Hearty One Pot Lasagna Pasta Recipe

Effortless One Pot Lasagna Pasta Recipe: Comfort in Minutes

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delightful one pot lasagna pasta that combines classic Italian flavors in a simplified, stress-free meal.

Layers of rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

No fancy techniques or multiple pans required for this culinary magic.

The streamlined cooking method ensures maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this recipe’s simplicity and depth of flavor.

Every single bite promises a delicious journey through traditional lasagna elements, reimagined in one convenient pot.

Dive into this easy and mouthwatering dish that transforms weeknight dinners into something truly special.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

One Pot Lasagna Pasta Ingredients

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef or Sausage: Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein punch, choose high-quality meat with moderate fat content for optimal taste and texture.
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown meat evenly and adds subtle fruity undertones, select extra virgin for best quality.
For Aromatic Builders:
  • Onion: Creates sweet foundational flavor, pick firm bulbs without soft spots.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense depth, seek fresh cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal complexity, look for freshly packaged mix.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
For Creamy Cheese Topping:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Offers smooth, delicate texture, choose whole milk variety for richness.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Ensures classic stretchy melting quality, select freshly shredded for best results.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, sharp accent, opt for authentic wedge and grate yourself.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides bright finishing garnish, select vibrant green leaves.

Cooking Gear For One Pot Lasagna Pasta

  • Large Pot or Deep Skillet: Essential for cooking the entire one-pot lasagna pasta dish, providing ample space for layering ingredients and simmering.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up meat, stirring ingredients, and preventing sticking without scratching the pot's surface.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning broth, tomato paste, and seasonings to maintain the recipe's balanced flavors.
  • Cheese Grater: Handy for freshly grating Parmesan cheese, which adds a richer taste compared to pre-grated options.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions and garlic, ensuring even cooking and distributing flavors throughout the dish.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean, safe surface for preparing ingredients before adding them to the pot.

How To Prepare One Pot Lasagna Pasta Fast

  • Meat Preparation

Brown ground beef or sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Break the meat into small, bite-sized pieces while cooking. Remove any extra grease from the pan.

  • Flavor Foundation

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and a sprinkle of herbs for an aromatic boost. Let the ingredients dance together for a minute.

  • Sauce Creation

Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, creating a rich liquid base. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop depth.

  • Pasta Magic

Nestle broken lasagna noodles into the sauce. Ensure each noodle is completely covered. Cover the pot and let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes perfectly tender and the sauce thickens.

  • Cheesy Finale

Dollop creamy ricotta across the surface. Scatter mozzarella and Parmesan generously on top. Cover and let the cheese melt into a golden, irresistible blanket.

  • Serving Moment

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the dish. Serve immediately with a crisp side salad or crusty bread for a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.

Tasty Tweaks For One Pot Lasagna Pasta Sauce Or Fillings

  • Perfect Pasta Tricks: One Pot Lasagna Masterclass
  • Noodle Hack: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before cooking to ensure even cooking and easier serving. This prevents large, unwieldy noodle fragments and helps sauce coat every bite perfectly.
  • Meat Selection Magic: Experiment with different ground meats like turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to match dietary preferences. Lean meats reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profiles.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Substitute dairy cheeses with cashew ricotta or nutritional yeast for vegan versions. Dairy-free mozzarella alternatives work wonderfully for lactose-intolerant food lovers.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat tolerance. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, increase gradually for spice enthusiasts who enjoy a kick in their pasta dishes.

Serving One Pot Lasagna Pasta Family Style

  • Cheesy Comfort Companions: Pair this hearty One Pot Lasagna Pasta with crispy garlic bread slices for soaking up the rich, savory sauce.
  • Fresh Garden Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette to balance the dish's robust flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with extra crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts for added crunch and depth, creating a more substantial and textured dining experience.
  • Wine Harmony: Complement the pasta's rich tomato and cheese profile with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the meal's overall flavor complexity.

Best Way To Store One Pot Lasagna Pasta

  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Divide cooled lasagna pasta into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks. Stack containers neatly in the refrigerator.
  • Refrigeration Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods in the fridge.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion and freeze single servings in freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals. Will stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave with a splash of extra broth to restore original creamy texture. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent dry spots.
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Hearty One Pot Lasagna Pasta Recipe

Hearty One Pot Lasagna Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy one pot lasagna pasta delivers Italian comfort in a simplified, streamlined dish. Home cooks can quickly craft this hearty meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken or beef broth
  • 8 oz (225 g) uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 2 tbsps tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Meat Transformation: Sear ground beef or sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking into crumbly pieces. Drain excess fat to maintain a clean flavor profile.
  2. Aromatic Base: Sauté chopped onions until translucent, then blend in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the ingredients to release their intricate fragrances and meld together.
  3. Sauce Creation: Integrate crushed tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste into the meat mixture. Simmer gently, allowing the sauce to develop rich, complex flavors and achieve a harmonious consistency.
  4. Pasta Integration: Submerge broken pasta sheets directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender.
  5. Cheese Finale: Strategically dollop ricotta across the pasta’s surface. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a molten cheese layer. Cover briefly to allow the cheese to melt into a luxurious, golden topping.
  6. Serving Flourish: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Complement the dish with a crisp salad or rustic garlic bread to complete this innovative one-pot culinary experience.

Notes

  • Choose Lean Meat: Select ground beef with lower fat content (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile in the dish.
  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Break lasagna noodles into similar-sized pieces and stir frequently during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even sauce absorption.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes carefully to match personal heat preferences; start with a small pinch and gradually increase for desired intensity.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to melt naturally by covering the pot briefly, creating a perfect golden-brown top without overcooking or burning the surface.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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