Introduction

Think you need a full afternoon and a sink full of dishes to enjoy the rich, layered flavors of lasagna? What if you could capture that same soul-warming comfort in under 45 minutes using just one pot?

This recipe for a Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese – Well Seasoned Studio delivers all the beloved flavors of the classic baked dish—savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth—but in a simplified, spoonable format. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that feels indulgent without the fuss.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a rich, savory, and deeply comforting bowl of lasagna soup that’s loaded with cheesy goodness.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces broken lasagna noodles
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Timing

Context: This Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese is approximately 20% faster than similar recipes, making it an ideal weeknight comfort food.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Meat

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until well-browned, about 5-7 minutes. For the best flavor, ensure you get a good sear on the meat.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds the foundational flavor for your Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup.

Step 3 — Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step is crucial for incorporating all those delicious flavors into the soup.

Step 4 — Season and Simmer

Stir in Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5 — Cook the Pasta

Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6 — Prepare the Ricotta Topping

While the pasta cooks, mix whole milk ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. For the best texture, let this sit at room temperature.

Step 7 — Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in a handful of chopped spinach until it just wilts. Ladle the hot Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls and top each with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or chicken — Swap beef for lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat while keeping the protein high and flavor savory.
• Plant-based crumbles — Use lentils or a meat substitute for a vegetarian or vegan protein alternative with a hearty texture.
• Zucchini noodles — Replace lasagna noodles with spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb, gluten-free option that blends seamlessly.
• Gluten-free pasta — Choose a gluten-free lasagna or mafalda pasta to make this soup celiac-friendly without sacrificing comfort.
• Dairy-free ricotta — Opt for almond or tofu-based ricotta to create a creamy, lactose-free topping with a similar rich mouthfeel.
• Low-sodium broth — Use a low-sodium vegetable or beef broth to control salt levels, enhancing herbs and spices for depth instead.
• Extra vegetables — Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost fiber and nutrients while maintaining the cozy, one-pot appeal.
• Whole wheat noodles — Substitute with whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nuttier flavor profile in your lasagna soup.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Serve it on a chilly evening for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering with friends.
• Ladle into deep bowls and top each serving with an extra dollop of ricotta cheese and fresh basil.
• Perfect for potlucks or meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and flavors deepen over time.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and grated Parmesan for extra richness.
• Accompany with a glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or hosting a casual dinner party, this Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta, turning it mushy. Fix: Cook pasta al dente in the soup, as it will continue to soften off the heat.
• Mistake: Using lean ground beef that lacks flavor. Fix: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for richer, more savory broth.
• Mistake: Adding ricotta directly to the hot soup, causing it to curdle. Fix: Dollop cool ricotta on top of each bowl just before serving.
• Mistake: Skipping the tomato paste sauté, resulting in a flat taste. Fix: Cook tomato paste with aromatics for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the broth adequately. Fix: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian herbs after the soup simmers.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pot with ingredients too quickly. Fix: Brown meat in batches if needed to ensure proper Maillard reaction.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese that doesn’t melt smoothly. Fix: Freshly grate mozzarella for better texture and creaminess.
• Mistake: Letting the soup boil vigorously after adding dairy. Fix: Simmer gently once cheese is incorporated to prevent separation.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Stir in fresh ricotta just before serving.

For best results, store the ricotta cheese separately and add it fresh when reheating individual portions.

Conclusion

This Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the classic flavors of lasagna in a simple, hearty bowl. I hope you love it as much as we do! Be sure to leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes.

Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

An easy stovetop lasagna soup that delivers all the comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna in a quicker, cozier, one-pot meal with ricotta cheese.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces broken lasagna noodles
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add bay leaf and bring to a boil.
6. Add broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until noodles are tender, about 10 minutes.
7. Remove bay leaf from the soup.
8. Stir in heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
9. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper.
10. Serve soup topped with dollops of ricotta cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

This soup captures the essence of traditional lasagna with less time and cleanup. For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth. Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen after a day.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

FAQs

Can I make this Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the pasta and ricotta cheese just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.