If you’re craving all the comforting, hearty flavors of classic lasagna but want something quicker and cozier, this One Pot Lasagna Soup (Hearty and Ready in 45 Minutes) Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine all the layers of lasagna reimagined in a rich, tomatoey soup that you can whip up in under an hour. It’s the perfect dish for cooler evenings or whenever you want a big bowl of warmth without the fuss. Plus, it’s packed with savory ground beef, tender noodles, and melty cheeses that make every spoonful utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, familiar ingredients is all it takes to create this soul-soothing soup. Each item has a purpose, from building rich flavor to giving the soup its signature texture and an irresistible cheesy finish. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cozy meal to life:
- 1 pound ground chuck: Provides hearty protein and a meaty base that makes the soup filling and flavorful.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth once sautéed.
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped: Brings a slight crunch and freshness balancing the rich tomato sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For a punch of aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.
- 4 cups chicken stock: The soup’s savory liquid foundation, adding moisture and subtle richness.
- 29 oz petite diced tomatoes, undrained: Creates the hearty tomato body that makes the soup taste like lasagna in liquid form.
- 15 oz tomato sauce: Thickens the broth and deepens the tomato flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the acidity in the tomatoes with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian flavors.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors, seasoning the dish just right.
- 2 cups broken lasagna noodles: The star ingredient that simulates the layers of pasta in traditional lasagna.
- 5 oz grated or shaved Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish stirred in for extra richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top to give that gooey, cheesy lasagna feel.
How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup (Hearty and Ready in 45 Minutes) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground chuck until it’s browned and crumbly. This step builds the base flavor and juices for your soup. Then stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing them until softened and fragrant. This creates a wonderful aroma that lets you know your soup is off to a great start.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Stock, and Seasonings
Next, pour in the chicken stock, petite diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce into the pot. Sprinkle in brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt. Stir everything well to combine. This mixture is the heart of the soup, delivering that tangy tomato richness reminiscent of lasagna sauce with a perfect hint of sweetness.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook the Noodles
Bring the soup to a light boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Let them cook in the bubbling broth until tender, which only takes about 10-12 minutes. This method lets the noodles soak up all the flavors around them, creating an unbelievably comforting texture that’s like lasagna in a bowl.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
When the noodles are perfectly cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the soup, adding creamy, salty notes. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving generously with shredded mozzarella, letting it melt slowly on top for that classic cheesy goodness in every bite.
How to Serve One Pot Lasagna Soup (Hearty and Ready in 45 Minutes) Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over your soup just before serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavor beautifully, pleasing both mild and adventurous palates alike.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, crusty garlic bread or soft focaccia are brilliant companions. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette can refresh the palate between bites, while roasted vegetables add more depth and variety to your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic, deep bowls to emphasize its comforting, homestyle vibe. For gatherings, offer a small cheese platter alongside bowls, letting everyone customize with extra Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a dollop of ricotta. Presenting your soup with a sprinkle of crushed oregano or a few thyme sprigs also adds an inviting, chef-inspired touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One Pot Lasagna Soup (Hearty and Ready in 45 Minutes) Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting overnight, making it great for next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze your leftover soup in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top, as the noodles may expand slightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the soup feels too thick after chilling. You can also microwave individual servings, covering the bowl to keep the moisture in, reheating in short intervals and stirring between.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground chuck works great for its flavor and fat content, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative depending on your preference.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
You can use broken pieces of any pasta you have on hand such as penne, rigatoni, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust cooking time since some shapes cook faster than others.
Is this soup spicy?
This particular recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking or serving to give it a little heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. For extra protein, consider adding beans or sautéed mushrooms to keep the soup hearty.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the noodles just until tender and not overly soft. Also, try to consume the soup within a couple of days, as pasta tends to absorb liquid over time and soften further in leftovers.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how comforting and joyful this One Pot Lasagna Soup (Hearty and Ready in 45 Minutes) Recipe is when life feels busy but you want something deliciously satisfying. All the lasagna flavor you love, made quicker and easier, with minimal cleanup too. Give it a try — I promise it will become one of your go-to meals for cozy nights in!
PrintOne Pot Lasagna Soup (Hearty and Ready in 45 Minutes) Recipe
This One Pot Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a delicious soup form. Ready in just 45 minutes, it combines ground chuck, fresh vegetables, tomato-based broth, broken lasagna noodles, and plenty of cheesy goodness for a satisfying meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 29 oz petite diced tomatoes (or two 14.5 oz cans), undrained
- 15 oz tomato sauce
Seasonings and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups broken lasagna noodles
Cheeses
- 5 oz grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground chuck, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Cook until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato sauce. Stir in the brown sugar, dried Italian seasoning, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Pasta and Cook: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with plant-based protein and use vegetable stock.
- Broken lasagna noodles cook quicker than whole lasagna noodles, but you can adjust cooking time if using whole noodles.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles to avoid sogginess.