There are certain meals that feel like a warm hug, and this Hearty One-Pot Lasagna Soup is exactly that kind of comfort. It’s the sort of dish you crave on a chilly evening, when you want something deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine all the familiar flavors of classic lasagna—rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, savory seasonings, and creamy cheese—transformed into a cozy, spoonable soup that’s perfect for sharing.
The inspiration behind this recipe comes from those moments when lasagna sounds amazing, but time and energy are in short supply. This soup was born from the idea of bringing people together around a big pot on the stove, filling bowls generously, and enjoying the simple joy of a hearty homemade meal. It’s unfussy, nourishing, and full of love in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup
This recipe is designed to give you maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in a single pot, allowing the pasta to soak up the rich broth and seasonings as it simmers. The result is a thick, stew-like soup that tastes like lasagna without the layering and baking.
You’ll also love how customizable it is. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning leftovers for the week, or just craving something comforting, this soup adapts easily. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal and pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Ingredients for Hearty One-Pot Lasagna Soup
All ingredients are easy to find and work together to create that classic lasagna flavor profile.
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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500 g ground beef or ground chicken
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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800 g canned crushed tomatoes
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1.5 liters vegetable broth or chicken broth
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2 cups water
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200 g lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base
Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for a few seconds until it shimmers slightly, which indicates it’s ready. Add the finely chopped onion and stir to coat it evenly in the oil. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step is essential because gently cooked onions release natural sweetness, forming the flavor foundation of the entire soup. Avoid rushing this process, as properly softened onions add depth and balance to the finished dish.
2. Add the Aromatics
Once the onions are soft, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep it moving to prevent burning. This brief cooking time allows the garlic to release its aroma without becoming bitter. At this stage, your kitchen should already start to smell warm and inviting, signaling the comforting flavors to come.
3. Brown the Meat Properly
Add the ground beef or ground chicken to the pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. This step usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Proper browning is important because it enhances the savory taste of the soup. Make sure the meat cooks evenly and absorbs the onion and garlic flavors before moving on.
4. Season for Classic Lasagna Flavor
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and smoked paprika evenly over the cooked meat. Stir well so the seasonings coat every piece. These herbs and spices are what give the soup its unmistakable lasagna-inspired character. Allow the seasonings to cook for about 30 seconds to bloom in the heat, which intensifies their flavor and ensures they blend seamlessly into the soup.
5. Concentrate the Tomato Flavor
Add the tomato paste directly to the pot and stir it into the seasoned meat mixture. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step deepens the tomato flavor and removes any raw taste from the paste. You’ll notice the mixture darken slightly and become more aromatic, which is exactly what you want for a rich, hearty soup.
6. Create the Soup Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the broth and water. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. This liquid base will carry all the flavors and allow the pasta to cook directly in the soup, making it thick, comforting, and cohesive. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Simmer for Depth and Balance
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low or medium-low to maintain a steady simmer. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together slowly, creating a well-rounded taste. This step only takes a few minutes, but it sets the stage for the pasta to cook evenly without overcooking the soup base.
8. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Stir gently to ensure the noodles are submerged and not sticking together. Let them cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cooking the pasta directly in the soup allows it to absorb the savory broth, giving each bite maximum flavor. The soup will naturally thicken as the noodles cook, creating a hearty, stew-like texture.
9. Taste and Adjust
Once the noodles are tender, taste the soup carefully. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of salt or pepper if necessary. This is your opportunity to fine-tune the flavor and make sure it’s perfectly balanced before serving.
10. Serve with Cheesy Perfection
Ladle the hot lasagna soup into large bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese, followed by shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. The heat of the soup will gently melt the cheeses, creating a creamy, indulgent finish. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and serve immediately, enjoying the comforting flavors in every spoonful.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
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Break the noodles into uneven pieces for a more rustic, homemade feel.
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Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water before serving.
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For extra richness, stir a small amount of ricotta directly into the pot just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this lasagna soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is excellent for making ahead. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it even more delicious the next day. However, because the pasta continues to absorb liquid, the soup will thicken significantly when stored. When reheating, simply add more broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
2. Can I freeze lasagna soup?
You can freeze it, but with a small adjustment. Pasta tends to soften after freezing and reheating. For best results, prepare the soup without the noodles, freeze the base, and then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. If you do freeze it with pasta included, it will still be tasty, just slightly softer in texture. Freeze for up to two months.
3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t available, you can substitute it with cottage cheese that has been blended until smooth, or even a thick plain yogurt for a lighter option. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor and texture, but the soup will remain creamy and comforting. Mozzarella and Parmesan are more essential for that classic lasagna taste.
4. How can I make this soup more nutritious?
This recipe is easy to boost nutritionally. You can add chopped vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, spinach, or bell peppers along with the onions. Using whole wheat lasagna noodles will add extra fiber, and choosing lean ground meat keeps the soup hearty without being heavy. These additions blend seamlessly into the soup and enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna soup in large bowls to emphasize its comforting, generous nature. A slice of warm bread is perfect for dipping, while a crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast. For family-style meals, place bowls of extra cheese and herbs on the table so everyone can customize their serving.
Final Thoughts
Hearty One-Pot Lasagna Soup Big Bowl Love is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience built around comfort, simplicity, and togetherness. It captures everything people love about traditional lasagna and transforms it into something approachable and perfect for everyday cooking. There’s something deeply satisfying about stirring a single pot on the stove, watching simple ingredients come together into a meal that feels special without being complicated.
This soup is ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or anytime you want to feed people generously without stress. It invites conversation, second helpings, and that contented silence that only truly comforting food can create. Because it’s so adaptable, it can easily become a staple in your kitchen, adjusted to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand.
Most importantly, this recipe is about sharing. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, each bowl delivers warmth and familiarity. It’s the kind of dish that reminds us why home-cooked meals matter—not for perfection, but for the care and love that go into making them. Once you try it, this lasagna soup may just become one of those recipes you return to again and again.
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Hearty One-Pot Lasagna Soup Big Bowl Love
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting, rich soup inspired by classic lasagna flavors, perfect for cozy meals and easy one-pot cooking.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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500 g ground beef or ground chicken
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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800 g canned crushed tomatoes
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1.5 liters vegetable broth or chicken broth
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2 cups water
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200 g lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
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Add ground meat and cook until browned.
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Stir in seasonings and tomato paste.
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Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and water.
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Bring to a simmer and add pasta.
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Cook until noodles are tender.
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Serve hot with cheeses and herbs on top.
Notes
Adjust the thickness with extra broth if needed. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and add liquid when reheating for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
