“`html
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna in a cozy, slurpable form, then this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. It brilliantly combines all the hearty goodness of classic lasagna with the ease and speed of soup-making, turning a traditionally time-consuming dish into a weeknight winner. With layers of savory ground beef or Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, tender pasta noodles, and a trio of creamy cheeses, each spoonful feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the savory depth from the meat, the bright acidity of tomatoes, or the melty cheeses that create that dreamy texture you crave. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides rich, meaty flavor and a satisfying protein base.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Creates the thick, tangy tomato base that’s quintessential for lasagna.
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth: Builds the soup’s body and boosts savory notes.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Infuses a classic Italian herb flavor essential to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Adds fresh, sweet herbal undertones.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and balance.
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Bring that signature pasta element in a soup-friendly form.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a delicate, slightly tangy texture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey goodness throughout.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish to round out the cheeses.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Lifts the dish with a burst of color and fresh herbiness.
How to Make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and adding the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and fragrant, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy and to allow the other flavors to shine.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the browned meat. Sauté these until the onion turns translucent and tender—which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes—releasing that sweet, savory aroma that will make your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth with Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef or vegetable broth, then sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine so the flavors start to blend and the liquid simmers gently before adding the pasta.
Step 4: Incorporate the Lasagna Noodles
Gently add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, making sure they’re fully submerged in the flavorful liquid. This is key to getting them tender and perfectly cooked in the pressure cooking stage.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Soup
Seal the Instant Pot with its lid and set it to manual pressure cooking mode for 15 minutes. This step cooks the noodles through while melding all the rich, saucy flavors together, creating a luscious soup base reminiscent of classic lasagna.
Step 6: Release Pressure and Stir in the Cheeses
Once cooking is complete, allow a natural release for about 5 minutes to prevent any splattering, then finish with a quick release to let out remaining steam. Open the lid carefully and immediately stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and perfectly creamy throughout the soup.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and add fresh basil leaves on top if you like. This final touch adds a lovely herbal brightness and a pop of green that just makes everything feel special.
How to Serve Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is my favorite way to garnish this soup—its aroma and color brighten each spoonful instantly. For an extra indulgent touch, a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can never go wrong. Don’t hesitate to add a crack of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil to elevate the presentation and taste even more.
Side Dishes
Because this soup is so hearty, lighter sides work beautifully alongside it. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or simple garlic bread for dipping makes a perfect pairing. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or even a glass of your favorite red wine to complete the Italian-inspired experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting family-style meal, serve the soup in rustic bowls and place a small plate of grated cheese nearby so everyone can customize their toppings. You can also ladle the soup into bread bowls for a fun, edible serving vessel that adds extra comfort and flavor. No matter how you serve it, this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is bound to impress every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day! Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute those delicious, cheesy bits.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soup anytime without the fuss, it freezes well too. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor remains just as wonderful.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to keep the cheese creamy and prevent sticking. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free lasagna noodles or any gluten-free pasta broken into pieces can be swapped in without a problem. Just check the cooking time on your pasta package; the 15 minutes in the Instant Pot should work well for most varieties.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef or sausage with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or diced bell peppers and use vegetable broth. Adding a plant-based protein such as lentils can also add heartiness while keeping it vegetarian.
Why do I need to break the lasagna noodles into pieces?
Breaking the noodles helps them cook evenly and fit better in the pot so they soften nicely in the soup. It also makes eating the soup easier since you get pastas in manageable, bite-sized portions.
Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?
While the recipe is designed for the Instant Pot to save time, you can make it on the stovetop in a large pot. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic as instructed, then simmer the soup with the noodles until tender. This will take longer but is definitely doable.
How can I adjust the soup to be spicier?
For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when you add the herbs, or stir in a dash of hot sauce before serving. You can also swap Italian sausage for a spicy variety if you want to bring some heat without extra steps.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite weeknight meals because it packs the soul-satisfying warmth of traditional lasagna into a quick, comforting bowl of soup. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something cozy and delicious without all the effort. Give it a try—you may just find yourself making it again and again!
“`
Print
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a rich and flavorful soup. With browned ground beef or Italian sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, crushed tomatoes, herbs, and tender lasagna noodles, finished with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a quick, delicious twist on traditional lasagna made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasonings
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté mode. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, and cook until browned thoroughly. Drain any excess fat if needed to reduce grease in the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic into the browned meat. Continue sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes, releasing their flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then add oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly to develop the soup’s base flavor.
- Add Pasta: Gently add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid to cook evenly during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid properly and set to manual pressure cooking mode for 15 minutes. This will cook the noodles and blend flavors perfectly.
- Release Pressure: After the cooking time completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining steam safely.
- Add Cheeses: Open the lid and stir in ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix the soup well until the cheeses melt and combine into a creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil if desired for a fragrant, fresh touch. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth makes this soup suitable for lacto-vegetarians if you omit the meat.
- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces for easier eating and even cooking.
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
