One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese

If you love classic lasagna but dread the layers, the waiting, and the messy cleanup, this One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese will be your new favorite. It brings everything you love about a traditional lasagna—tender pasta, rich tomato broth, hearty ground beef, melted mozzarella, and creamy ricotta—into one cozy pot of soup.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it skips the long bake time of oven lasagna. In less than an hour, you’ll have a warm, flavorful soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Plus, since it’s a one-pot dish, cleanup is a breeze (and who doesn’t love fewer dishes?).

The ricotta cheese swirl on top makes every spoonful creamy and indulgent, while fresh basil and Italian seasoning tie everything together with that signature lasagna flavor. This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and comforting, this lasagna soup checks every box. Once you try it, you may never go back to traditional lasagna again.

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What Makes This One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese Special?

• All the flavor of lasagna without the fuss: No layering, no waiting, no casserole dish. Just one pot and one spoon.

• Creamy ricotta topping: Instead of baking ricotta between pasta sheets, you dollop it fresh on top for a silky, cheesy bite in every spoonful.

• Ready in under an hour: Weeknight-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

• One-pot convenience: Easy prep, minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.

• Customizable: Works with ground beef, sausage, chicken, or even vegetarian swaps.

This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver because it’s hearty enough to feel special but quick enough for an everyday dinner. The trick is cooking the pasta right in the broth so it absorbs all the tomato and spice flavor. Adding the ricotta just before serving keeps it creamy and prevents the soup from becoming heavy.

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Ingredient Notes

Here’s a closer look at the star ingredients and what makes them essential:

• Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage): Adds richness and a meaty base. Swap with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.

• Onion and Garlic: Build the aromatic foundation. Don’t skip these—they bring depth and sweetness.

• Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: Tomato paste adds concentrated flavor, while crushed tomatoes create the hearty broth. Fire-roasted tomatoes work great for extra smokiness.

• Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth): Forms the soup base. Low-sodium broth gives you more control over saltiness.

• Lasagna Noodles: Break them into bite-sized pieces. If you don’t have lasagna sheets, rotini or penne work fine.

• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy topping that mimics lasagna layers. Cottage cheese is a decent substitute if needed.

• Mozzarella & Parmesan: For melty, gooey, and nutty cheese flavor.

• Italian Seasoning & Fresh Basil: Brings that authentic lasagna taste. Oregano or thyme can be added if you like stronger herb notes.

• Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics. Any neutral oil works, but olive oil adds a hint of richness.

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How To Make One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese

1. Brown the Meat
   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Break into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté Aromatics
   Add 1 diced onion and 4 cloves minced garlic to the pot. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly (this deepens flavor).

3. Build the Base
   Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 6 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

4. Cook the Pasta
   Break 8 lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add directly to the pot. Lower heat to medium and simmer 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender but not mushy.

   Tip: If broth gets too thick, add ½ cup extra broth or water.

5. Finish with Cheese
   Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve with Ricotta
   Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a heaping spoonful of ricotta and sprinkle with fresh basil.

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Storage Options

• Room Temperature: Let soup cool no longer than 2 hours at room temp.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days. Pasta will absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating.

• Freezing: Freeze without the pasta for best texture. Make soup base, cool, then freeze up to 3 months. Add pasta fresh when reheating.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir in a little broth to refresh.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.

• Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

• Creamier Version: Stir ricotta directly into the pot for a richer, creamier texture.

• Seasonal Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

• Low-Carb Option: Replace lasagna noodles with zucchini ribbons or use low-carb pasta.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, but cook the pasta separately and add it when serving to prevent sogginess.

2. What if my soup is too thick?
   Add extra broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
   Yes, cottage cheese works. Blend it for a smoother texture.

4. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
   Yes. Cook meat and aromatics first, then transfer to a slow cooker with tomatoes and broth. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.

5. How can I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or your favorite GF pasta brand.

6. Can I freeze leftovers with pasta?
   It’s possible, but pasta will soften too much. Best to freeze without pasta.

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Conclusion

This One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. If you’re craving cozy Italian flavors without the effort of traditional lasagna, this soup will hit the spot.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share a photo or tag me—I’d love to see your version!

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