Craving comfort food that’s easy to make? Let me introduce you to One-Pan Lasagna Soup! This dish combines all the rich flavors of lasagna in a warm, soothing bowl. With just one pot needed, you save time on both prep and cleanup. In this post, I’ll walk you through simple steps, tips, and tasty variations to make it your own. Get ready to impress your family and enjoy a meal that warms the heart!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This One-Pan Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm and inviting soup format.
- Easy Preparation: With everything cooked in one pot, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the protein or add extra vegetables to suit your preferences, making this dish versatile and adaptable.
- Cheesy Goodness: The combination of ricotta and mozzarella creates a creamy, cheesy topping that elevates each bowl, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Suggested Ingredient Alternatives
You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. This makes a lighter dish. If you want a meatless option, use lentils or mushrooms. For the broth, vegetable broth works well if you want a vegetarian soup. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese is a great swap. You can also use cream cheese for a richer flavor. Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this soup offers a balanced meal. It has protein from the meat and cheese, fiber from the spinach and tomatoes, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Each serving contains about 350 calories, making it a satisfying dish. You also get vitamins A and C from the spinach and tomatoes. This soup is hearty and comforting, perfect for any day.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Overview
To make One-Pan Lasagna Soup, gather your ingredients first. You will need olive oil, onion, garlic, ground beef or sausage, crushed tomatoes, broth, herbs, lasagna noodles, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. This recipe is simple and quick, taking about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Detailed Cooking Steps
1. Heat the Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and clear.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 more minute.
4. Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or sausage. Break it up and brown for 6-8 minutes. Drain any fat if needed.
5. Combine: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Mix well. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook for 10-12 minutes until tender but firm.
7. Fold in Spinach: Add the spinach. Let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with ricotta and mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Tips for Cooking Success
- Use a large pot to prevent spills.
- Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust the spice by adding more red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- For extra creaminess, mix ricotta with a bit of mozzarella before adding it to the soup.
- Always taste before serving to adjust the seasoning.
This soup is a warm, comforting meal perfect for any day. Enjoy your cooking!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect One-Pan Lasagna Soup
To make the best One-Pan Lasagna Soup, start with fresh ingredients. Use good quality ground beef or sausage for rich flavor. Sauté the onion until it is soft. This builds a great base for your soup. Add garlic right after the onion. Just one minute is enough to bring out its taste. When adding the crushed tomatoes, choose a brand you love. The quality of tomatoes makes a big difference.
Make sure to break the lasagna noodles into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Stir the soup well after adding the noodles to avoid clumping. Keep an eye on the soup as it simmers. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For a creamier soup, mix in more ricotta cheese at the end. This adds richness and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the noodles. They should be tender but not mushy. If they start to fall apart, it ruins the texture. Another mistake is not seasoning well. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper. This simple step brings out all the flavors.
Do not skip the fresh spinach. It adds a nice pop of color and nutrition. Some people forget the garnish. Fresh basil leaves make a big difference in taste and look. Lastly, avoid cooking the soup too fast. A gentle simmer will develop better flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup in deep bowls. Top each bowl with a big spoonful of ricotta cheese. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. This will melt slightly and create a nice texture. For an extra touch, add a drizzle of olive oil. It gives a rich finish that everyone will love.
Pair this soup with crusty bread for a hearty meal. You can also add a fresh salad on the side for balance. If you want, offer red pepper flakes for those who like heat. This soup is warm and comforting, perfect for any day!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor, so consider using it instead of or alongside dried herbs for a fresher taste.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap ground beef or sausage for turkey or a plant-based alternative to suit dietary preferences.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like parmesan or provolone for added depth in flavor and richness.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and reheated; just add a splash of broth to maintain the consistency.
Variations
Vegetarian One-Pan Lasagna Soup
You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this soup easily. Skip the meat and use 1 pound of mushrooms instead. You can also add extra veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic. This will give your soup great flavor and texture. The rest of the ingredients stay the same. You will still have that comforting taste of lasagna without the meat.
Alternative Meat Options
If you want to switch up the meat, there are many choices. Ground turkey or chicken works well too. You can even use Italian sausage for a spicy kick. Just remember to cook your meat until it is brown and safe. These options keep the soup hearty while changing the flavor profile. Each meat brings its own taste, so feel free to experiment.
Customizing Sauce and Spice Levels
You can make this soup fit your taste by changing the sauce and spice levels. If you like it mild, skip the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add more flakes or some hot sauce. You can also use different sauces, like marinara or fire-roasted tomatoes. These changes help you create a soup that suits your palate. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors and make this dish your own!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Once you finish your One-Pan Lasagna Soup, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This soup stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you see any signs of spoilage, toss it out. Always check before eating.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the soup, pour it into a pot over medium heat. Stir it gently while it warms up. It should take about 5-10 minutes to heat through. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also use a microwave. Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Freezing One-Pan Lasagna Soup
You can freeze One-Pan Lasagna Soup for later. Let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer bags or containers. Make sure to leave space for expansion. This soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as normal after thawing.
FAQs
How long does One-Pan Lasagna Soup last in the fridge?
One-Pan Lasagna Soup can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for you.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup a day ahead. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just heat it up on the stove.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese. It gives a nice texture too. You can also try cream cheese for a richer taste. Just mix it well before adding it to the soup.
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef or sausage for turkey or chicken. For a lighter option, try using ground turkey. It works well and keeps it healthy.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, just skip the meat. Use mushrooms or lentils for protein. You can add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Can I freeze One-Pan Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat the soup?
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often until it's hot. You can also use a microwave but stir halfway for even heating.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For more flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can really brighten the soup too.
In this article, we covered how to make One-Pan Lasagna Soup. First, we looked at the ingredients, noting some tasty alternatives. Next, I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, along with helpful tips. We discussed common mistakes to avoid and fun ways to serve the dish. I also shared variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Enjoy crafting this dish, and remember, cooking should be fun! Your kitchen can turn out amazing meals with practice and creativity.
