cheesy goodness. Feel free to add ricotta on top or substitute mozzarella with provolone or a mild cheddar if preferred.
How Do You Cook The Noodles Perfectly Without Them Getting Mushy?
The key is to add the broken no-boil noodles toward the end of simmering and keep an eye on the pot. Here’s what I do:
- Stir the noodles in well so they’re covered by the liquid.
- Cook uncovered over medium heat to prevent too much moisture buildup, which can make noodles soggy.
- Stir frequently to stop noodles from sticking to the bottom or clumping together.
- Check tenderness after about 10 minutes—noodles should be soft but still hold their shape.
This way the noodles soak up flavors but don’t turn mushy, giving you that perfect lasagna soup texture every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot – it’s perfect for cooking all the soup ingredients in one place without spills.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the meat and noodles without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you add spices and liquids accurately for the best flavor balance.
- Grater – handy for shredding fresh Parmesan and mozzarella cheese right before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken – these make a lighter, leaner soup while keeping the meaty taste.
- Add chopped spinach or kale – it sneaks in some green veggies and pairs well with the tomato-based broth.
- Stir in Italian sausage instead of plain beef – it adds more spice and seasoning to the soup.
- Top with dollops of ricotta or use provolone cheese – these change up the texture and give a creamy twist to the finish.
One-Pot Lasagna Soup Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 to 40 minutes to prepare this soup. Most of the time is spent browning the meat and letting the noodles cook in the broth. It’s a quick meal considering it brings lasagna flavors into one pot without any fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables:
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Seasonings:
Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and water. Mix in the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, and season everything to taste with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors mingle.
3. Cook the Noodles:
Add the broken no-boil lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Stir often to keep the noodles from sticking and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Check the noodles occasionally—they should be tender but still hold their shape well.
4. Finish with Cheese and Garnish:
Once the noodles are tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. Serve hot in bowls, topping each portion with shredded mozzarella and fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant, tasty finish. If you like, serve alongside crusty bread to scoop up all the delicious sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Soup?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture in the soup.
Can I Substitute Regular Lasagna Noodles for No-Boil?
You can, but you’ll need to pre-cook the regular noodles until just tender before adding them to the soup. Otherwise, they won’t soften enough during simmering and may stay too firm.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for plant-based meat alternatives, cooked lentils, or chopped mushrooms to keep it hearty and delicious.