Lasagna is a beloved classic, but it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive to prepare. Enter One Pot Lasagna Soup—a delicious, simplified version that captures all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. This hearty soup combines Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, lasagna noodles, and a rich tomato broth, all topped with a creamy cheese mixture. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this comforting soup, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients
To make One Pot Lasagna Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds Italian sausage
- 1 large white or yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 30 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken
Cheese Topping
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook until it is browned, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pot and return it to the heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take another 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the onion cooks evenly. Add the minced garlic and let it toast for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Prepare the Broth
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once the soup is simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, hearty taste.
Step 5: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Topping
While the soup is simmering, prepare the cheese topping. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined. This cheese mixture will be used to top the soup, adding a creamy, cheesy element that mimics the layers of traditional lasagna.
Step 7: Serve the Soup
Once the noodles are cooked and the soup is ready, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. The heat from the soup will melt the cheese, creating a rich and satisfying topping.
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe for One Pot Lasagna Soup is delicious on its own, there are several tips and variations you can try to customize it to your taste:
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this soup relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese will make a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir the soup occasionally while it simmers to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth if needed.
Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a soup with a kick.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with another gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Extra Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value of the soup by adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or kale. Sauté them along with the onions for added flavor.
The Comfort of Lasagna in a Bowl
Lasagna is a universally loved dish, but it can be time-consuming to prepare, especially on busy days. One Pot Lasagna Soup offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. The combination of savory sausage, hearty noodles, and a rich tomato broth, topped with a creamy cheese mixture, makes this soup a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty enough to be served on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, would complement the flavors beautifully.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth to thin the soup, as the noodles will continue to absorb liquid. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss. This hearty, comforting soup is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you crave the rich, satisfying taste of lasagna. By following this simple recipe and incorporating some of the tips and variations, you can create a delicious meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious lasagna soup!
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One Pot Lasagna Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a convenient and easy-to-make soup. This delicious meal combines ground meat, lasagna noodles, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese.
Ingredients
2 pounds Italian sausage
1 large white or yellow onion, diced
5 cloves minced garlic
4 cups beef broth
15 ounces canned tomato sauce
30 ounces canned diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
2 cups lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken
Cheese Topping:
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
½ cup parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in sausage and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease and return pan to medium-high heat.
Add in onion and saute until soft and translucent, another 5-7 minutes.
Add in garlic and let toast 1-2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over high heat.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer 15-20 minutes.
Add in lasagna noodles and cook an additional 15 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
Remove pot from the heat. Dish into a bowl and serve with a dollop of the cheese mixture on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg