– **Title**: One-Pot Lasagna Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups water
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and water. Stir to combine.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
6. Once the noodles are cooked, drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture into the soup. Allow it to gently sink into the soup but don’t fully stir it. This will create creamy pockets of ricotta as the soup cooks.
7. After a few minutes of simmering, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the soup. Cover the pot and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Enjoy your cozy and hearty One-Pot Lasagna Soup!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its extra flavor, but ground beef works just as well. For a lighter option, go for turkey or chicken. You could even use plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian option!
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup. If you’re not a fan of onions, leeks or shallots can be great substitutes. Even a sprinkle of onion powder can help if you’re in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the soup’s flavor. If you don’t have fresh cloves, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just reduce the amount to about 1/4 tsp.
Pasta: While traditional lasagna noodles are great, you can use any small pasta like shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Ricotta Cheese: This gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, cottage cheese can work too, though the texture will be slightly different. Vegan ricotta is also an option for plant-based diets.
Shredded Mozzarella: This is delicious for melting. If you want a bit more flavor, try mixing in provolone or a sharper cheese like cheddar. Vegan cheese can also be used for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get the Right Texture in My One-Pot Lasagna Soup?
The key to the right texture is ensuring each ingredient is cooked properly. Start by browning the meat and allowing onions to soften first. This builds a flavor base that makes everything else taste better.
- After adding broth and tomatoes, let it simmer to combine the flavors.
- When you add the pasta, keep an eye on it! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, aiming for al dente.
- Add the ricotta last so it retains that creamy texture—mix it in gently for the best results.
Lastly, covering the pot to melt the mozzarella helps achieve that perfect gooey topping!
How to Make One-Pot Lasagna Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (like lasagna noodles, broken into pieces)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This one-pot lasagna soup takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting your ingredients ready and the rest of the time cooking it all together in one pot. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by taking a large pot or Dutch oven and heating it over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is nice and soft. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can smell that delicious fragrance!
2. Add the Base Ingredients:
Now it’s time to make your soup! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on your stovetop.
3. Cook the Pasta:
Once the soup is simmering, add your broken lasagna noodles. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nice and tender. Keep an eye on it so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot!
4. Mix in the Ricotta:
After your noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta cheese. Mix it well so it blends into the soup, then let the soup heat through for a couple of minutes. It’s all coming together beautifully!
5. Melt the Mozzarella:
Now, remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the soup. Cover the pot for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into bubbly goodness.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious soup hot! You can garnish it with some fresh basil or parsley if you like. Sit back, savor every spoonful, and enjoy your comforting one-pot lasagna soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that these meats may cook a bit faster and can be drier, so you might want to add a splash more broth to keep the soup moist and flavorful.
What Type of Pasta Can I Use Besides Lasagna Noodles?
Yes, you can use other pasta types! Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini works great as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions—smaller pasta generally cooks faster than lasagna noodles.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a little extra broth if needed to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual servings in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the meat for some cooked lentils or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of this comforting soup!
