Name: Lasagna Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp MSG (optional); 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 12 oz mini lasagna noodles (or penne, farfalle, fusilli, or other short pasta); 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese; 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Fresh basil, optional for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy one-pot meal, ready in less than an hour
Packed with all the classic lasagna flavors without the layering
Family-friendly and hearty enough to serve a crowd
Flexible—you can use different types of pasta or cheese
Great for meal prep as the flavors deepen the next day

Lasagna Stew

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp MSG (optional)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
12 oz mini lasagna noodles (or penne, farfalle, fusilli, or other short pasta)
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil, optional for garnish

Directions

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Flatten the ground beef into thin patties and place them in the pot. Cook undisturbed until browned on the bottom, 6–8 minutes, then flip and brown the other side.
Break the beef into bite-sized chunks. Add onion and garlic; cook until onions are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, MSG, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Add pasta and cook until tender, about 12–14 minutes (time may vary depending on pasta type).
Stir in cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until heated through.
Serve hot, topped with more cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

This lasagna stew makes 8 servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cook time is 35 minutes, for a total of 50 minutes. Each serving has around 337 calories.

Variations

Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some liquid, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Note that the pasta may soften slightly after freezing.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna stew ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze lasagna stew with pasta in it?

Yes, but the pasta texture may soften after thawing. For best results, freeze the stew without pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

What type of pasta works best?

Mini lasagna noodles are traditional, but penne, fusilli, farfalle, or shells work just as well.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How do I make it creamier?

Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese, or stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down longer to get the same rich, saucy texture.

What can I serve with lasagna stew?

It pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking when reheating?

Cook the pasta slightly underdone if you plan to store and reheat. Add extra broth when warming it up.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef, onion, and garlic first, then add everything except the pasta and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours, stir in pasta for the last 30 minutes, then add cheeses before serving.

Is MSG necessary?

No, it’s optional. It enhances flavor, but you can skip it if preferred.

Conclusion

Lasagna stew is the perfect balance of cozy comfort food and weeknight convenience. With all the classic flavors of lasagna in a hearty, cheesy bowl, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you enjoy it fresh, prep it ahead, or freeze it for later, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Lily