The first crisp notes of fall had arrived, carrying with them the kind of chilly evenings that make you crave something rich and hearty. That afternoon, I wandered through my pantry looking for inspiration, and a box of lasagna noodles caught my eye. It sparked a thought: what if I could capture all the comfort of lasagna in a single, cozy bowl of soup?

I started by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic, and as the familiar aroma filled the kitchen, I imagined the laughter and chatter of family dinners. Cooking this soup felt like revisiting those warm memories, where simple ingredients came together to create something that nourished both body and spirit.

As the tomatoes, broth, and seasonings joined the pot, the flavors deepened, and adding the broken lasagna noodles made it feel playful yet comforting. Stirring in the spinach and cream at the end brought the whole soup together—a perfect blend of richness, freshness, and warmth. Ladling it into bowls with creamy ricotta and melting mozzarella completed the picture, a simple meal that looked and tasted like a hug in a bowl.

Short Description

Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup is a cozy, rich soup that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a single pot. Tender noodles, hearty beef, creamy cheeses, and fresh spinach make it a satisfying, fuss-free meal.

Key Ingredients

For the soup

1 lb ground beef
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
½ yellow onion, diced
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 oz can crushed tomatoes
32 oz chicken broth, more if needed
1 cup water
2 tsp tomato paste
6 oz lasagna noodles, broken up
1 cup frozen chopped spinach
¼ cup heavy cream

For serving

Ricotta cheese
4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut in slices
Parmesan cheese, optional

Tools Needed

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle
Bowls for serving

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease to prevent an oily soup. Let the beef develop some crispy bits for extra flavor before draining.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Season Beef
Add garlic, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to the browned beef. Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning and allowing the onions to soften.

Step 3: Add Liquids, Tomato, and Noodles
Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste. Break lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add to the pot. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until noodles start to soften.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cream, Finish Simmering
Stir in frozen spinach and heavy cream. Continue to cook on low, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve Lasagna Soup
Place a slice of mozzarella in the bottom of each serving bowl. Ladle hot soup over the cheese, letting it melt. Top with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired, for a true lasagna flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a single, easy-to-make pot

Quick weeknight meal with minimal cleanup

Flexible—swap pasta, cheeses, or broth to suit preferences

Creamy, hearty, and flavorful without being overly rich

Inviting aroma fills the kitchen, making mealtime feel special

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooked noodles
Pasta can become mushy if simmered too long.
Solution: Add noodles toward the end and check frequently until tender.

Too much liquid
Soup may be watery if liquids aren’t balanced.
Solution: Adjust broth and water amounts gradually; simmer uncovered if needed.

Burning garlic or onions
Can create a bitter taste.
Solution: Stir constantly and cook over medium-low heat until softened.

Adding cheese too early
Cheese may separate or not melt evenly.
Solution: Add ricotta and mozzarella just before serving.

Undercooked spinach
Frozen spinach may remain icy in the soup.
Solution: Stir in spinach and cook until heated through before serving.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve in bowls topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs

Pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad

Perfect for casual family dinners or a cozy weekend meal

Can be served buffet-style or individually plated

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Freeze portions for up to 2 months

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore consistency

Stir occasionally during reheating to maintain creaminess

FAQs

1: Can I use other pasta?
Bowtie, penne, or rotini all work well.

2: Can I make this vegetarian?
Use plant-based crumbles or mushrooms, and vegetable broth.

3: Can this be made ahead?
Yes, cook the soup base and add noodles and cheese just before serving.

4: Can fresh spinach be used instead of frozen?
Yes, add chopped fresh spinach in the last 2–3 minutes of simmering.

5: Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown beef and sauté aromatics first, combine all ingredients except pasta and cheese, and cook on low for 4 hours. Add noodles and cheese at the end.

Tips & Tricks

Break pasta into smaller pieces for easy serving

Toast garlic lightly before adding for extra depth

Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat

Use fresh herbs at the end for bright flavor

Adjust cheese to your preference for creaminess

Recipe Variations

Vegetable Lasagna Soup: Add zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms during simmering.

Spicy Version: Include jalapeños or ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes.

Cheesy Twist: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan for richer flavor.

Slow Cooker Freezer Version: Mix all ingredients (except pasta and cheese) in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze and cook later; add pasta and cheese at the end.

Final Thoughts

Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup captures all the flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy, easy-to-serve bowl. The creamy broth, tender noodles, and layered cheeses create a rich yet comforting meal.

Cooking it fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and turns a simple dinner into a warm, family-style experience. The soup is versatile, easy to adjust for your taste, and a wonderful option for weeknight meals or casual gatherings. Each bite carries the satisfaction of lasagna without the fuss, making it a dish that everyone at the table can enjoy and savor.

Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup

Sandra Myers

Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup is a rich, comforting soup with all the flavors of lasagna in one pot—tender noodles, beef, creamy cheeses, and spinach.

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Ingredients

For the soup

1 lb ground beef
3 garlic cloves finely minced
½ yellow onion diced
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher salt plus more as needed
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 oz can crushed tomatoes
32 oz chicken broth more if needed
1 cup water
2 tsp tomato paste
6 oz lasagna noodles broken up
1 cup frozen chopped spinach
¼ cup heavy cream

For serving

Ricotta cheese
4 oz mozzarella cheese cut in slices
Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

Brown ground beef in a pot and drain excess grease.
Sauté garlic, onion, and seasonings 5 minutes until onions soften.
Add crushed tomatoes, broth, water, tomato paste, and broken noodles; simmer 10 minutes.
Stir in spinach and cream; cook 5 more minutes and adjust seasoning.
Serve over mozzarella, topped with ricotta and Parmesan.