Easy Lasagna Soup: One-Pot Dinner You’ll Love

If you love the rich, cheesy comfort of classic lasagna but don’t have time to layer noodles and sauce, this Easy Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. It has all the flavors you crave — tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and a hearty tomato broth — in one cozy bowl. Best of all, it’s a one-pot dinner that’s simple to make, easy to clean up, and ready in under an hour.

This creamy lasagna soup combines everything you love about Italian comfort food in a quick, weeknight-friendly recipe. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers all the warmth and satisfaction of traditional lasagna without the hassle. Grab your pot and a few pantry staples — dinner just got deliciously simple!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Soup

There’s something magical about a dish that delivers all the comforting flavors of lasagna — rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and tender pasta — without the layering or baking. That’s exactly what makes this Easy Lasagna Soup so irresistible. It’s a one-pot meal that brings together the best of both worlds: the coziness of a hearty Italian comfort food and the simplicity of a quick, stovetop recipe.

Creamy lasagna soup served in a bowl with melted mozzarella and fresh basil, perfect one-pot dinner

All the Comfort of Lasagna in a Bowl

This soup captures the essence of traditional lasagna — meaty, cheesy, and tomato-rich — in every spoonful. The combination of savory ground beef, Italian herbs, and creamy ricotta gives it that authentic lasagna flavor, but in a form that’s easy to enjoy any night of the week.

Quick, Simple, and One-Pot Friendly

Forget multiple dishes and hours in the kitchen. With this one-pot lasagna soup, everything cooks together — from browning the meat to simmering the noodles. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s the ultimate recipe for busy families or anyone craving a fast but satisfying dinner.

Perfect for Family Dinners or Meal Prep

This hearty soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich enough for a weekend meal but easy enough for weeknights. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. You can refrigerate or freeze portions for later — and it tastes just as delicious when reheated.

Customizable for Every Taste

One of the best things about lasagna soup is how flexible it is. Want a lighter version? Use ground turkey or chicken. Craving a vegetarian twist? Skip the meat and add lentils, mushrooms, or extra veggies. You can adjust the spice, creaminess, and cheese levels to make it your own — a truly customizable comfort food experience.

Essential Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Making Easy Lasagna Soup doesn’t require complicated ingredients or specialized equipment, but having the right tools and fresh, flavorful ingredients ensures the best results. Here’s everything you need to create a hearty, creamy, and comforting one-pot meal.

Core Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage – adds rich, savory flavor; you can also mix half beef, half sausage.
1 medium onion, finely chopped – for aromatic depth.
3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for authentic Italian flavor.
28 oz (800 g) crushed tomatoes – forms the base of the soup.
6 oz (170 g) tomato paste – thickens the broth and intensifies flavor.
4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth – for simmering the noodles and creating a rich, flavorful liquid.
8 oz (225 g) broken lasagna noodles or rotini pasta – cook directly in the soup for convenience.
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese – for creamy texture and richness.
1½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese – melts perfectly into the soup.
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese – adds sharp, nutty flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing meat and vegetables.
Optional add-ins: fresh spinach, mushrooms, red pepper flakes, or heavy cream for extra richness.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot – for even cooking and one-pot convenience.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to stir and prevent sticking.
Chef’s knife and cutting board – for chopping onion, garlic, and optional vegetables.
Measuring cups and spoons – for precise seasoning and broth measurements.
Ladle – for serving and portioning soup.
Optional: cheese grater for fresh Parmesan and mozzarella, and tongs for stirring pasta carefully.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Lasagna Soup

Making Easy Lasagna Soup is simple when you follow a few straightforward steps. This one-pot meal combines all the classic flavors of lasagna — tender noodles, savory meat, rich tomato broth, and creamy cheese — without the hassle of layering a traditional lasagna.

1. Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until the onion is soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
Season with salt, black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil.

Tip: Browning the meat properly adds depth and flavor to your soup, so don’t rush this step.

2. Add Liquids, Tomatoes, and Pasta

Stir in 28 oz (800 g) crushed tomatoes and 6 oz (170 g) tomato paste, ensuring the tomato paste is well incorporated.
Pour in 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add 8 oz (225 g) broken lasagna noodles directly into the soup.

Tip: Use broken lasagna noodles or rotini for even cooking in the pot — no pre-cooking necessary.

3. Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The noodles should be tender but not mushy, and the broth should thicken slightly.

Optional: Add fresh spinach, mushrooms, or a splash of heavy cream during the last 5 minutes for extra richness.

4. Add the Cheese and Finish the Soup

Remove the pot from heat.
Stir in 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese, 1½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan.
Mix gently until the cheeses melt into a creamy, luscious broth.

Tip: For a richer texture, you can swirl in the ricotta cheese just before serving to create creamy pockets throughout the soup.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy lasagna soup into bowls.
Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or parsley for garnish.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete, cozy meal.

Tip: This soup reheats beautifully, so consider making a double batch for meal prep or freezer-friendly dinners.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins to Try

One of the best things about Easy Lasagna Soup is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust flavors, proteins, or vegetables to create a customized one-pot meal that suits your taste. Whether you’re looking for a lighter version, a vegetarian option, or something with extra richness, these variations make it easy to elevate your soup.

1. Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

Skip the meat and use hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins. Some great options include:

Lentils: Add 1 cup of cooked green or brown lentils for protein and texture.
Mushrooms: Sauté 8 oz (225 g) of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic.
Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach add color, nutrients, and flavor.

Tip: Simmer the vegetables in the tomato broth until tender for a rich, hearty base that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

2. Creamy or Cheesy Twist

Enhance the soup’s richness with these options:

Heavy Cream: Stir in ½ cup (120 ml) of heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra creamy broth.
Extra Cheese: Add provolone, fontina, or more mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Ricotta Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta on top before serving for a luxurious, creamy touch.

Tip: For a lighter alternative, use part-skim mozzarella or low-fat ricotta while keeping the creamy texture.

3. Spicy or Bold Flavors

For those who like a little heat or bold Italian flavors:

Red Pepper Flakes: Add ¼–½ teaspoon when sautéing the meat for a gentle kick.
Italian Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavor-packed soup.
Fresh Herbs: Add chopped basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of oregano before serving to brighten flavors.

Tip: Taste as you go — spicy flavors can be adjusted depending on your preference.

4. Pasta and Protein Alternatives

Make the soup your own by swapping noodles or proteins:

Pasta Options: Penne, rotini, or shells work well if you prefer smaller or more manageable noodles.
Protein Swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes are great options.
Seafood Twist: For an adventurous version, small shrimp can be added at the very end of cooking.

Tip: Adjust cooking times depending on the protein used — seafood cooks very quickly, while lentils or turkey may need a few extra minutes.

Serving Tips, Storage, and Reheating

This Easy Lasagna Soup is not only delicious straight from the pot, but it’s also versatile in how you serve, store, and enjoy it later. Follow these tips to make the most of your one-pot lasagna soup for family meals, leftovers, or meal prep.

1. How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Individual Bowls: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Accompaniments: Pair with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Family Style: Serve directly from the pot for a casual, cozy dinner experience, perfect for gatherings or weeknight family meals.
Optional Toppings: Crumbled cooked bacon, a dollop of ricotta, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the flavor and presentation.

Tip: A sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes adds an extra punch to each serving.

2. Storing Leftovers the Right Way

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Portion Control: Freeze in single-serving portions to make reheating quick and convenient.

Tip: If freezing, slightly undercook the noodles when making the soup, as they will continue to soften during reheating.

3. Reheating Tips for Best Flavor

Stovetop Reheating: Place the soup in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Microwave Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Cheese Touch-Up: Add a bit of fresh mozzarella or Parmesan before serving to restore creaminess lost during storage.

Tip: Avoid overcooking during reheating, as pasta can become mushy.

4. Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Salad Pairings: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens complements the hearty soup.
Bread Options: Serve with toasted ciabatta, garlic knots, or a slice of baguette for dipping.
Wine Pairing: For adults, a light red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir enhances the Italian flavors.

Tip: Garnishing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil makes your lasagna soup recipe feel restaurant-quality even at home.