This One-Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup is a fun twist on classic lasagna, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup! With tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, and lots of melted cheese, it’s comfort food in a bowl.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? I often add some garlic bread on the side to soak up every drop. Yum! It’s perfect for quick dinners on busy nights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both work well, but if you prefer a lighter dish, turkey or chicken sausage is a great alternative. You can also use veggie crumbles for a meatless version.
Bow-Tie Pasta: While bow-tie pasta is a fun choice, you can use any small pasta, like elbow macaroni or even broken lasagna sheets. If gluten-free, opt for gluten-free pasta.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess, but mascarpone or cottage cheese can be used as a substitute. If you want to skip cheese entirely, cashew cream is a good alternative for a vegan option.
Dried Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the taste! Use fresh basil and oregano if you have them. Just remember to double the amount, as fresh herbs are less potent than dried ones.
How Do I Ensure My Soup Has the Right Texture?
A key point with this soup is getting the pasta just right, so it’s tender but not mushy. Here are some tips:
- Cook the pasta separately if you want more control over its doneness. Add it to the soup right before serving.
- Stir the pot occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom.
- Since pasta absorbs liquid, if you have leftovers, add more broth when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
Enjoy making this comforting One-Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup, which is perfect for a cozy night in!
One-Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces bow-tie pasta (farfalle) or broken lasagna noodles
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking time. So you’re looking at approximately 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Create the Soup Base:
Pour in the broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together so it’s well combined. Add the dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the soup mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the pot, until the pasta is tender.
5. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Turn off the heat and stir in the ricotta and mozzarella cheese until everything is melted and creamy. This will make the soup unbelievably rich and cheesy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil for a beautiful finish. Serve hot and enjoy with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
This hearty, satisfying soup is sure to become a family favorite, bringing all the flavors of lasagna in a delicious, cozy bowl. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. It will still bring delicious flavors to the soup, just be sure to season it well to enhance its taste.
Can I Prepare This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the meat and onion in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta and cheeses during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little more broth, as the pasta will absorb some liquid.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions or stir them in during the cooking time to ensure they’re tender.