One Pot Lasagna Soup is comfort food in a bowl—everything you love about classic lasagna, but simplified into a hearty, flavorful soup you can make in one pot. This dish combines layers of Italian-inspired flavors and textures into a satisfying weeknight meal. In just about 30 minutes (or a little more, depending on noodle timing), you’ll have a warm, rich soup that tastes like lasagna—but without the fuss of multiple pans, baking, or layers. Whether you’re cooking for family or serving guests, One Pot Lasagna Soup is sure to impress and warm the belly.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lasagna Soup
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Simplicity meets flavor: You get all the beloved lasagna ingredients—meaty sauce, herbs, cheese, pasta—in one pot.
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Time saver: No need to layer, bake, or babysit multiple pans. It’s hands-on only for browning and stirring.
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Customizable: Use ground beef, sausage, or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian spin. Adjust herbs, tomatoes, or cheese to your preference.
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Comforting & hearty: This soup delivers big on nostalgia, fullness, and warmth—perfect for chilly evenings or when craving Italian comfort.
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Clean-up minimal: With only one pot to wash, it’s kitchen-friendly after a busy day.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this comforting dish (serves about 6–8):
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1 lb ground beef
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1 lb ground Italian sausage
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10 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
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1 onion, chopped
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24 oz jar of pasta sauce
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4 tsp minced garlic
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8 cups chicken broth
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2 Tbsp tomato paste
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14 oz can diced tomatoes
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1 tsp sugar
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2 tsp balsamic vinegar
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2 tsp basil (dried or fresh)
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1 tsp oregano
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, or spoonfuls of ricotta for serving
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup
Here’s a rewritten, detailed version of your steps:
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Brown the meats & onion
In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, add the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meats are browned and the onion is softened. If there’s excess fat pooling, carefully drain it out (leave a little for flavor). -
Add garlic
Return the pot to the heat and stir in the minced garlic. Saute about 30 seconds—just until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. -
Build the base
Pour in the pasta sauce, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, sugar, balsamic vinegar, basil, oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir thoroughly to combine everything. -
Simmer before pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle boil or simmer. -
Add broken lasagna noodles
Snap or cut the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the pot. Continue simmering over medium‐low heat until the noodles are tender, about 10–15 minutes (check package for guidance). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Finish and serve
When the noodles are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, or a dollop of ricotta (or a combination). Serve hot. -
Optional sides
Pair it with garlic bread, crunchy breadsticks, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Helpful Tips
Prevent sticking: Stir occasionally after adding the pasta. Use a low simmer rather than a full boil once the noodles are in.
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Meat choices: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. For leaner options, choose turkey sausage.
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Herb boost: If using fresh basil and oregano, add a bit toward the end to keep vibrant flavor.
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Consistency tweaks: If soup seems too thick once noodles absorb liquid, add a splash of broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered a bit to reduce.
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Noodle timing: Keep an eye on the noodles—different brands cook at different rates.
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Cheese layering: Feel free to stir some cheese into individual bowls so it melts more evenly.
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Make-ahead trick: You can partially prepare the base (meats, sauce, broth) and refrigerate it. When ready, reheat and add noodles.
Substitutions and Variations
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Vegetarian / meatless: Omit beef and sausage. Use mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tempeh (seasoned) for texture. Use vegetable broth.
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Gluten‑free: Choose gluten-free lasagna noodles or broken gluten-free pasta.
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Lower sodium: Use low-sodium broth, limit added salt, and choose a no‑salt pasta sauce.
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Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
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Cheese options: Try a mix of mozzarella, provolone, or even fontina.
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Extra veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, bell pepper, or mushrooms while simmering.
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Creamy finish: Swirl in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier texture.
Storage Instructions
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Cool before storing: Let the soup cool slightly (but not to room temperature too long) before refrigerating.
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Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Note: pasta will absorb more liquid when thawed, so plan to add extra broth or water when reheating.
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Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring and adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring midway.
Nutritional Information
Below is an approximate estimate per serving (assuming about 8 servings). These are rough estimates—actual values depend on exact brands, serving sizes, and cheese used.
Component | Estimate per Serving |
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Calories | 450–550 kcal |
Protein | 25–30 g |
Carbohydrates | 35–45 g |
Fat | 18–25 g |
Saturated Fat | 6–10 g |
Fiber | 3–5 g |
Sugar (added) | 4–6 g |
Sodium | Varies (500–800 mg) |
Calcium (cheese) | ~120–180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Pair it with garlic bread, crunchy breadsticks, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flair. For a special dinner, serve with a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Lasagna Soup
Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
A: Yes — you can use broken pieces of penne, rigatoni, or even broken spaghetti or fusilli. Just keep in mind cooking times vary, so add them when the broth is hot but not rapidly boiling, and monitor until al dente.
Q: Can I prepare this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: You can adapt it: brown meat and onions first, then transfer to slow cooker with all ingredients and cook on low 4–6 hours (add noodles last hour). In an Instant Pot, saute first, then use manual mode for about 5 minutes, quick-release, add noodles, and cook a few more minutes. Be cautious about liquid amounts.
Q: What if my noodles absorb too much liquid and the soup becomes too thick?
A: Simply stir in additional broth or water, a little at a time, until desired consistency returns.
Q: Will the noodles get mushy if I reheat leftovers?
A: They can, especially if you’ve stored the soup. To help, reheat gently and add extra liquid. You could also cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving leftovers, though that loses some of the one‑pot charm.
Q: How do I keep the flavors fresh and vibrant?
A: Use fresh herbs when possible (added near the end), avoid overcooking herbs and garlic, and adjust seasonings at the end via salt, pepper, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for brightness.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: Typically 6 to 8 hearty bowls, depending on portion size and how much pasta/liquid absorption occurs.
Q: Can I reduce the calorie or fat content?
A: Yes — choose lean ground meat or skip it entirely, use low-sodium broth and sauce, reduce added oil, and limit cheese or use part-skim varieties.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for exploring this One Pot Lasagna Soup with me! I truly hope it becomes one of your go-to comfort meals. I personally love how effortlessly it transforms classic lasagna flavors into something you can stir in one pot—no layering, no baking fuss. It’s warm, hearty, and full of Italian charm, yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. Please enjoy every savory spoonful, and know that sharing your cooking adventure here brings me joy. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always smell of tomato, garlic, and cheese!
Print
One Pot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a simple, hearty recipe loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, lasagna noodles, and rich tomato broth—all made in one pot. It’s a quick, comforting dish your whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground Italian sausage
10 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
1 onion, chopped
24 oz jar of pasta sauce
4 tsp minced garlic
8 cups chicken broth
2 Tbsp tomato paste
14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, or ricotta cheese
Instructions
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Brown the meats & onion
In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, add the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meats are browned and the onion is softened. If there’s excess fat pooling, carefully drain it out (leave a little for flavor). -
Add garlic
Return the pot to the heat and stir in the minced garlic. Saute about 30 seconds—just until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. -
Build the base
Pour in the pasta sauce, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, sugar, balsamic vinegar, basil, oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir thoroughly to combine everything. -
Simmer before pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle boil or simmer. -
Add broken lasagna noodles
Snap or cut the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the pot. Continue simmering over medium‐low heat until the noodles are tender, about 10–15 minutes (check package for guidance). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Finish and serve
When the noodles are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, or a dollop of ricotta (or a combination). Serve hot. -
Optional sides
Pair it with garlic bread, crunchy breadsticks, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
Stir occasionally after adding noodles to prevent sticking.
Add more broth if soup thickens too much.
Customize with your favorite cheese or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Perfect with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 27 g