Creamy Lasagna Soup Hearty and Delicious ONE-POT Pasta Recipe

Think lasagna has to be an hours-long, layer-upon-layer project?

Think again! This speedy one-pot lasagna soup delivers all the iconic flavors—hearty tomato sauce, savory meats, and gooey cheese—in far less time. No delicate noodle layers or worrying about the oven timer required.

Hungry for a bowl of comfort without the fuss? Keep scrolling to discover how just a few pantry-friendly ingredients—plus a magical blend of cheeses—will satisfy your lasagna craving in record time!

Traditional lasagna is a beloved classic, but let’s face it: between boiling noodles, layering everything precisely, and baking for ages, it can be a real commitment. That’s where lasagna soup steps in to save the day. You get all the richness of ground meat, aromatics like onions and garlic, and plenty of cheese, merged into a cozy soup that comes together surprisingly quickly.

Below, we’ll break down the ingredient list so you know exactly what you need. Then, we’ll walk through a short-and-sweet cooking process that captures the essence of baked lasagna—only this time, your noodles cook right in the same pot as your savory broth. By the end, you’ll be ladling up a soup that boasts layers of flavor, without layering a thing in a casserole dish. Ready to see how it’s done?

Let’s dive in.

A Quick Stroll Through Lasagna History

Lasagna has been delighting taste buds for centuries, evolving from its layered pasta-and-ragù origins in Italy to modern variations that feature everything from béchamel to ricotta. While the oven-baked version remains a go-to comfort food, it also comes with a fair share of steps: boil the noodles, layer them with sauce and cheese, and hope it doesn’t overcook. By contrast, lasagna soup cleverly streamlines the experience. Instead of layering, you brown your meats, pour in liquids, and break up your noodles, allowing them to simmer until perfectly tender. You still get that meaty, tomato-y flavor explosion, minus the extended baking time and dish-juggling.

Turning Classic Lasagna into Soup

Transforming a multi-layered casserole into a single-pot soup may sound like magic, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Here’s how it all comes together:

• Brown the Meat: Sauté 1 pound of mild Italian sausage and 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large pot. Start with a cold pot to render more fat naturally.
• Onions & Garlic: Once some fat has rendered, stir in half a diced onion and 2 cloves of chopped garlic.
• Tomato Paste & Broth: Add 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste for concentrated flavor, then pour in 2 cans of beef broth (about 14–15 oz each).
• Pasta Sauce & Seasoning: Stir in a 24-oz jar of pasta sauce. Fill the jar with water, shake it, and add that too for extra liquid. Season with salt, pepper, sugar (about 1–2 teaspoons to counter acidity), and any favorite Italian herbs.
• Lasagna Sheets: Break a 12-oz box of lasagna noodles into large chunks and drop them into the simmering pot. Cook for 9–10 minutes or until tender.
• Creamy Finish: For extra richness, stir in 3/4 to 1 cup of heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Within minutes, the kitchen fills with the unmistakable aroma of lasagna—only this time, it’s in soup form!

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings

Just like traditional lasagna, this soup shines when you layer in flavors. A quick sprinkle of salt early on helps the meats brown effectively, while pepper and a teaspoon or two of sugar balance the acidity of tomato paste and sauce. If you love herbs, try a pinch of dried basil, oregano, or a ready-made Italian seasoning blend. Feeling adventurous? Add a shake of red pepper flakes or chili powder for a subtle kick. The best part is you can fine-tune your soup as it cooks—taste it, tweak the seasoning, and let your favorite flavors shine through. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a perfectly seasoned soup that’s cozy, comforting, and distinctly lasagna-like.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and ground beef, and add hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
• Lightened Up: Swap ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lower-fat alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or your favorite GF pasta instead.
• Cheese Choices: Traditional lasagna flavors come from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Feel free to experiment with cottage cheese or vegan alternatives if that suits your diet.

The beauty of lasagna soup is that it’s highly adaptable. As long as you’ve got a savory tomato base and noodles to soak it up, you’ll end up with a bowl of deliciousness.

Serving It Up Right

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with about 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Scoop this dreamy blend onto each bowl of soup for an authentic “lasagna” finish. Add chopped fresh parsley or torn basil leaves for a pop of color. A side of crusty bread is optional but highly recommended—because you won’t want to leave a single drop in the bowl. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, lasagna soup offers the same hearty satisfaction as the casserole version, only faster and with fewer dishes. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new household favorite.

Wrapping Up

Lasagna soup takes the best elements of an Italian classic—savory meats, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheese—and transforms them into a single-pot masterpiece. Gone are the days of standing over a pot to boil noodles separately or painstakingly layering multiple ingredients. Instead, you’re browning meat, adding rich flavors, and simmering everything together. It’s an easy, foolproof path to weeknight comfort food. If you’re craving that signature lasagna flavor but don’t have time to spare, look no further. This streamlined soup offers a near-instant payoff that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Ready to try this simple but comforting dish? Click here to stock up on ingredients and serve up a bowl of lasagna soup tonight!

Key Takeaways

• All-in-One: Lasagna soup cooks noodles, sauce, and meats in a single pot.
• Time-Saver: Enjoy a classic lasagna flavor without extended baking times.
• Flavor Boosters: Sugar, tomato paste, and Italian herbs unify sweet and savory notes.
• Endless Adaptations: Swap out meats, cheeses, and pasta types based on preference.
• Optional Creaminess: A swirl of heavy cream upgrades texture and flavor.
• Easy Garnish: Top each bowl with a ricotta-mozzarella mix for that traditional lasagna feel.
• Leftover-Friendly: Reheat the next day—just add a splash of broth if it thickens.

Actionable Step-by-Step Checklist

Category 1: Gather Your Ingredients

• Task 1: Make sure you have 1 lb mild Italian sausage, 1 lb lean ground beef, half an onion, 2 cloves garlic, and a 12-oz box of lasagna noodles.
• Task 2: Collect a 24-oz jar of pasta sauce, 2 cans of beef broth, and 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
• Task 3: Assemble seasonings: salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and a teaspoon or two of sugar.

Category 2: Brown and Build

• Task 1: Brown sausage in a cold pot, add onions and garlic.
• Task 2: Stir in ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
• Task 3: Add tomato paste and let it brown slightly for extra depth.

Category 3: Liquid & Noodles

• Task 1: Pour in beef broth and pasta sauce; don’t forget to add water from the sauce jar.
• Task 2: Break lasagna noodles and drop them into the pot.
• Task 3: Simmer 9–10 minutes, tasting occasionally to adjust seasoning.

Category 4: Finish & Serve

• Task 1: Stir in 3/4 to 1 cup of heavy cream if desired.
• Task 2: Mix ricotta and mozzarella in a small bowl; keep it handy.
• Task 3: Ladle soup into bowls, top with cheese blend, and garnish with fresh basil.

Need more inspiration? Check out Taste of Home for additional soup ideas!