One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but want something quicker and cozier, then this One Pot Lasagna Soup is going to steal your heart. Imagine all your favorite ingredients—rich ground beef, savory Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, and a fragrant tomato broth—all simmered together in one pot to create a hearty, flavorsome meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect blend of ease and indulgence that brings the classic Italian favorite to your dinner table in a whole new way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this One Pot Lasagna Soup just right is all about simple yet essential ingredients that each play a role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. From the savory meats to the fragrant herbs and that touch of acidity, every element shines through beautifully.

• 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor that’s the backbone of the soup.
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Brings spice and depth to the meat mixture.
• 10 lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces for easy, slurpable noodles throughout.
• 1 onion, chopped: Provides natural sweetness and aromatic base.
• 24 oz jar of pasta sauce: The classic tomato base that ties everything together.
• 4 tsp minced garlic: Adds warmth and a fragrant punch to the broth.
• 8 cups chicken broth: Creates a light yet flavorful soup foundation.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato richness and thickens the soup slightly.
• 14 oz can of diced tomatoes: Offers fresh tomato chunks, adding texture and burst of flavor.
• 1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar: Introduces a tangy depth that rounds out the tomato base.
• 2 tsp dried basil: Brings the unmistakable Italian herb flavor that elevates the soup.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds earthiness and complexity.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal undertones while the soup simmers.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that highlights all the flavors.

How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Start by warming a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Stir frequently as the mixture browns and cooks through, releasing all those wonderful savory juices. Once browned, carefully drain any extra fat to keep the soup rich but not greasy. This step creates the flavorful meaty foundation for the soup that’s hard to beat.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Return the pot to the stove and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for just about 30 seconds — enough time for it to awaken and perfume the air with its inviting aroma without burning. This quick step layers a subtle kick of flavor that will mingle perfectly throughout the soup.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Now here’s where the magic starts. Pour the jar of pasta sauce, can of diced tomatoes, and tomato paste into the pot with the meat and garlic. Next, pour in the chicken broth followed by the sugar, balsamic vinegar, dried basil, dried oregano, and add the bay leaf. Season everything with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Stir it all together so every ingredient is well mixed and ready to infuse their flavors during cooking.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Cover the pot and bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil. This allows the flavors to meld and the spices and herbs to release their aromatic oils, contributing to a rich, satisfying broth that tastes just like lasagna in a bowl.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Break the lasagna noodles into manageable pieces and add them to the pot. This part is so easy but it perfectly mimics the traditional lasagna layers by turning them into tender, bite-size bits distributed evenly throughout the soup.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the noodles cook gently until they are soft and tender. This usually takes several minutes, giving time for the noodles to soak up all of the delicious broth flavors while thickening the soup into a filling comfort meal.

Step 7: Serve

Your One Pot Lasagna Soup is ready to serve as soon as the noodles reach that perfect tenderness. Ladle it into bowls and don’t forget to crown each serving with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or creamy dollops of ricotta. The cheese melts slowly into the hot soup, creating a luscious finish that’s irresistible.

How to Serve One Pot Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Add fresh, vibrant touches by garnishing the soup with torn basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley to brighten the dish visually and elevate the flavors with a herbaceous lift. A crack of fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan completes the experience beautifully.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to add crispness and balance. For a cheesy extra, consider serving alongside toasted bread with melted mozzarella for a delicious dip-in contrast. These sides complement the richness and round out the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls made from hollowed-out boule bread. This adds an edible element that soaks up every savory drop. Alternatively, layer small bowls with extra shredded cheese and fresh herbs on top before serving to offer your guests the freedom to customize every spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and place in the refrigerator. The One Pot Lasagna Soup keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect option for delicious next-day meals that require minimal effort.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags with some headspace for expansion. Frozen One Pot Lasagna Soup will maintain its quality for up to 3 months, giving you a convenient, flavorful meal whenever you need it.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for even warming. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the perfect soup consistency if it thickened during storage.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground meats in this soup?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. Just keep in mind that flavor and fat content will vary slightly, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Do I have to use lasagna noodles, or can I use other pasta?

Lasagna noodles work best because they have the right texture and size for this soup, but feel free to use other pasta like broken penne or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to prevent overcooking or mushiness.

Is it necessary to drain the fat after browning the meat?

Draining excess fat helps keep the soup from becoming greasy and makes it lighter. However, if you prefer a richer taste, you can leave some fat in; just be mindful of how much you use to avoid overpowering the broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meats and substitute vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Boost flavors with extra garlic, herbs, and maybe sautéed mushrooms or lentils for added texture and heartiness.

How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust the heat?

The original recipe has mild to medium spice because of the Italian sausage. If you like it spicier, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For milder, choose sweet Italian sausage or omit any spicy seasonings.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Lasagna Soup is such a wonderful way to enjoy all the joys of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. It’s cozy, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, making it a family favorite on chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something truly comforting. I promise once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to dinner that feels like a special meal every single time.