Easy Vegan Lasagna Soup (One-Pot, 30-Minute Recipe)

Let’s be honest, we all crave the cheesy, layered perfection of a classic lasagna. But who has the time for all that layering and baking on a busy weeknight?

What if you could have all that rich, tomatoey, and comforting flavor simmered to perfection in one pot, in about 30 minutes? That’s exactly what you get with this soul-warming Vegan Lasagna Soup.

It’s the ultimate comfort food hack—less work, less cleanup, and all the robust flavor of its namesake. This recipe is designed to be your new weeknight hero, delivering a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Why This One-Pot Vegan Lasagna Soup is a Must-Try

This recipe isn’t just another soup; it’s a complete game-changer for busy evenings. Here’s why this one-pot wonder will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

• Effortless & Quick: It captures the essence of lasagna—the rich tomato broth, the hearty “meaty” texture, the tender noodles—without the painstaking layering and long baking time. Everything comes together in one pot in roughly 30 minutes.
• Minimal Cleanup: The beauty of a one-pot meal is in the name. Sauté your aromatics, build the broth, and cook the noodles all in the same pot, which means you can say goodbye to a sink full of dishes.
• Incredibly Versatile: Whether you’re a fan of plant-based grounds like Beyond or Impossible, or you prefer whole-food options like lentils and mushrooms, this recipe adapts to you. It’s a fantastic way to clean out the vegetable drawer and boost the nutritional value.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: The familiar and beloved flavors of lasagna make this soup an instant hit with both adults and kids. It’s hearty, delicious, and a fantastic way to introduce more plant-based meals.

The Secret to That Authentic Lasagna Flavor

The magic of this soup lies in using simple, high-impact ingredients. Understanding their role can take your soup from good to great.

• Fire-Roasted Marinara & Tomato Paste: Using fire-roasted marinara adds a subtle smokiness and depth that regular sauce lacks. Tomato paste is a non-negotiable; it’s a concentrated source of umami that builds the rich backbone of the broth. Cooking tomatoes also increases the bioavailability of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, as noted in studies published by Cornell University researchers.
• Vegan Ground “Beef”: Options like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods provide a savory, meaty texture that closely mimics traditional lasagna. For a whole-food alternative, brown or green lentils are a fantastic, fiber-rich substitute.
• Fresh Basil: While dried herbs form the base flavor, finishing with fresh basil is key. Its aromatic oils are released right at the end, adding a burst of fresh, peppery flavor that brightens the entire dish. Basil itself contains beneficial compounds like eugenol, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Creamy Vegan Ricotta: This is what makes the soup truly feel like lasagna. A dollop on top melts slightly into the hot broth, creating pockets of creamy richness. You can use store-bought versions like Kite Hill or make your own from cashews or tofu for a custom touch.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients List

This recipe is broken down into two simple parts: the soup base and the essential toppings that make it feel just like lasagna.

For the Soup

• Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
• Yellow Onion & Garlic: The essential flavor base for any good soup.
• Vegan Ground Beef: 16 ounces of your favorite brand, or 1.5 cups of cooked brown lentils.
• Marinara Sauce: A 24-ounce jar, preferably fire-roasted for extra depth.
• Tomato Paste: Two tablespoons to build a rich, umami-packed broth.
• Vegetable Broth: 7 cups of a quality, low-sodium broth.
• Dried Herbs: 1 tsp dried basil and ½ tsp dried oregano.
• Red Chili Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, or more if you like extra heat.
• Lasagna Noodles: 9 noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces.
• Baby Spinach: 3 cups, stirred in at the end for a touch of green and extra nutrients.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

For the Toppings

• Vegan Ricotta: A must-have for that classic lasagna experience.
• Vegan Mozzarella & Parmesan Shreds: For cheesy, melty goodness.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped, for a fresh, aromatic finish.

How to Make Vegan Lasagna Soup Step-by-Step

Follow these steps for a perfect bowl of lasagna soup every time.

1. Sauté the Base: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and vegan ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the “beef” with a spoon until it’s browned and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
2. Build the Broth: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce and vegetable broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red chili flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Simmer the Noodles: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and stir. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
4. Wilt the Spinach: Once the noodles are cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the residual heat for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of vegan ricotta, a sprinkle of vegan mozzarella and parmesan, and a garnish of fresh chopped basil.

Expert Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

A few simple tricks can elevate your soup and ensure foolproof results.

• Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste Sauté: Cooking the tomato paste for a minute before adding the liquids is a chef’s trick called “blooming.” It caramelizes the sugars in the paste, removing any raw or metallic taste and creating a much deeper, richer flavor base.
• Cook Noodles to Al Dente: The noodles will continue to soften in the hot broth even after you turn off the heat. To avoid a mushy texture, cook them until they are just tender with a slight bite.
• For a Creamier Broth: If you love a richer, more decadent soup, stir in ¼ to ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream at the very end, after you’ve turned off the heat.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Don’t just follow the recipe blindly. The saltiness of your broth and marinara can vary. Taste the soup before serving and adjust with more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.

What to Serve with Your Lasagna Soup

Turn your delicious soup into a complete and satisfying meal with these simple serving ideas.

• Crusty Garlic Bread: The ultimate companion for sopping up every last drop of the rich, tomatoey broth. A slice of warm, crusty vegan garlic bread is non-negotiable! Serve it alongside the ultimate creamy white bean dip for a perfect appetizer.
• A Simple Italian Salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a fresh, crisp salad. Toss mixed greens or arugula with a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette, some cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
• Vegan Caesar Salad: For a more robust pairing, a hearty vegan Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a creamy, dairy-free dressing complements the Italian flavors of the soup perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of simple roasted broccoli or asparagus adds another layer of texture and nutritional value to your meal.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

Properly storing this soup is key, especially if you plan on having leftovers. The main challenge is preventing the noodles from becoming overly soft.

• Refrigeration: The soup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be aware that the noodles will continue to absorb the broth and soften over time. This happens because of a process called starch gelatinization, where the starch molecules in the pasta swell and absorb water, a process that continues even after cooking as the soup cools.
• Meal Prep Pro-Tip: If you’re making this soup for meal prep, cook and store the noodles separately. Prepare the soup base as directed but don’t add the noodles. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat a portion of the soup base and add your pre-cooked noodles for the last minute or two to warm them through. This keeps the noodles perfectly al dente.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well, but it’s best to do so without the noodles for the reasons mentioned above. Let the soup base cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, reheat on the stove, and cook a fresh batch of noodles to add in.

Vegan Lasagna Soup: Your Questions Answered

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making this soup.

• What can I use instead of vegan meat? If you’re not a fan of meat substitutes, you have plenty of options! Pre-cooked brown or green lentils are a fantastic choice for a hearty texture. You could also sauté 8 ounces of finely chopped mushrooms and/or zucchini with the onion for an earthy, vegetable-packed version.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles. Be sure to check the package instructions, as the cooking time may be different from standard wheat-based noodles.
• What kind of lasagna noodles work best? Standard, flat lasagna noodles are perfect. You don’t need to use “no-boil” noodles, although they would also work in a pinch. Just break them up into pieces about the size of a large postage stamp before adding them to the pot.
• How can I add more vegetables? This soup is a great canvas for extra veggies. Feel free to sauté diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onion at the beginning of the recipe for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion

This Vegan Lasagna Soup isn’t just a quicker way to enjoy a classic comfort food; it’s a testament to how simple, whole ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying and nourishing. It’s a perfect example of how plant-based eating can be hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new go-to weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. For another comforting classic, be sure to check out our best vegan French onion soup.