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Throw together this simple One-Pot Lasagna Soup when you're craving that Italian flavor without the hassle. It's packed with all the tasty bits - noodles, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese - but just tossed in a single pot. It's your go-to when time's tight but you still want food that seems like you spent hours making it.
Benefits of This Dish
Forget those tedious layers from traditional lasagna. Everything cooks together - fewer things to clean afterward. It's practically foolproof - comes out delicious every single time. Saves great for tomorrow's lunch too. The trio of cheeses creates a super rich texture. This one's a winner with even the toughest food critics at your table.
Ingredients List
- Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced
- Tomatoes: 1 large can diced
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can
- Tomato Paste: Small can
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Water: As needed
- Italian Spices: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Pasta: 3 cups farfalle
- Cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan
- Parsley: Fresh for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Start cooking:
- Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat.
- Cook meat:
- Add beef, onions, garlic. Crumble meat while browning. Pour off excess fat.
- Add wet stuff:
- Mix in tomatoes, sauce, paste, broth. Blend well.
- Add flavor:
- Sprinkle in Italian spices, salt, pepper. Combine thoroughly.
- Put in pasta:
- Stir in farfalle pasta. Bring soup to a gentle boil.
- Let it cook:
- Lower heat. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pasta should become tender.
- Check soup:
- If too dense, pour in extra broth. Adjust seasoning now.
- Add cheese:
- Drop dollop of ricotta into each bowl. Scatter mozzarella, parmesan on top.
- Make it pretty:
- Top with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy while hot.
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Child-Friendly Favorite
Delivers that classic lasagna flavor but it's way more fun with a spoon. The cheese trio makes it super yummy. Cleanup's a breeze with just one pot afterward. Perfect for bigger families - yields plenty of servings.
Beginner-Friendly Cooking
This dish is totally foolproof. If you know how to brown meat and pop open some cans, you've got this covered. Don't stress about precise measurements - soups are flexible. Toss in more of whatever you prefer. Your kitchen will smell incredible during prep.
Customization Options
Not into beef? Swap in ground turkey or Italian sausage. Any pasta shape does the trick. Want some kick? Toss in red pepper flakes. Love cheese? Go heavy-handed. Some people mix in fresh spinach at the final stage. Adjust it to match your family's taste buds.
Perfect Leftover Meal
Keeps nicely in the fridge for 5 days. Thickens overnight - just add a little broth when heating again. Works great in lunch containers - stays warm in a thermos. Tastes actually better the following day as the flavors blend more.
Storage Tips
Cool completely before storing away. Store in containers with snug-fitting covers. Freezes well up to 3 months. When ready to eat, warm slowly on stovetop. Mix while reheating to prevent sticking. Consider making twice as much - freezes perfectly for those hectic evenings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cheese works best here?
Go with a trio for that lasagna kick: ricotta's creamy, mozzarella melts just right, and parmesan adds some sharpness. Fresh mozzarella's amazing, but the regular kind is fine too. Don't wanna fuss? Grab a packaged Italian blend instead. And remember to sprinkle cheese when it's hot so it melts perfectly. Some keep extra cheese aside for leftovers. Need more flavor? Mix herbs in the ricotta first. No parmesan? Provolone adds depth!
- → What if I skip the meat?
Totally doable! Veggie crumbles or cooked lentils (2 cups) are great swaps. Mushrooms add a meaty vibe, or toss in zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. Cauliflower or eggplant can bulk it up too. Just make sure veggies are tender but not soft. Don't forget to use veggie broth instead of beef. Even without meat, the cheese will keep things rich and cozy!
- → What kind of pasta works well?
Bowties (farfalle) hold sauce nicely and look cute, but any small pasta like penne or macaroni works. Wanna get creative? Snap up lasagna noodles into chunks. Skip tiny shapes like orzo—they might get lost in the soup. To keep pasta firm, cook it separately or add it towards the end. Don't overdo it—mushy pasta? Nope. For easy storing, pasta on the side is best!
- → How do I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool before storing. It stays fine in the fridge (5 days max) if sealed tight. For freezing up to 3 months, keep pasta separate—add fresh pasta when reheating. Soup may separate when cold, but don't worry; stir it while warming up and it'll blend again. For the best taste, heat it slowly on the stove. Microwave works in short intervals with stirring. If it's too thick, add broth!
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Super easy! Pick a gluten-free pasta—brown rice or corn-based ones hold up best in soups. For safety, cook the pasta separately till just right. Make sure your broth doesn’t sneak in any wheat—always check the labels! Most tomato products are fine, but double-check. Need the soup thicker? Use cornstarch instead of flour. Everything else—cheese, veggies, meat—is already good to go!
Conclusion
Into Italian dishes? Try baked rigatoni, hearty meat sauce for any pasta, or stuffed shells loaded with cheese—delicious options that use the same great flavors.