This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! It has all the classic flavors of lasagna, like rich tomato sauce, cheesy goodness, and hearty pasta, but in a warm, comforting soup.
Honestly, who doesn’t love one-pot meals? I just toss everything in the Instant Pot, let it work its magic, and soon I’m enjoying a big bowl of warm yumminess—perfect for chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives this soup a hearty flavor. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms instead.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. Shallots can work well if you want a slightly different taste.
Broth: Beef broth enhances the savoriness of the soup. For extra flavor, consider using homemade broth. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great alternative.
Pasta: Lasagna noodles are traditional, but bowtie or fusilli pasta are fun substitutions. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish friendly for all diets.
Cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic choices. If you’re dairy-free, there are excellent vegan cheese options available, or you can simply skip the cheese for a lighter soup.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta in the Soup?
Cooking pasta in the Instant Pot can be tricky, but here are a few tips to get it just right:
- Break the lasagna noodles into pieces so they fit well and cook evenly. Don’t stir them into the broth before sealing; this helps prevent sticking.
- The cooking time for the noodles will be just right with about 5 minutes of high-pressure cooking, which works perfectly for most types of pasta.
- After releasing pressure, gently stir the pot to combine the soup without overcooking the pasta.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta that makes every bowl satisfying!
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (or bowtie pasta)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. You will spend a few minutes sautéing and mixing before letting the pot do its thing. In total, from start to finish, you can enjoy your delicious lasagna soup in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Pour in the olive oil and once it’s hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or sausage) to the pot. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
3. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. This will enhance the flavors in your soup!
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Now, pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir everything well to combine. This will be the hearty base for your soup.
5. Season the Soup:
Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if you like a little spice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
6. Add the Noodles:
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Important: Do not stir them in; just let them float on top.
7. Cook Under Pressure:
Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual/high pressure for 5 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. This step is where the magic happens!
8. Release the Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release to let the steam out. Be cautious as hot steam will escape.
9. Stir In the Cheeses:
After opening the lid, gently stir the soup to combine everything. Now, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until they’re melted and deliciously mixed in.
10. Serve It Up:
Using a ladle, serve the warm soup in bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a lovely finish.
11. Enjoy!
Finally, dig in while it’s hot! You can add extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your comforting bowl of lasagna soup!
This comforting lasagna soup captures the flavors of classic lasagna with the ease and speed of an Instant Pot meal, perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even make it vegetarian with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or a combination of Greek yogurt and crumbled feta for a delicious twist!
