One Pot Lasagna Soup Meal Prep
ONE POT Lasagna Soup Meal Prep is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 480 calories per serving. Recipe by Jason Alexander Kim on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $13.95 total, $2.32 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (93% lean, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (For browning)
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or table salt)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (Blended until smooth for extra protein)
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (Canned, no‑salt added)
- 4 cups Bone Broth (Beef or chicken, low‑sodium)
- 2 cups Lasagna Noodles (Broken into bite‑size pieces)
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil (Chopped)
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese (Full‑fat, for creaminess)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and blend the cottage cheese in a blender until completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Brown Meat and Aromatics
Heat the large pot over medium‑high heat, add olive oil, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 4‑5 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Cook until the onion is translucent.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Incorporate Cottage Cheese
Stir the blended cottage cheese into the browned meat mixture, mixing well to combine.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Add Tomatoes and Bone Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bone broth. Increase heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: High
Cook Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and add them to the boiling soup. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the noodles are al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
Time: PT2M
Portion and Store
Ladle the soup into six airtight containers, allow to cool to room temperature for 15 minutes, then seal and refrigerate.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 480
- Protein
- 50 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Low‑calorie
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lean Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken, Plant‑based ground meat
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste, Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Herbes de Provence
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Fresh oregano, chopped
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt, Ricotta cheese
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, San Marzano whole tomatoes, crushed
- Instead of Bone Broth: Low‑sodium chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Broken penne, Small pasta shells, Gluten‑free lasagna noodles
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Fresh parsley, Dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese (extra blended), Mascarpone
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater (optional)
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef and aromatics to develop flavor.
- Incorporating blended cottage cheese without curdling.
- Cooking the broken lasagna noodles to al dente, not over‑cooked.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium bone broth to control salt levels.
- Break lasagna noodles before adding to ensure even cooking.
- A splash of red wine vinegar at the end brightens the soup.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after noodles absorb liquid.
Stir in additional bone broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are mushy.
Reduce cooking time by 2‑3 minutes next time, or add noodles later in the simmer.
Cottage cheese curdles.
Lower the heat before adding cottage cheese and stir continuously; add it gradually.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the soup completely before sealing containers to avoid condensation.
- If you prefer firmer noodles, undercook them by 1‑2 minutes; they will finish cooking when reheated.
- Add fresh basil right before serving for brightest flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern, comfort‑food adaptation of the classic Italian baked lasagna. It emerged in the United States as a quick, one‑pot version that captures the layered flavors of meat, tomato sauce, cheese and pasta while fitting busy lifestyles.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian‑American cooking?
Some regions add Italian sausage instead of ground beef, others use spinach or kale for extra greens. In the Southwest, a touch of chipotle or smoked paprika is common, while in the Northeast, ricotta is often swapped for cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
How is lasagna soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. A side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad often accompanies the soup.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup associated with in Italian‑American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, lasagna soup is popular for family gatherings, pot‑lucks, and casual weeknight meals because it can be made in large batches and feeds a crowd.
How does lasagna soup fit into the broader Italian‑American cuisine tradition?
It reflects the Italian‑American love for hearty, cheese‑laden dishes while adapting to modern convenience. The soup keeps the core flavors of traditional lasagna—meat, tomato, cheese, and pasta—yet delivers them in a quick, spoon‑friendly format.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for lasagna soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef or Italian sausage, canned San Marzano tomatoes, bone broth, lasagna noodles, ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for leaner meat, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for protein, gluten‑free pasta, and low‑sodium broth.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with lasagna soup?
Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic bread, or a simple antipasto platter of olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats for a balanced meal.
What makes lasagna soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in delivering the layered, cheesy richness of baked lasagna in a single‑pot, soup‑like form that cooks quickly, makes meal‑prepping easy, and provides a high protein count without the heaviness of a casserole.
How has lasagna soup evolved over time in Italian‑American cooking?
Originally a home‑cooked shortcut, lasagna soup has evolved with health‑focused tweaks—using lean ground beef, cottage cheese for extra protein, and bone broth for depth—while still honoring the classic flavor profile.
What are common misconceptions about lasagna soup?
A common myth is that the soup must be thick like a stew; in reality, it should be broth‑based with al dente noodles. Another misconception is that it’s low‑protein; using cottage cheese and lean meat boosts protein dramatically.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lasagna soup?
Overcooking the noodles makes them mushy, adding cottage cheese at too high a heat can cause curdling, and under‑seasoning the broth leaves the soup flat. Follow the critical steps for browning meat and simmering noodles al dente.
Why does this lasagna soup recipe use blended cottage cheese instead of just ricotta?
Blended cottage cheese adds a smooth, high‑protein base without the heaviness of full‑fat ricotta, while still providing a creamy texture. It also helps thicken the broth slightly without overwhelming the flavor.
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, portion the soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened, and stir in fresh basil before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making lasagna soup?
The broth should be rich and slightly thickened, the noodles should be tender yet firm to the bite (al dente), and the cheese should be melty with small dollops of ricotta visible. A bright green garnish of fresh basil signals it’s ready.
What does the YouTube channel Jason Alexander Kim specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jason Alexander Kim focuses on healthy, high‑protein meal‑prep recipes that are quick, affordable, and designed for weight‑loss or fitness‑oriented lifestyles, often featuring one‑pot or minimal‑equipment dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Jason Alexander Kim's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Jason Alexander Kim emphasizes nutritional balance—especially protein content—while simplifying classic Italian‑American dishes into meal‑prep friendly, under‑500‑calorie versions, whereas many other channels prioritize indulgence or traditional preparation methods.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
