If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this One Pot Lasagna Soup with Spinach Recipe. Trust me, this soup packs all the flavors of classic lasagna but comes together in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want dinner without the fuss. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how rich and hearty it was — plus, the spinach adds a fresh twist that’s just perfect. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your soup is absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Pot Convenience: Less cleanup and simpler cooking mean you enjoy more time at the table.
- Rich, Authentic Flavors: Tomato paste and spices deepen the taste, bringing classic lasagna vibes in soup form.
- Balanced Nutrition: Beef, sausage, spinach, and cheeses offer a hearty yet fresh meal.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: Everyone from kids to grown-ups goes crazy for this wholesome dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One Pot Lasagna Soup with Spinach Recipe is in how the ingredients harmonize — savory meats, tangy tomato, tender noodles, and fresh spinach come together beautifully. When shopping, go for good quality ground beef and sausage, and fresh leafy spinach to keep flavors vibrant.
- Lean ground beef: I prefer 90% lean to keep it hearty but not greasy.
- Italian ground sausage: Adds spice and depth; you can choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
- Olive oil: Just a splash for sautéing onions if you need it.
- Yellow onion: Chopped finely to melt into the soup and build flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic amps up the aroma — never skip it!
- Tomato paste: A little trick I learned is to cook it briefly in the pot for a richer base.
- Red pasta sauce or marinara: Choose your favorite for that saucy tomato goodness.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to add a gentle heat that wakes up the soup.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Essential for seasoning; add gradually and taste as you go.
- Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that seal the deal on authenticity.
- Beef or chicken broth: Use low sodium so you control the saltiness better.
- Uncooked lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces; they cook right in the soup, so no pre-boiling needed.
- Fresh baby spinach: Added at the end to keep it bright and fresh.
- Shredded parmesan, fresh ricotta, shredded mozzarella: Cheese trio that makes each bite creamy and irresistible.
Variations
I love how adaptable this soup is, so I usually tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Feel free to get creative or keep it classic — either way, it’ll be comforting and delicious.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef and sausage for mushrooms or plant-based crumbles; just boost the seasoning to keep the depth.
- Spicy Kick: I’ve added extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when I need a little heat — it wakes up the whole dish.
- Cheese Lovers: Add dollops of ricotta inside the pot at the end for an even creamier texture.
- Seasonal Spinach Swap: Try kale or swiss chard if you want a sturdier green or something different.
How to Make One Pot Lasagna Soup with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats for Maximum Flavor
Start by breaking your lasagna noodles into fourths and setting them aside — this little prep makes the cooking easier later. Heat a large dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Stir often and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until nicely browned. This step is key because browning the meat builds the base flavor of your soup. Once done, drain the grease carefully — I usually soak it up with a paper towel right in the pot because it’s easier.
Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic & Tomato Paste
Next, toss your chopped onions straight into the pot. If you drained all the grease, add a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until they’re translucent and soft, then add the minced garlic. After stirring the garlic in until fragrant, drop in the tomato paste. Here’s a little trick I discovered — let the tomato paste cook undisturbed for a full minute before stirring. This caramelizes the paste a bit and deepens the flavor, avoiding any raw or bitter taste.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base with Seasonings and Broth
Time to add your magic seasonings — red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Pour in your jar of red pasta sauce or marinara, and then the broth (beef or chicken). Stir everything together, then add the browned meat back into the pot. Bring it all to a low simmer, letting the flavors meld for a few minutes. This part always smells so good, I can’t wait!
Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Finish with Spinach
Now, gently stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover the pot and lower the heat so the soup simmers gently. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, checking occasionally — the noodles should be tender but still hold their shape. Toward the end, add your fresh baby spinach and stir it in, allowing it to wilt quickly. If you want the soup a bit more brothy, add some extra broth here. I usually like mine thick and cozy, though.
Step 5: Add Cheese for Creamy Goodness
When your soup is almost ready, sprinkle in the shredded parmesan and stir to melt it through. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta with shredded mozzarella to get that classic creamy combo. Ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of the ricotta-mozzarella mixture on top — it melts beautifully and adds that perfect cheesy finish.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Lasagna Soup with Spinach Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning both the beef and sausage develops deeper, meaty flavor that makes this soup unforgettable.
- Cook Tomato Paste Properly: Letting it sit for a moment in the hot pot without stirring unlocks those rich umami notes.
- Break the Noodles: Breaking lasagna noodles makes them easier to eat in soup form and avoids giant pasta chunks.
- Adjust Broth for Consistency: Add extra broth if you prefer a soupier texture, but remember noodles soak up a lot as they cook.
How to Serve One Pot Lasagna Soup with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with a sprinkle of extra parmesan for a salty finish and fresh basil leaves when I have them on hand — they bring a lovely brightness. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a few chili flakes gives just the right extra kick.
Side Dishes
This soup is pretty hearty on its own, but I like to serve it alongside a big green salad or some crusty garlic bread. Both soak up the soup beautifully and make the meal feel complete without extra fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve ladled this soup into mini bread bowls filled with melted cheese — it’s a fun twist that wows guests. You can also serve the ricotta-mozzarella topping as a side dip for bread, letting everyone scoop as they please. It makes the meal interactive and extra cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I let the soup cool a bit before transferring leftovers to airtight containers. It keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just a heads up — the noodles absorb more liquid over time, so the soup thickens. If that happens, stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup a couple of times — just skip adding the fresh spinach and cheeses until after reheating for best texture. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. It reheats beautifully for a quick weeknight meal.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add your fresh spinach and cheeses once it’s warmed through so they stay fresh and creamy rather than overcooked. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles in this soup?
Yes! You can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles just fine. Keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly, so check noodle tenderness as you go.
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What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to stir the soup occasionally during simmering and break the noodles into smaller pieces. Also, keeping it at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil helps keep noodles separate.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply replace the meats with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
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How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Fresh chopped jalapeños sautéed with the onions also work wonderfully.
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Is it necessary to add all the cheeses?
You can absolutely adjust the cheeses based on your taste or dietary needs. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, ricotta brings creaminess, and mozzarella melts beautifully — but feel free to mix and match.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this One Pot Lasagna Soup with Spinach Recipe turns out every single time — it’s warm, filling, and downright delicious. When my family sits down to this meal, the house fills with happy sighs and bellies are full of comfort. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is totally easy, and honestly, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen for chilly evenings or whenever I crave something hearty with minimal cleanup. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as we do. Seriously, once you make this, it might just become your family’s new favorite too!
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One Pot Lasagna Soup with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Lasagna Soup combines all the bold, hearty flavors of classic lasagna in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. With Italian sausage, lean ground beef, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese, this soup delivers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Using broken lasagna noodles cooked directly in the broth, it’s a one-pot wonder that saves time and cleanup while still offering all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- ½ lb Italian ground sausage
- 1 tsp olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (24 oz) jar red pasta sauce or marinara
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp salt (more to taste as needed)
- ¼ tsp black ground pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp crushed dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Liquids and Pasta
- 7 cups beef or chicken broth
- 9-10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Greens and Cheese
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- 1 cup fresh ricotta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Break the lasagna noodles into fourths and set aside. In a large Dutch oven or deep pot, heat over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together, stirring often for 8-10 minutes. Drain or blot excess grease from the pot once the meat is browned. Transfer the cooked meat to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add onions directly to the pot. Add olive oil if the pot is dry or use remaining grease from the meat browning. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and stir.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it on the heated pot for about one minute before mixing thoroughly. This step enhances the tomato flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Add the red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and thyme. Pour in the jar of red pasta sauce or marinara and the broth. Return the browned meat to the pot and stir to combine.
- Simmer with Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cover and reduce heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender according to your preference.
- Add Spinach: Add fresh baby spinach to the pot and stir just until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a soupier consistency, add additional broth as needed.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir the shredded Parmesan cheese directly into the soup. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and dollop each serving with the ricotta and mozzarella mixture. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- This soup is perfect for cozy, chilly days when you want the flavors of lasagna without the fuss of multiple pans or long baking times.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with just ground beef or turkey for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch more red pepper flakes if you want a spicier kick.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- Feel free to swap fresh spinach for kale or other hearty greens if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 2390 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg