One-Pot Lasagna Soup: Best 30-Minute Comfort Meal Recipe

Tomato sauce simmering on the stove takes me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. Her lasagna was legendary in our family, layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese that required hours of preparation. But what if I told you that you could enjoy those same comforting flavors in just 25 minutes? That’s the magic of one-pot lasagna soup—all the taste with a fraction of the effort.

Did you know that searches for “one-pot meals” have increased by 71% in the past year? As our lives get busier, we’re all looking for shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor, and this one-pot lasagna soup delivers exactly that.

Why One-Pot Lasagna Soup Matters

One-pot lasagna soup has become a sensation for good reason—it transforms a labor-intensive Italian classic into an accessible weeknight meal. The dish maintains the rich flavors and satisfying elements of traditional lasagna while eliminating the lengthy assembly process. You can also see this dish in action in TikTok’s VIRAL Quick Pasta HACK. If you enjoy hearty one-pot meals, you might also appreciate Hearty Beef Barley Soup or One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for more dinner options.

One-Pot Lasagna Soup Ingredients

Substitution Ideas:

Ingredient Spotlight: Why Each Element Matters

Ground Beef

The foundation of any good lasagna soup, ground beef provides richness and protein. Extra-lean cuts offer the flavor without excess fat, creating a cleaner broth with all the meaty satisfaction.

Mafalda Pasta

These miniature, ruffled pasta pieces mimic lasagna noodles perfectly. Their shape captures sauce in every bite, creating the ideal lasagna experience in spoonable form. If unavailable, rotini’s spiral shape works wonderfully too.

Marinara Sauce

Using a pre-made sauce saves significant time without sacrificing flavor. Look for options with minimal additives for the cleanest taste profile. The concentrated tomato flavor provides that signature lasagna character.

Cheese Combination

The dual approach of mozzarella and ricotta recreates authentic lasagna layers. Mozzarella delivers that iconic stretch, while ricotta adds creamy pockets of richness throughout the soup.

Fresh Herbs

Never underestimate the power of fresh herbs. They bring brightness to the rich, savory base and elevate the entire dish from good to memorable.

Timing: From Pot to Table

Stovetop Method:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Slow Cooker Method:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 4-8 hours
• Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes

Instant Pot Method:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes (including pressure build-up and release)
• Total time: 15 minutes

The stovetop method is 75% faster than traditional lasagna, which typically requires at least 2 hours between preparation and baking. Even the slow cooker method offers hands-off convenience that traditional lasagna simply can’t match.

Instructions: Creating Your One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Stovetop Method

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, break up the ground beef over medium-high heat. Allow it to develop some caramelization before stirring too much—those browned bits add tremendous flavor to your soup base.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once the beef is browned (about 5 minutes), add your diced onions and minced garlic. The secret here is to let the onions become translucent but not browned, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This creates a sweet foundation without any bitter notes.

Step 3: Season and Build Flavor

Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring for 30 seconds to bloom the dried herbs. This quick toast releases essential oils and amplifies their flavor profile throughout the soup.

Step 4: Create the Soup Base

Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any caramelized bits—this is where the magic happens! These browned pieces dissolve into the liquid, creating depth you simply can’t get from packaged mixes.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Simmer

Once boiling, add your pasta of choice. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially in the final minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then immediately top with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and a dollop of ricotta. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheeses, creating that authentic lasagna experience.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a scatter of fresh herbs for color, aroma, and a burst of freshness that balances the rich soup.

Slow Cooker Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Brown the beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet first. This step is non-negotiable—it creates essential flavor compounds that won’t develop in the moist environment of a slow cooker.

Step 2: Transfer and Add Ingredients

Move the meat mixture to your slow cooker, then add all remaining ingredients except pasta and cheeses. The slow, gentle heat will marry the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Set and Forget

Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, depending on your schedule. The flexibility here is what makes one-pot lasagna soup perfect for busy days.

Step 4: Add Pasta at the Finish Line

Add your pasta during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This prevents it from becoming overly soft while still allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of the broth.

Step 5: Serve with Cheese Toppings

Finish with cheese and herbs as in the stovetop method.

Instant Pot Method

Step 1: Sauté Function

Use the sauté setting to brown the beef, onions, and garlic directly in the Instant Pot—one less pan to wash!

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add seasonings, marinara, broth, and pasta, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Seal and cook on high pressure for just 3 minutes. Yes, you read that correctly—3 minutes is all it takes for perfectly cooked pasta in a flavorful broth.

Step 4: Quick Release

Use quick release to prevent overcooking the pasta, then serve with cheese toppings as directed above.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect One-Pot Lasagna Soup

1. 
   

   Don’t Skip the Browning: Properly browning the meat creates the foundation of flavor. Take your time with this step, even if you’re using the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

   
   
2. 
   

   Pasta Selection Matters: While mafalda pasta creates the most authentic lasagna experience, broken lasagna noodles can work too. If using regular lasagna sheets, break them into roughly 2-inch pieces.

   
   
3. 
   

   Cheese Application Timing: Add the cheeses just before serving, never during cooking. This preserves their distinct textures and prevents them from disappearing into the soup.

   
   
4. 
   

   Broth Consistency Control: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth by 1 cup. For a thinner, more soup-like consistency, add an extra cup of broth.

   
   
5. 
   

   Herb Freshness: Save the fresh herbs for garnish at the end. Cooking them too long diminishes both their color and flavor impact.

   
   

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or a hearty mixture of mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for depth.

Spicy One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning, or stir in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce at the end of cooking. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra kick.

Loaded Garden One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Add 1 cup each of diced bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This variation increases the vegetable content while maintaining the familiar lasagna flavor profile.

Gluten-Free One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Rice-based pastas work particularly well in this recipe, though you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Behind the Recipe

This one-pot lasagna soup was born from my eternal struggle between wanting homemade lasagna and lacking the time to make it properly. After a particularly hectic week when I had all the ingredients for lasagna but none of the patience to layer it, I threw everything into a pot out of frustration. The resulting soup was so delicious that it’s now in regular rotation in my household—proving that sometimes the best recipes come from our kitchen shortcuts and happy accidents.

Pairing Ideas

• Garlic Bread: The classic accompaniment to any tomato-based pasta dish, perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, vinaigrette-dressed salad provides refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Particularly good in winter, roasted brussels sprouts or broccoli complement the richness of the soup.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: The brightness and bubbles cut through the richness of the soup beautifully.
• Italian Cream Soda: For a treat, a vanilla or cherry cream soda makes this meal feel special.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

The soup thickens considerably overnight as the pasta continues to absorb liquid. Transform leftovers by:

• Baked Pasta Dish: Mix with additional cheese and bake until bubbly for a new take on the original.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use as a filling for bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until tender.
• Savory Hand Pies: Combine with a bit of additional cheese, encase in pastry, and bake for portable lunches.
• Lasagna Soup Frittata: Mix with beaten eggs and bake for a protein-packed breakfast option.

Nutritional Information

One serving of one-pot lasagna soup (approximately 1.5 cups) contains approximately:

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg

These values vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

Present your one-pot lasagna soup in wide, shallow bowls that showcase the components. Place the ricotta in the center with mozzarella around it, creating a striking visual presentation. Garnish with a small sprig of basil or parsley positioned at “2 o’clock” on the bowl for restaurant-style plating.

For family-style service, bring the pot to the table with cheeses and herbs in separate bowls, allowing everyone to customize their portion. This interactive element makes dinner more engaging and ensures everyone gets their perfect cheese-to-soup ratio.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. 
   

   Overcooking the Pasta: Remember that the pasta continues cooking after you remove it from heat. Aim for slightly firmer than al dente when you turn off the heat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Under-seasoning: Pasta dishes require generous seasoning. Taste before serving and adjust salt levels as needed.

   
   
3. 
   

   Rushing the Beef Browning: Properly browned meat creates foundational flavor. Don’t stir too frequently during this stage.

   
   
4. 
   

   Adding All Cheese During Cooking: This causes the cheese to dissolve completely rather than creating those delicious pockets of melted goodness.

   
   
5. 
   

   Using Low-Quality Marinara: Since this is a primary flavor component, choose a sauce you’d enjoy eating on its own.

   
   

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover one-pot lasagna soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid, so when reheating, add 2-4 tablespoons of broth or water per cup of soup to restore the original consistency.

For freezing, it’s best to freeze without the pasta, adding fresh pasta when reheating. If freezing with pasta included, use slightly undercooked pasta in the original recipe. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals at 70% power, stirring between intervals.

FAQs About One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Conclusion: Why One-Pot Lasagna Soup Deserves a Place in Your Recipe Collection

One-pot lasagna soup delivers everything we love about traditional lasagna—the comforting flavors, the satisfying combination of pasta and sauce, the indulgent cheese—but in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Whether you choose the quick stovetop method, the hands-off slow cooker approach, or the lightning-fast Instant Pot technique, this versatile recipe adapts to your schedule while consistently delivering delicious results. The best part? It’s incredibly forgiving and adaptable, making it perfect for customizing to your family’s preferences.

Made this one-pot lasagna soup? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

One-Pot Lasagna Soup: Best 30-Minute Comfort Meal Recipe

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• Author: Erin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This cozy One-Pot Lasagna Soup is pure comfort food that brings all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, hearty bowl! Packed with tender ground beef, rich marinara sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and topped with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, this soup delivers that gooey, cheesy goodness you crave. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze while creating a meal that makes family dinners extra special. Perfect for chilly evenings when you want maximum comfort with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 jar (650ml) marinara sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups dried mafalda pasta or rotini
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, sauté ground beef over medium-high heat until nicely browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, continuing to sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions are softened.
3. Build the Base: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, marinara sauce, and beef broth. Mix everything well to combine all flavors.
4. Simmer and Add Pasta: Bring mixture to a boil, then add pasta. Cover with lid and simmer for about 20 minutes until pasta is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve with Cheese: Ladle soup into large bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
6. Garnish and Enjoy: Finish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

Cooking Method Options: This recipe works with stovetop (25 minutes), slow cooker (4 hours high/8 hours low, add pasta in last 30 minutes), or Instant Pot (sauté 5 minutes, pressure cook 3 minutes with quick release). Pasta Tips: Mafalda or rotini work best as they hold the sauce well. Ensure pasta is fully submerged in liquid for even cooking. Cheese Tips: Add cheeses just before serving to maintain best texture and prevent overcooking. Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep 2-3 days refrigerated. Add extra broth when reheating as pasta absorbs liquid. Make-Ahead: Can prepare through step 3, then add pasta when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of recipe)
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: lasagna soup, one pot meal, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy soup