Introduction to One Pot Lasagna Soup
Why One Pot Lasagna Soup is a Game Changer for Busy Young Professionals
Are you a busy young professional juggling work, social life, and personal interests? If so, you know the struggle of finding the time to prepare a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter the one pot lasagna soup—a scrumptious solution that combines comfort food with convenience!
This dish gives you all the hearty flavors you love about traditional lasagna, but in a quick and easy soup format. No layering, no baking—just simple stovetop magic. Perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is a warm bowl of goodness! And the best part? It makes enough to feed your whole crew (or provide delicious leftovers for lunch all week long).
Made with rich ricotta, savory ground beef, and plenty of melty mozzarella, this recipe will satisfy your cravings without the hassle. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze since everything is cooked in one pot!
For a great reference to the effectiveness of one-pot meals in saving time and promoting healthier eating, check out this article by the Harvard School of Public Health. So gather your ingredients and let’s dive into making this fabulous one pot lasagna soup!
Ingredients for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Creating a delightful one pot lasagna soup is a breeze once you gather your ingredients. Let’s break it down into two sections: the creamy ricotta mixture that elevates the soup, and the hearty components that create the soup base.
Ricotta Mixture Ingredients
For the perfect ricotta blend, you’ll need:
- 10oz whole milk ricotta cheese: This gives a creamy base.
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Always a favorite for melting goodness.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp flavor to balance the creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Just a touch to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A must-have for that signature Italian taste.
Lasagna Soup Ingredients
Now, let’s focus on the heart of the soup:
- ½ pound ground beef: Provides rich flavor.
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage: For that authentic depth.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Never underestimate the power of seasoning.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper: A pinch of heat.
- 1 sweet yellow onion, diced: Sweet and savory at once.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid gold of your soup!
- 24oz marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or even homemade.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: For that aromatic finish.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves: More Italian vibes!
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): To spice up your life.
- 9–11 lasagna noodles, broken: Choose regular or gluten-free!
Once you have everything assembled, you're on your way to making a hearty, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. Enjoy the process!
Step-by-Step Preparation for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Making a one pot lasagna soup is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. This dish captures the classic flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering—and with only one pot to clean! Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to get you on your way.
Combine the Ricotta Mixture
Start things off by preparing the ricotta mixture, which will add a creamy touch to your one pot lasagna soup. In a large bowl, mix together 10 oz of whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. To give it a little zest, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and a tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything until well-combined, cover the bowl, and pop it into the fridge. This mixture will be a delightful addition when you're ready to serve.
Brown the Meat
Next, heat a large Dutch oven to medium-high. Add ½ pound of ground beef and ½ pound of ground Italian sausage. As you cook the meat, break it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked—aim for a nice golden hue! Drain any excess grease but leave a tablespoon for flavor. Season the meat with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Toss in 1 diced sweet yellow onion and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
Create the Soup Mixture
Once your meat mixture is ready, it’s time to create the heart of your one pot lasagna soup. Pour in 5 cups of chicken broth and 24 oz of marinara sauce. Stir in ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a simmer, tasting and adjusting the salt as needed—just keep in mind that your ricotta will add saltiness later!
Cook the Noodles
For the final step in the cooking process, break your lasagna noodles (about 9-11, regular or gluten-free) into your preferred size and toss them into the pot. Stir them in and let everything simmer until the noodles are cooked al dente. Consult the package instructions for timing to ensure they’re perfectly tender.
Serve the Soup
Now for the best part—time to serve your delicious one pot lasagna soup! Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the prepared ricotta mixture. Finish with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some extra basil leaves for that beautiful presentation. Enjoy your hearty meal that’s bound to please!
By following these steps, you’ll create a comforting dish that warms the soul. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience!
Variations on One Pot Lasagna Soup
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
For a delightful twist, try this vegetarian lasagna soup version! Simply replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with a mix of your favorite veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also enhance the flavor by sautéing them with the onions and garlic. Incorporating a protein-packed option such as lentils or chickpeas is a great choice too! Don't forget to use a rich vegetable broth and keep that creamy ricotta mixture on top for that indulgent touch. For added inspiration, you can explore delicious vegetarian recipes that showcase seasonal produce.
Gluten-Free Version of Lasagna Soup
If you're following a gluten-free diet, worry not! Simply substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free options available at your local supermarket. They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can choose your favorite. Just ensure they are broken into smaller pieces before adding to your soup. Using a gluten-free marinara sauce also keeps this dish friendly for those with dietary restrictions. For a little extra zest, sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end, adding not just flavor but also a lovely pop of color. For more tips on gluten-free cooking, check out this fantastic guide.
Cooking Tips and Notes for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to customize your one pot lasagna soup! If you prefer a different protein, try using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef. For a lighter version, swap the whole milk ricotta for a dairy-free alternative, and use gluten-free lasagna noodles if needed. You can also experiment with store-bought marinara sauces; brands like Rao’s or even a homemade option can bring diverse flavors to your soup.
Storage Options
After enjoying your delicious one pot lasagna soup, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you're looking to stock up, freeze the soup without the noodles and ricotta mixture in a freezer-safe container. It'll stay good for about 2-3 months! Simply reheat on the stove and add the noodles before serving for a fresh taste.
For more on leftover storage, check out this resource.
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Creative Garnishes
Elevate your one pot lasagna soup with delightful garnishes! Consider topping each bowl with a dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture, which adds a rich flavor and beautiful contrast. Fresh basil leaves not only enhance the soup's aroma but also make it visually appealing. For a zesty kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil. If you're a cheese lover, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan to your heart's content!
Pairings for a Complete Meal
To make this comforting soup a full meal, pair it with a simple side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing. Some crunchy garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks would nicely complement the soup's hearty flavors. Serve with a refreshing drink, like sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a glass of iced tea, for a satisfying dining experience that balances richness and freshness.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our recipe for easy garlic bread to complete your meal!
Time Breakdown for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Preparation Time
Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal! The preparation time for this one pot lasagna soup is a quick 10 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and mixing the ricotta mixture, so you’ll be cooking in no time!
Cooking Time
Once you’ve prepped, the cooking time is approximately 30 minutes. This allows enough time for the flavors to meld beautifully while the noodles get perfectly al dente.
Total Time
All in all, the total time to prepare this cozy dish is just 40 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch.
With this time breakdown, you can see how straightforward and rewarding making this one pot lasagna soup can be! If you’re in the mood for more Italian-inspired recipes, check out homemade marinara sauce to elevate your flavors even further!
Nutritional Facts for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Calories Per Serving
Each serving of our One Pot Lasagna Soup contains approximately 333 calories. This makes it a satisfying yet light meal choice, especially on chilly evenings when comfort foods are a must!
Key Nutrients
This delicious soup is not only rich in flavor but also packs some key nutrients:
- Protein: 19.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 39.5 g
- Fat: 10.1 g
- Sugar: 14.7 g
- Sodium: 1867.3 mg
With the combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and cheeses, this meal provides a substantial dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
For more detailed nutritional information, you can refer to resources like the USDA Food Data Central or the NutritionData website, where you can dive deeper into the specifics of each ingredient used. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Lasagna Soup knowing you're fueling your body well!
FAQs about One Pot Lasagna Soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! One pot lasagna soup is great for meal prep. You can prepare the entire pot in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat when you're ready to enjoy it. The flavors only deepen as it sits!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to prolong its life, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to add the noodles and ricotta mixture upon reheating for the best texture.
What can I add to make it even heartier?
To elevate your one pot lasagna soup, consider adding:
- Vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Beans: Cannellini or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
- Chicken or Turkey Chunks: For a different meat option, shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey can be excellent additions.
Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand! You can also check out more tips on hearts soups here.
Conclusion on One Pot Lasagna Soup
In wrapping up, this one pot lasagna soup is not just a meal; it's a cozy experience. Perfect for cold nights, it's simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor that everyone will love. Try it out, and make the kitchen your happy place! For more delicious recipes, explore our other favorites.
One Pot Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
Ricotta Mixture
- 10 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 0.25 cups parmesan cheese shredded
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Lasagna Soup
- 0.5 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
- 0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 sweet yellow onion diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 0.25 cups fresh basil chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
- red pepper flakes pinch (optional)
- 9-11 lasagna noodles broken (regular or gluten-free)
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the Ricotta Mixture ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until later.
- Bring a large Dutch Oven to medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage; move around the pan until fully cooked. Drain excess grease (it’s okay to leave a little, but no more than a tablespoon). Season with salt and pepper. Add diced onion and garlic. Move around pan until the onion has softened, approx. 1-2 minutes.
- Add 5 cups chicken broth, jar of marinara sauce, chopped basil, dried oregano leaves, & a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Taste and add additional salt as necessary.
- Break lasagna noodles into your preferred size and add them to the pot. Simmer until noodles are cooked al dente. Remove from heat.
- Divide into bowls and serve with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture, freshly grated parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves.
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