01 -
First things first, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in your ground beef or sausage. Break it up with a spoon and brown it thoroughly, letting all those delicious bits get crispy. Drain off any excess fat – I usually just tilt the pot and use a spoon to scoop it out. Then, add your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, until it’s translucent and smells sweet, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the kitchen starts smelling amazing, honestly.
02 -
Now for the garlic! Add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot, stirring constantly for about a minute until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; I’ve definitely done that, and it makes everything bitter, oops! Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook it for another minute, letting it darken slightly. This step really deepens the tomato flavor of your One Pot Lasagna Soup, giving it a richer base. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, giving everything a good stir to combine.
03 -
Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together, creating a truly rich and savory broth. This part of making One Pot Lasagna Soup always makes my house feel so warm and inviting, truly a comforting smell. You can even let it go a bit longer if you have time; the flavors will only get better!
04 -
Uncover the pot and bring the soup back to a simmer. Now, it's time for the lasagna noodles! Break them into roughly 1-2 inch pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Stir well to make sure they're fully submerged and not sticking together. I always stir them a few times in the first few minutes to prevent clumping. Cover the pot again and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. Don't overcook them, or they'll get mushy, trust me!
05 -
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated and the soup looks beautifully creamy. This is where the magic happens and your One Pot Lasagna Soup transforms into something truly decadent! Taste and adjust the seasonings – you might need a little more salt or pepper. Sometimes I add a splash more broth if it's too thick, it just depends on the day.
06 -
Ladle the hot One Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls. Here's my favorite part: top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, and a scattering of fresh basil leaves. The ricotta will melt slightly into the warm soup, creating little pockets of creamy goodness. It looks so fancy, but it was all so easy! Serve immediately and enjoy that incredible, comforting aroma and taste. It’s truly a hug in a bowl, I swear.