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If you crave the comfort of classic lasagna but not the layers of work, this one pot lasagna soup brings the same cheesy richness and aromatic tomato flavor in half the time. A simple family favorite, this recipe bubbles together everything you love about lasagna into one cozy bowl. It is my go to when I want to catch up at the table with family and have very few dishes to clean.
The first time I made this for friends I had only one pot left clean I will never forget how everyone raved and came back for seconds
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef or half Italian sausage: brings classic meaty flavor and richness
- Yellow onion diced: adds sweetness and depth look for firm unblemished onions
- Fresh garlic cloves minced: infuses aromatic punch always use fresh for best taste
- Red pepper flakes: offer a gentle kick
- Prego Traditional Italian Sauce: is a reliable base with balanced sweetness and herbs but any favorite jarred marinara works
- Low sodium chicken broth: ensures soup never gets too salty using more or less to make it as thick or thin as you like
- Crushed tomatoes: create texture and deepen the tomato base
- Tomato paste: intensifies savoriness and color select deep red paste
- Balsamic vinegar: brightens and balances tomato acidity
- Granulated sugar: smooths sharp flavors
- Dried basil parsley oregano salt and pepper: combine for that unmistakable Italian seasoning flavor
- Bay leaf: adds subtle background fragrance
- Lasagna noodles broken into pieces: give every bite the classic feel use regular noodles not oven ready for best structure
- Heavy cream optional: makes the broth luxuriously silky use the freshest cream you can find
- Mozzarella cheese: melts for stringy richness
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: sharpens every bite
- Ricotta cheese: gives a creamy finish always choose full fat for best texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion:
- Cook ground beef and diced onion in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat until the meat is fully browned and onions soften about 8 to 10 minutes Stir occasionally and break up meat for even browning Drain off any excess fat for a lighter soup
- Bloom the Garlic and Spices:
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot Stir constantly for 30 seconds to unlock their full aroma Careful not to burn the garlic which can turn bitter
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Pour in the jarred marinara add 6 cups of chicken broth crushed tomatoes tomato paste balsamic vinegar sugar all the dried herbs salt pepper and bay leaf Stir well to combine everything evenly
- Simmer with the Noodles:
- Add broken lasagna noodles and stir well Bring the soup to a boil then immediately reduce the heat to low Simmer gently uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes Stir occasionally so noodles cook evenly and nothing sticks Check for noodle tenderness it should be soft but not mushy
- Finish and Adjust:
- Remove and discard the bay leaf Stir in heavy cream if using to make the soup extra creamy Pour in more chicken broth as needed to get your favorite consistency Taste and adjust seasoning
- Cheese it Up:
- Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan Add dollops of creamy ricotta right before serving for that classic lasagna topping
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The magic of this soup is in the tomato base Every time I scoop in fresh ricotta I remember my mom sneaking bites of cheese while making Sunday lasagna and how we all gathered around the kitchen to taste
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days The noodles may soak up some broth overnight so add a splash of additional broth before reheating Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring every few minutes for even heating
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap half or all of the beef for Italian sausage or even ground turkey for a lighter option Gluten free noodles work just fine in this soup but add at the last ten minutes so they do not overcook For a vegetarian version use plant based crumble and vegetable broth
Serving Suggestions
Top every bowl with extra cheese and fresh basil Try serving alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad For a fuller meal offer a side of roasted veggies or a drizzle of pesto on top
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Cultural Roots of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup takes its cues from classic Italian lasagna which traces back to the region of Emilia Romagna This soup version is an American adaptation born from the desire for all the flavor without the time Lasagna soup keeps the heart of the tradition while making it weeknight friendly
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different noodles?
Yes, swap broken lasagna noodles for small shells or other short pasta shapes. Adjust simmer time as needed.
- → Is the soup thick or brothy?
You can control the texture by adding more or less broth and stirring in heavy cream or a cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Add a splash of broth when reheating if noodles absorb liquid.
- → Are there vegetarian options?
You can omit beef and use plant-based meat or more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a meatless twist.
- → What cheese garnishes work best?
Freshly grated Parmesan, creamy ricotta, and shredded mozzarella all add different textures and flavors to each bowl.