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One Pot Lasagna Soup That Guarantees Perfect Noodles
Craving the rich, cheesy comfort of lasagna without the hours of layering and baking? It’s a classic dinner dilemma we’ve all faced on a busy weeknight.
This easy lasagna soup recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a culinary dish that deconstructs traditional lasagna, packing all its savory, Italian-American flavor into a simple one-pot meal. You get the hearty ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and rich tomato broth you love.
This One Pot Lasagna Soup delivers all the flavor of classic lasagna in under an hour, and our foolproof method guarantees perfectly cooked noodles every single time. This guide will walk you through each simple step, turning a weekend project into a weeknight favorite.
Craving Lasagna Flavor Without the Fuss? This One-Pot Soup is Your Answer
Imagine all the comforting layers of a traditional lasagna—the savory meat sauce, the tender pasta, the creamy, melted cheese—but ready in a fraction of the time and with only one pot to clean. That’s the magic of this easy lasagna soup. It captures the authentic essence of its namesake, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for when you need a hearty, cheesy comfort food fix without the complex, multi-step process.
We developed this recipe to solve the single biggest problem with most pasta soups: soggy, mushy noodles. By following our tested method, you’ll achieve that perfect al dente bite every time. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your new go-to answer for a delicious, family-friendly meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
How to Make Perfect Lasagna Soup in 7 Simple Steps
This comforting lasagna soup recipe comes together in a simple, sequential cooking process. By breaking it down into seven manageable stages, we make it easy for even beginner cooks to achieve a perfect result. Each step builds upon the last, from creating a deep, aromatic flavor base with a classic soffritto to simmering the soup and finally cooking the pasta to an ideal al dente texture. Following this one-pot method ensures every element is perfectly cooked and the flavors meld together beautifully.
1. Brown the Meats & Sauté Aromatics for a Flavor Foundation

Pin this essential first step for building soup flavor!
H4: Equipment Needed:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (at least 6-quarts)
- Sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for breaking up meat
- Colander or a spoon for draining excess fat
H4: Step-by-Step Directions:
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use your spoon to break the meat into small crumbles.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Don’t rush this step—the browned bits on the bottom of the pot are pure flavor!
- Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Carefully tilt the pot and spoon off any excess grease, leaving about one tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
Pro-Tip: For extra depth, use a combination of mild and hot Italian sausage. The hot sausage adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness of the cheese.
2. Bloom Tomato Paste & Deglaze the Pot to Unlock Umami

Save this flavor-boosting technique!
H4: Equipment Needed:
- Your Dutch oven with the cooked meat and aromatics
- Wooden spoon with a flat edge (ideal for scraping)
- Measuring cup for broth
H4: Step-by-Step Directions:
- Add two tablespoons of tomato paste to the center of the pot.
- Stir the paste continuously for 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice it darkens to a brick-red color and becomes very fragrant. This step, known as “blooming,” cooks off the raw tomato taste and deepens its umami flavor.
- Pour in about 1/2 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pot.
- Use your wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with concentrated flavor and are essential for a rich soup base.
Lesson Learned: Don’t skip deglazing! I once rushed this step and the resulting soup lacked a certain depth. All the best flavor is stuck to the bottom of that pot.
3. Build & Simmer the Soup Base to Meld the Flavors

Pin this cozy soup base for later!
H4: Ingredients Needed:
- 28-ounce can of high-quality crushed tomatoes (like San Marzano style)
- 6 cups of low-sodium beef broth
- 2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
H4: Step-by-Step Directions:
- Pour the remaining 5 1/2 cups of beef broth and the entire can of crushed tomatoes into the pot.
- Add the Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together into a cohesive, delicious base.
Pro-Tip: If you have time, letting the base simmer for up to an hour will result in an even deeper, more developed flavor. Just be sure to check the liquid level and add a splash more broth if needed.
4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles Directly in the Soup (The Right Way!)

The secret to perfect soup noodles is right here! Pin it!
H4: Equipment & Ingredients Needed:
- 8-10 regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil)
- Kitchen timer
H4: Step-by-Step Directions:
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. It’s important to season the broth well before adding the pasta.
- Break the lasagna noodles into rough, 1- to 2-inch bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about them being perfect.
- Increase the heat to medium to bring the soup to a steady simmer. Add the broken noodles to the pot.
- Stir well to prevent sticking and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are just tender with a slight bite (al dente). The exact time will depend on the brand of pasta, so check the package directions and start testing a minute or two early.
Pro-Tip: The noodles will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat after you turn off the stove. Always err on the side of slightly undercooking them in the pot for the best final texture.
5. Prepare the Cheesy Ricotta Topping

Don’t skip this topping! Pin this for the full lasagna experience.
H4: Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (or basil)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
H4: Step-by-Step Directions:
- While the noodles are cooking in the soup, prepare the topping.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Season with a small pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix with a fork until everything is just combined. Set aside until ready to serve.
Lesson Learned: Use whole milk ricotta. The low-fat version can be grainy and doesn’t provide the same luxurious creaminess that makes this soup so special. Freshly grating your Parmesan is also a non-negotiable for the best flavor and melt.
6. Finish the Soup with Mozzarella & Fresh Herbs

The perfect cheesy finish! Save this idea.
H4: Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
H4: Step-by-Step Directions:
- Once the noodles are perfectly al dente, turn off the heat.
- If using, stir in the heavy cream for an extra layer of richness.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil until the cheese is just melted and gooey.
- Give the soup one final taste and adjust any seasonings if needed.
Pro-Tip: For the best “cheese pull,” use low-moisture mozzarella that you shred yourself from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in starches that prevent them from melting as smoothly.
7. Serve Hot with a Generous Dollop of Ricotta Topping

The perfect bowl of comfort! Pin this serving idea.
H4: Equipment Needed:
- Soup ladle
- Deep soup bowls
H4: Step-by-Step Directions:
- Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls.
- Add a generous dollop (about two tablespoons) of the cheesy ricotta mixture right in the center of each bowl.
- Garnish with a little extra shredded mozzarella and a few fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy watching the creamy ricotta melt into the savory broth.
Pro-Tip: For a complete meal experience, serve the soup with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping and a simple Caesar or Italian green salad on the side.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Lasagna Soup
- Brown Meat & Aromatics First: This is the non-negotiable first step for building a deep, savory flavor base.
- Deglaze the Pot: Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a splash of broth to unlock hidden flavor.
- Add Noodles Last: To guarantee perfect al dente noodles, add them only for the last 10-12 minutes of cooking.
- Serve Ricotta on Top: Do not stir the ricotta mixture into the main pot. Serve it as a dollop in individual bowls for the best creamy texture.
- Store Noodles Separately: If you plan on having leftovers, cook and store the noodles separately from the soup base to prevent them from getting mushy upon reheating.
FAQs About lasagna soup recipe
How do you keep noodles from getting mushy in lasagna soup?
The key is to control their cooking time. Add the broken noodles only at the very end of the simmering process, cooking them just until al dente. For leftovers, the absolute best method is to cook and store the noodles separately, adding them to the soup as you reheat individual portions.
Can you freeze lasagna soup?
Yes, the soup base freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze the soup without any noodles or the ricotta topping. When ready to serve, thaw the soup base, bring it to a simmer on the stove, and cook a fresh batch of noodles directly in the broth.
What can you serve with lasagna soup?
Crusty garlic bread is the perfect companion for dipping into the rich, savory broth. A simple side salad, like a Caesar salad or a green salad with Italian vinaigrette, provides a fresh contrast to the hearty soup and makes for a complete and balanced meal.
Can I make this lasagna soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, it’s a great Crock-Pot recipe. First, brown the meats and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop as directed. Deglaze the pan, then transfer everything (except the noodles and cheese topping) to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Stir in the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This one-pot lasagna soup recipe truly delivers on its promise: all the hearty, comforting flavor of classic lasagna, made simple and foolproof. By building flavor in layers—from browning the Italian sausage and ground beef to simmering the rich tomato base—you create a soup that’s deeply satisfying. Most importantly, you now have the secret to perfect soup noodles every time.
Now you can satisfy that lasagna craving any night of the week. What are some of your favorite comfort food shortcuts? Let us know if you try any fun variations
Last update on 2025-11-13 at 08:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
