When it is cold outside and you are eager for a meal that provides warmth, comfort, and indulgence, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of cozy One-Pot Lasagna Soup. This dish brings together the beloved flavors of classic lasagna in a simplified, easy-to-make soup form. Packed with rich ingredients, it is the perfect weeknight meal or a sumptuous weekend treat. Let’s explore the details of this delightful recipe, the benefits of making it, and some tips and tricks to enhance your culinary experience.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious One-Pot Lasagna Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (hot or sweet, casings removed)
- 1 medium sweet onion (roughly chopped into ¼-inch pieces)
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups (48 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ⅓ cup loosely packed basil leaves (about 15 leaves)
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- 8 oz pasta noodles of your choice (mafaldine, fusilli col buco, or lasagna noodles recommended)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves (for serving)
- Baguette (optional, for serving)
- 1 cup (8 oz) whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
The preparation of this One-Pot Lasagna Soup is straightforward and involves a few essential steps:
Brown the Meat: In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned all over, about 4-5 minutes. If necessary, drain any excess grease.
Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and season with ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Next, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Add Liquid: Stir in 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Then, add the tomato paste, breaking it up with a spatula as it dissolves. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then add the bay leaf, basil leaves, and Parmesan rind if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add Noodles: Stir in the pasta noodles and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired level of doneness.
Make the Ricotta Cheese Mixture: While the soup is simmering, prepare the ricotta topping by combining 1 cup of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Finish the Soup and Broil with Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind from the soup. Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls and dollop with the ricotta cheese mixture. Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet, then broil them under high heat for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil and serve immediately, possibly alongside a baguette for dipping.
Benefits of This Craft
Cooking a One-Pot Lasagna Soup not only fills your stomach but also offers a range of benefits. Firstly, it is an excellent way to introduce a variety of nutritious ingredients into your diet. Ground meat provides protein, while vegetables like onions, garlic, and basil add flavor and healthful nutrients. The inclusion of pasta adds carbohydrates that provide energy, making it a balanced meal.
Additionally, this soup recipe is highly adaptable to various dietary preferences. You can easily swap out meat for plant-based alternatives or use gluten-free pasta to cater to specific dietary needs. Preparing meals at home, like this soup, is also a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the kitchen, allowing for creativity and experimentation.
From a practical standpoint, making this soup is a time-saving endeavor. With minimal equipment needed and everything cooked in one pot, you can enjoy a delicious meal without excessive cleanup.
Tips
To ensure your One-Pot Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Flavor Development: Allow the soup to simmer longer if time permits. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld, resulting in a more robust taste.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to play with the types of cheese you use. For instance, using a blend of different cheeses, such as provolone or gouda, can give the dish a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread. Adding a side of croutons can give an extra crunch to your meal.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes or skip them altogether.
What Taste Look Like?
The taste of this One-Pot Lasagna Soup is nothing short of heavenly. It combines the savory flavors of seasoned meat with the sweetness of the onion and garlic, creating a rich and satisfying base. The herbs, particularly the fresh basil, lend a fragrant note that brings brightness to the dish. Each spoonful introduces textures from the melted cheeses and the pasta, while the cream adds a luscious mouthfeel. The final topping of the broiled ricotta cheese introduces a delightful creamy element, making every bite an indulgent experience.
How to Store
Storing your One-Pot Lasagna Soup is a straightforward process, ensuring you can enjoy leftovers later. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to stir well and heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if necessary to restore consistency.
The Cozy One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese stands out as a comforting dish that is both delicious and practical. It captures the rich flavors of traditional lasagna while providing the ease of a simple soup. With its wholesome ingredients and the warmth it delivers, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can choose any pasta shape that you prefer! While mafaldine or fusilli col buco are recommended, almost any short pasta will work well in this recipe.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and can be refrigerated or frozen for later enjoyment. Just remember to adjust your reheating method as needed.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, feel free to substitute the meat with your favorite plant-based protein, such as lentils or mushrooms, and ensure that you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I serve this soup with?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even garlic knots, making for a well-rounded meal.
How can I make this soup spicier?
You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Cozy One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A warm, comforting soup that combines the beloved flavors of classic lasagna in a simple, one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium sweet onion (roughly chopped)
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ⅓ cup loosely packed basil leaves
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- 8 oz pasta noodles (recommended: mafaldine, fusilli col buco, or lasagna noodles)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves (for serving)
- Baguette (optional, for serving)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and season with salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Stir in oregano and crushed red pepper, then add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, basil leaves, and Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add pasta noodles and cook for 12-15 minutes or until desired doneness.
- Meanwhile, mix ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Remove bay leaf and Parmesan rind from soup. Stir in heavy cream and shredded mozzarella until melted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls, dollop with ricotta mixture, and broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances the flavors. Adjust spice levels according to preference.