Introduction to Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup
When the days get busy and the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a bowl of cozy comfort. That’s where my Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup comes in! It captures all the warm, cheesy flavors of classic lasagna but in a quick, hearty soup form. Not only is it perfect for those frantic weekdays, but it’s also a delightful dish that’s sure to impress family and friends. Trust me; you’ll feel like a culinary superstar, even on the busiest of nights. Ready to dive into this deliciousness?
Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup
This Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup is a lifesaver for busy moms and professionals alike! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The comforting flavors of traditional lasagna shine through, making it a family favorite. Plus, with everything cooked in one pot, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying meal moments. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting this delightful soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: The heart of your soup, bringing in savory richness. Feel free to substitute with turkey or a plant-based option if you prefer.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. You can use minced garlic from a jar in a pinch!
- Yellow onion: This adds sweetness; diced finely will enhance the soup’s texture.
- Garlic powder: A little added kick that complements the fresh garlic well.
- Onion powder: Deepens the onion flavor without being overpowering.
- Dried basil: The classic Italian herb! It brings warmth and depth, but if you have fresh basil, go ahead and use that.
- Dried oregano: Adds an earthy flavor, making it taste even more like lasagna!
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Adjust to your preference.
- Freshly ground black pepper: A pinch of this adds a subtle spice.
- Crushed tomatoes: They provide a rich, tomatoey base. Feel free to use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season!
- Chicken broth: Keeps the soup hearty and flavorful. Vegetable broth is a great substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Water: Just to adjust the consistency; you can substitute additional broth for extra flavor.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the soup and gives it that classic Italian taste.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, they mimic the original lasagna experience. You can also use gluten-free noodles if needed!
- Frozen chopped spinach: A sneak in some greens! Fresh spinach also works wonderfully.
- Heavy cream: For a creamy finish, adding depth to each spoonful. You can swap with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Ricotta cheese: A heavenly topping that makes the soup feel indulgent.
- Mozzarella cheese: Placed at the bottom to melt into the broth, this adds a gooey goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top for that extra savory kick!
Exact quantities of these ingredients can be found toward the bottom of the article and are available for printing. Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup
Ready to whip up a comforting bowl of mouthwatering goodness? Making this One Pot Lasagna Soup is straightforward, and I promise each step fills your kitchen with scrumptious aromas. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial—it develops flavor! Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy. You want rich flavor, not an oil slick!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
With the beef still bubbling, toss in the finely minced garlic and diced onion. This is where the aroma starts to pull at your heartstrings. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent. Trust me, this aromatic blend sets the stage for a cozy meal.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Broth
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Break those lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them too! Stir well to combine everything. The noodles will soak up all those flavors while they cook, turning the soup into a hearty delight.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a quick boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering step is where the magic happens—flavors meld together beautifully, and those noodles soften just right.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
After simmering, it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in the frozen chopped spinach and heavy cream. Cooking this uncovered for another 5 minutes allows the soup to thicken slightly and the spinach to heat through. This step adds a nutritious pop of color and flavor that makes every spoonful satisfying!
Step 6: Serve with Cheese
Now for the grand finale! Place a few slices of mozzarella cheese at the bottom of each serving bowl. Ladle the hot soup over the cheese, then finish with a generous dollop of ricotta on top. If you love extra flavor, sprinkle some parmesan cheese as well. The melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta will create a luscious experience with each bite!
Tips for Success
- Cook the beef until browned for maximum flavor; don’t rush this step!
- Don’t skip draining excess fat to keep your soup light and hearty.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings at the end—taste as you go for perfection!
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more tomato paste.
- This soup is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: A Dutch oven works wonders, but any sturdy pot will do.
- Spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring and breaking up the beef.
- Measuring cups: To help with ingredients, especially for broth and cream.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping onions and garlic.
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this soup accessible for everyone.
- Vegan adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and ricotta with cashew cream.
- Extra veggies: Throw in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrients and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread: Serve with a warm baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh mixed greens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
- Wine: A glass of chianti or a crisp white complements the soup beautifully.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color!
FAQs about Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup
As with any beloved recipe, questions arise! Here are some common queries about this satisfying Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup and their answers to ensure your cooking experience is seamless.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stove!
Can I freeze Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup?
You sure can! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth to keep all those wonderful flavors intact.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even a dollop of sour cream for a different tangy twist. Cream cheese also works well for creaminess!
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Of course! This soup is a great canvas for extra veggies. Try adding diced zucchini, carrots, or even bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. The more, the merrier!
Final Thoughts
Every time I make my Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup, it feels like a warm hug on a cold day. The way it fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and the laughter around the table makes the effort worthwhile. Not only does it provide a comforting meal, but the shared experience of enjoying it brings my loved ones together. With each spoonful, I’m reminded of why I love to cook. This simple recipe not only satisfies hunger but nourishes the soul. So, grab your pot, gather the family, and create your own cozy memories with this delightful dish!
Print
Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful one pot soup that combines all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy, hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 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
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Ricotta cheese, for serving
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut in slices
- Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until it is well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off excess grease.
- Add the garlic, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste. Break the lasagna noodles and add them. Stir well.
- Raise the heat to boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen spinach and heavy cream. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes.
- Place mozzarella cheese in the bottom of serving bowls, ladle soup over it, and top with ricotta and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Add more broth for a thinner soup, if preferred.
- Adjust seasonings to taste at the end of cooking.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
