Name: Hearty Lasagna Soup: A One-Pot Italian Comfort Classic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 6 cups chicken or beef broth; 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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If you crave all the comforting flavors of a classic Italian dinner but want something quicker and cozier, then you’re in for a treat with this Hearty Lasagna Soup: A One-Pot Italian Comfort Classic Recipe. Imagine all the rich, meaty goodness, the tangy tomato sauce, and the melty cheeses of traditional lasagna coming together in one bubbling pot of soup. It’s warming, satisfying, and perfect for a family meal any day of the week. This recipe gives you the soul-soothing vibes of lasagna but with much less fuss, making it a weeknight winner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows all the ingredients for lasagna arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there are eight uncooked yellow lasagna sheets with ruffled edges, stacked in a slight fan shape. To the right, four raw sausages rest on a piece of parchment paper, showing a red and speckled texture. Around them, two cans of diced tomatoes with bright red contents, a container of cream, and a small bottle of olive oil with a golden yellow color are placed. On the left side, small white bowls hold chopped green herbs, minced garlic, shredded white cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Below the central ingredients, three spice jars labeled black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning are lined up, framed by another small white dish containing dried herbs and a clear bowl with finely chopped white onions. The whole setup is clean and bright, photographed with soft natural light, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s fantastic about this recipe is how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors that’s both hearty and wholesome. Each component plays a key role—from the savory meat and fragrant herbs to the creamy cheeses and tender pasta pieces, everything adds layers of taste, texture, and that irresistible Italian flair.

1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle richness right at the start.
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Brings savory depth and bold flavor.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture when softened.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic punch and classic Italian warmth.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings earthy herbal notes that sing in tomato-based dishes.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: A staple in Italian cooking, giving a slightly bitter, minty edge.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick for those who like a little spice.
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): To enhance all the natural flavors beautifully.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to balance and awaken the palate.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the broth.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Provides rich, saucy base filled with tang and sweetness.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of tomato goodness.
6 cups chicken or beef broth: Creates the luscious soup foundation.
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Classic pasta that makes every spoonful satisfying.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Offers creamy richness and smoothness in topping.
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that classic cheese pull.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty sharpness that finishes the soup.
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens every bowl.

How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup: A One-Pot Italian Comfort Classic Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it’s browned and deliciously caramelized. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup. Once the meat has browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Next, toss in the diced onion and cook until they soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant—garlic burns fast, so keep the heat gentle here.

Step 3: Season and Enhance the Base

Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir these into the meat and onions, letting their aromas bloom in the warm pot.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or so. This step caramelizes the paste slightly, concentrating its flavor. Pour in the crushed and diced tomatoes next, stirring everything together for a thick, rich sauce.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Add the chicken or beef broth to the pot and bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to meld all those fantastic flavors.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles Right in the Soup

Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the simmering soup. Cook until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. This way, the pasta soaks up all the savory broth while still maintaining some structure.

Step 7: Adjust and Finish

Give the soup a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving generously with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses—these melt into creamy pockets that make the soup extra indulgent.

How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup: A One-Pot Italian Comfort Classic Recipe

A deep white pot filled with a rich lasagna dish showing multiple layers of creamy melted cheese, browned ground meat sauce, and wide flat pasta sheets. The top layer has golden, bubbling cheese with spots of browned edges and a sprinkle of fresh green herbs. The sauce looks thick and reddish with visible minced meat pieces mixed in. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright contrast and subtle earthiness. Don’t be shy with adding a fresh grind of black pepper or even a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple garlic bread or a crisp green salad can turn it into a well-rounded meal. A crunchy breadstick or even a Caesar salad complements the creamy cheese and tomato base perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the cheese melting beautifully on top. You could also provide small bowls of additional ricotta and shredded mozzarella for your guests to customize their bowl, making each experience unique and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Lasagna Soup: A One-Pot Italian Comfort Classic Recipe tastes even better the next day. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate if possible to avoid them getting mushy.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but for best texture, freeze without noodles or cheese. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked noodles and cheese when reheating to maintain that perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add noodles and cheeses after warming the broth so everything stays fresh and the cheese melts luscious and gooey as in the first serving.

FAQs

Can I make Hearty Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef or sausage for your favorite plant-based meat substitute or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to keep it filling and flavorful without meat.

Is it possible to use gluten-free noodles?

Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles broken into pieces. Just keep an eye on cooking times as gluten-free pasta can cook a little faster and might need to be added closer to serving time.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for a stovetop, you can brown the meat and sauté onions separately, then add all ingredients (except noodles and cheeses) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add noodles and cheese right before serving.

What if I want a creamier soup?

Stirring in about ½ cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking is a simple way to add luscious creaminess that makes it even more indulgent and smooth.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

The best way is to cook the noodles just in time or separately and add them at the end. If making ahead, store noodles separately and combine when reheating to maintain a perfect bite.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hearty Lasagna Soup: A One-Pot Italian Comfort Classic Recipe enough when you’re craving traditional Italian comfort food with zero fuss. It’s a cozy, rich dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, and it has that magical ability to warm your heart and belly in one delicious bowl. Give it a go and see how this friendly, flavorful soup quickly becomes a weeknight favorite in your home!