Hearty One Pot Lasagna

This one pot lasagna soup captures all the cozy flavors of classic lasagna but in a much quicker and easier way. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food that doesn’t require multiple pots and pans. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

I put this together quickly on one of those hectic evenings and it became an instant favorite for my family’s weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: gives the soup a rich meaty base, choose fresh and lean for the best texture
• Garlic and yellow onion: add essential aromatic depth, picking firm onions without soft spots matters here
• Garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil and oregano: bring classic Italian flavors that build a fragrant backdrop
• Crushed tomatoes: provide the bright tangy flavor& look for a quality brand with no added sugar
• Chicken broth: keeps the soup light but you can swap it for beef broth for a deeper flavor
• Tomato paste: intensifies the tomato essence, which is why it’s worth finding a good brand for richness
• Lasagna noodles: broken into small pieces cook quickly and bring that signature pasta texture
• Frozen spinach: adds a pop of color and nutrition without extra prep
• Cream: adds a slight richness and mellows acidity, use fresh cream for smoothness
• Ricotta cheese and mozzarella: add the creamy cheese finish each bowl deserves, fresh ricotta and good mozzarella make a difference
• Parmesan cheese: optional but highly recommended for that salty sharp finish

Instructions

Build The Flavor Base:

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease to avoid a greasy soup. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium low heat for about five minutes until the onions soften and the spices bloom. This step creates a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Add The Liquids And Pasta:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything. Add the broken lasagna noodle pieces directly into the pot. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for ten minutes so the noodles cook through and absorb those great flavors.

Finish With Spinach And Cream:

Stir in the frozen spinach and cream. Simmer gently for about five more minutes to heat the spinach and let the cream mix in smoothly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. The cream softens the acidity and adds a comforting richness to the final soup.

Serve Your Lasagna Soup:

Ladle soup into bowls and place a slice of mozzarella cheese at the bottom before spooning in the soup. Top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle some parmesan if you like. This layering of cheeses adds creamy textures and that classic lasagna feel in every bite.

I love how the ricotta adds a cool creaminess that contrasts with the warm soup—it reminds me of a family dinner where everyone gathered around with big smiles, eagerly waiting for their bowls. The mozzarella melting into the hot broth creates this perfect oozy layer that turns every spoonful into comfort food heaven.

Storage Tips

Cool the soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Swaps

To make it vegetarian, swap beef for cooked lentils or mushrooms which bring texture and earthiness. Use gluten free pasta to make this gluten free without sacrificing much flavor or texture. Swap frozen spinach for kale or Swiss chard, adding it later to avoid overcooking the greens.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil for freshness. Offer garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the hearty soup. A side of roasted vegetables makes the meal more substantial and colorful.

This lasagna soup brings a quick comfort meal together with layered Italian flavors and easy prep that fits any busy schedule.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be used to adjust flavor and fat content.

→ How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Breaking the lasagna noodles into small pieces and stirring occasionally while simmering helps keep them separate and tender.

→ Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers before simmering will boost nutrition and flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this meatless?

Replace the ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Cool the dish completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.