Introduction to One Pot Lasagna Soup
Cozy season is upon us, and what better way to indulge than with a warm bowl of one pot lasagna soup? This dish combines all the flavors you love about traditional lasagna but in a simplified format that's perfect for busy weeknights. Imagine savoring a comforting meal that not only satisfies your cravings but is also a breeze to prepare, allowing you more time to unwind after a long day.
Why One Pot Meals Are Perfect for Young Professionals
For young professionals, time is often of the essence. Juggling work, personal commitments, and social life can make meal prep feel daunting. One pot meals like this lasagna soup simplify cooking by combining all your ingredients in a single pot. This means fewer dishes to wash and less time spent in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—enjoying your meal and sharing it with friends or family.
Moreover, this one pot lasagna soup is not just easy to make; it’s versatile too! You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, whether that's swapping in leaner proteins or adding extra vegetables. With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’re just one dish away from a satisfying homemade meal! Ready to dive in? Let’s whip up this delicious dish together.
Ingredients for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Soup
To create a delicious one pot lasagna soup, you'll want to gather the following core ingredients:
- Lean Ground Beef: This adds a rich, hearty flavor.
- Italian Ground Sausage: It infuses the soup with a savory kick.
- Olive Oil: A little drizzle helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
- Yellow Onion and Garlic: These are essential for that aromatic base.
- Tomato Paste & Red Pasta Sauce: Both bring the classic lasagna flavors.
- Seasonings: A mix of oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper elevates the dish.
- Broth: Beef or chicken broth is key for a flavorful liquid base.
- Lasagna Noodles: Break them into pieces for easy cooking.
- Fresh Spinach: This adds a pop of color and nutrition.
- Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create that creamy, cheesy goodness we love in lasagna.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Nutrition
Looking to boost the nutritional profile of your one pot lasagna soup? Consider these tasty optional additions:
- Vegetables: Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers can increase fiber and nutrients.
- Beans: Cannellini or kidney beans make a great addition for extra protein.
- Leafy Greens: Kale can serve as a wonderful substitute or addition to spinach.
- Seasonal Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavors even more.
These little tweaks can help make your soup not just comforting but also healthy and packed with vitamins! If you’re eager for more ideas, check out resources like Healthline or EatingWell for inspiration.
Preparing One Pot Lasagna Soup
A warm bowl of one pot lasagna soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It brings the comforting flavors of lasagna into a delightful, easy-to-make soup. Let’s dive into preparing this tasty dish!
Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients for the one pot lasagna soup. Organizing everything beforehand not only makes the cooking process smoother but also ensures you won’t forget anything crucial. Here’s a handy checklist:
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- ½ lb Italian ground sausage
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 jar (24 oz) red pasta sauce or marinara
- Spices: red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and thyme
- 7 cups beef or chicken broth
- 9-10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh cheese: ½ cup shredded Parmesan, 1 cup ricotta, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella
With everything prepped, you’re ready to start!
Sauté the Meat and Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat medium-high heat and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until browned, stirring frequently. If there's excess grease, you can dab it with a paper towel. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a bowl.
Now it’s time to build flavor! In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions, sautéing for about 5 minutes until tender. Then, add the minced garlic and give it a stir. For an extra flavor boost, mix in the tomato paste and cook it for just a minute — this caramelizes the sugars, giving your soup a richer taste.
Combine the Flavors in Your Dutch Oven
Next, it’s time to bring all those wonderful flavors together. Add in your seasonings along with the red pasta sauce and your broth. Return the cooked meat to the pot. Bring everything to a low simmer and let the flavors meld beautifully.
Add the Noodles and Simmer
Now for the fun part! Drop in your broken lasagna noodles and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles become tender to your liking. If you prefer a soupy consistency, feel free to add more broth as needed. As a final touch, toss in the fresh baby spinach towards the end to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
Finish with Greens and Cheeses
Finally, it’s time to serve. Stir in the shredded Parmesan and mix well. For a creamy touch, combine the ricotta and mozzarella in a bowl, then dollop this delightful cheese mix into your one pot lasagna soup before serving. Your taste buds will thank you!
This dish is not just flavorful; it’s also versatile. Got leftover ingredients? Check out ideas on how to customize your soup further at Food Network and Serious Eats. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations on One Pot Lasagna Soup
Vegetarian One Pot Lasagna Soup
Looking for a meatless option? Craft a vegetarian one pot lasagna soup by swapping out the sausage and beef for a colorful array of veggies. Sauté zucchini, mushrooms, and yellow squash with the onion and garlic for added texture and flavor. Not only will this variation satisfy your cravings, but it’ll also sneak in some extra nutrients!
Alternative Proteins for One Pot Lasagna Soup
If you're in the mood for a lighter dish, consider using alternative proteins. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef and sausage while saving calories without sacrificing flavor. For a fun twist, try adding lentils or chickpeas for plant-based protein. This way, you can enjoy the cozy comfort of lasagna soup while keeping it healthy and hearty!
Cooking Tips and Notes for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your one pot lasagna soup, remember to avoid overcooking the noodles—aim for al dente since they'll continue to soften in the broth. Additionally, don’t skip sautéing the tomato paste! This little step can elevate flavor significantly. Finally, always taste your soup before serving; adjusting the salt and spices can make a world of difference.
Storing and Freezing Your Soup
To keep your one pot lasagna soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, skip adding the cheese before freezing! Portion it into freezer-friendly containers, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove for a wonderfully cozy meal. Need more tips on food storage? Check out FoodSafety.gov for best practices!
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Best Accompaniments for a Complete Meal
To elevate your one pot lasagna soup into a nourishing feast, pair it with a simple side salad featuring fresh greens and a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, is specially delightful for dipping into the savory broth. For something truly comforting, consider a classic Caesar salad or roasted vegetables — both bring vibrant flavors and textures that complement the rich soup.
Creative Serving Ideas to Impress Guests
Impress your friends by serving the one pot lasagna soup in elegant bowls, and top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color. For an added touch of decadence, consider a homemade garlic butter crostini on the side. And don't forget to present a selection of cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh mozzarella, for guests to add their own twang. Who doesn't love customization? Personalized dining experiences always win hearts!
Time Breakdown for One Pot Lasagna Soup
Preparation Time
Getting ready for this cozy dish won’t take long! Expect to spend about 10 minutes gathering your ingredients and chopping your onions and garlic.
Cook Time
Once prepped, this flavorful one pot lasagna soup simmers to perfection in just 30 minutes.
Total Time
In about 40 minutes total, you’ll have a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for sharing, making it an ideal choice for a busy weekday dinner.
For more tips on speeding up your meal prep, check out these meal prepping techniques. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Facts for One Pot Lasagna Soup
When whipping up a comforting bowl of one pot lasagna soup, it's easy to treat both your cravings and your nutritional needs. Here's a quick look at what you can expect in terms of nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 2390mg
With hearty ingredients, this soup not only satisfies but also packs a protein punch! For more detailed nutrition insights, check out this helpful resource on dietary guidelines.
FAQs about One Pot Lasagna Soup
Can I use gluten-free noodles for this soup?
Absolutely! Gluten-free noodles are a fantastic option for this one pot lasagna soup. Just make sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can vary. You may need to adjust the broth slightly based on how much liquid the noodles absorb.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super simple! Allow the soup to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. It can last up to five days in the refrigerator. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to leave out the cheese until you're ready to serve; it freezes better that way.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you're out of ricotta or prefer something different, cottage cheese works well in this recipe. You can also try mascarpone or cream cheese for a rich texture. Each option will add a unique twist to your delicious one pot lasagna soup, so feel free to experiment!
Conclusion on One Pot Lasagna Soup
In summary, this one pot lasagna soup is a game changer for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it's sure to win over your family’s hearts. Plus, you’ll love the convenience of minimal cleanup! Don’t hesitate to make this hearty meal part of your regular rotation.
One Pot Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- dutch oven or soup pot
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb lean ground beef see notes
- 0.5 lb Italian ground sausage
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 jar (24 oz) red pasta sauce or marinara
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.25 teaspoon salt more to taste as needed
- 0.25 teaspoon black ground pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed, dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 7 cup beef or chicken broth
- 9-10 noodles uncooked lasagna, broken into pieces
- 3 cup fresh baby spinach
- 0.5 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 cup fresh ricotta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Break the lasagna noodles into 4ths and set aside. In a large dutch oven or deep pot, brown the meat together on medium high, stirring often (about 8-10 minutes). Soak up the grease with a paper towel in the pot, or drain the grease in the trash. Once browned, set aside in a bowl. Add the onions directly to the pot, use olive oil if needed, or you can brown it in the grease remnants.
- Sauté onions for about 5 minutes, add in minced garlic, stir. Next add in tomato paste. Let it cook directly on the heated pot for a minute before mixing it in, this gives it a much better flavor.
- Add in seasonings, red tomato sauce/marinara, broth, meat and bring it all to a low simmer. Add in the broken lasagna noodles, cover and bring down to a rough simmer for about 20 minutes or until lasagna noodles are cooked to your liking. Add the spinach last and let it wilt. If you want the mixture more soupy, add some more broth otherwise leave it as is.
- Add in Parmesan to the soup. Mix ricotta with shredded mozzarella in a small bowl. Serve the soup and dollop each bowl with ricotta mozzarella mixture. Enjoy!
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