Lasagna Soup in the Instant Pot is a genius recipe that combines all the comforting elements of classic lasagna but in a soupy, hearty form. Think: layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, but in a bowl with a broth-based twist. This recipe delivers the essence of lasagna in a fraction of the time, all thanks to your trusty Instant Pot. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving that nostalgic Italian comfort food without the hassle of layering and baking.
The beauty of this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is how easily it comes together. The Instant Pot does the work for you, infusing the ingredients with flavors and tenderness, while you sit back and relax. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple to follow, full of flavor, and completely customizable.
Lasagna Soup Instant Pot Recipe
Let’s get right into it! This recipe is a fantastic way to indulge in a warm, comforting meal that gives you all the satisfaction of traditional lasagna without the work. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as the soup keeps well in the fridge and can even be frozen for later enjoyment.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Lasagna Soup in your Instant Pot:
- Ground Beef (or Italian sausage) – 1 lb (you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option)
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (fresh is best for maximum flavor)
- Crushed Tomatoes – 1 can (28 oz), which will form the base of your broth
- Tomato Sauce – 1 can (15 oz), to add richness to the broth
- Beef Broth – 4 cups (or use chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- Lasagna Noodles – 8-10 pieces (broken into halves or thirds, depending on your preference)
- Ricotta Cheese – 1 cup (for that signature cheesy lasagna flavor)
- Mozzarella Cheese – 1.5 cups shredded (adds a melty, gooey texture)
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup grated (for an extra layer of cheesiness)
- Dried Italian Herbs – 2 tsp (a combination of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Olive Oil – 1 tbsp (for sautéing)
- Red Pepper Flakes – optional, for a little heat
- Fresh Basil – for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Now let’s break down how you’re going to make this magical lasagna soup in your Instant Pot:
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Sauté The Meat & Vegetables
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Add The Liquids And Seasonings
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir again to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
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Layer The Lasagna Noodles
- Break the lasagna noodles into halves or thirds and add them to the pot. Press them into the liquid but don’t stir, as this helps the noodles cook evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
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Cook Under Pressure
- Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to Sealing.
- Set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) on high for 5 minutes. It’ll take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure.
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Quick Release & Stir
- Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to Venting to release the steam.
- Open the lid and stir the soup gently, breaking up any clumps of noodles.
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Finish The Soup
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. The heat of the soup will melt these cheeses into the broth, creating a creamy, cheesy finish.
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Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.
Enjoy your Instant Pot Lasagna Soup!
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef: Traditional lasagna often uses a meat sauce, so this is a staple. However, ground turkey or sausage brings a different flavor, with sausage adding a bit more spice and depth.
- Lasagna Noodles: Breaking them into smaller pieces allows for more even cooking and a better texture in the soup. They absorb the flavorful broth and soften perfectly.
- Cheeses: Ricotta gives that classic lasagna richness, while mozzarella melts beautifully into the soup. Parmesan adds sharp, salty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Broth: Using beef broth adds depth, but you can substitute it with vegetable or chicken broth for a lighter version of the soup.
Expert Tips
- Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: Instant Pots cook pasta quickly, so be sure not to go over the suggested cooking time or the noodles may become mushy.
- Layering in the Pot: Avoid stirring the noodles into the liquid before cooking to prevent clumping. After cooking, you can give it a good stir to break up any stuck pieces.
- Customize the Protein: Try mixing ground beef with Italian sausage for a more complex flavor profile. You could also swap for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Cheese Variations: For extra flavor, add some provolone or fontina cheese to the mix for a richer taste.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap out the meat for vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. This would still give you a delicious, comforting soup without the meat.
Recipe Variations
- Spinach & Ricotta: Add a handful of fresh spinach along with the cheese for a touch of green and added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or even a finely chopped jalapeño to turn up the heat.
- Different Noodles: Swap the traditional lasagna noodles for a different kind of pasta like penne or rotini. This will give the soup a different texture while still holding onto the flavor.
- Seafood Twist: For a unique variation, replace the beef with shrimp or crab for a seafood-inspired version.
Final Words
This Lasagna Soup Instant Pot recipe is a game-changer for those who love lasagna but want the comfort without the fuss. The Instant Pot makes it so much easier, faster, and less labor-intensive, but without sacrificing the rich, satisfying flavors you crave. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
Whether you follow the recipe to a T or get creative with variations, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s perfect for family dinners, impressing guests, or even meal prepping for the week.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Lasagna Soup In The Instant Pot?
To make lasagna soup in the Instant Pot, you’ll typically need ground beef or sausage, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, pasta (like broken lasagna noodles or penne), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef For Lasagna Soup In The Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef in the Instant Pot. Simply set the Instant Pot to the ’Saute’ function, and once the beef begins to release some fat, you can break it apart and cook it fully. Make sure to deglaze the pot with a little bit of broth or water to prevent burning.
How Do I Make The Lasagna Soup Creamy?
To make the lasagna soup creamy, you can add ricotta cheese, cream cheese, or a generous amount of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. Stir it in just before serving to ensure the soup is rich and creamy.
How Do I Cook The Lasagna Noodles In The Instant Pot Without Them Getting Soggy?
To avoid soggy noodles, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-inch pieces) and layer them on top of the liquid in the Instant Pot. Don’t stir before pressure cooking. This will help the noodles cook evenly and prevent them from becoming mushy.
How Long Should I Cook Lasagna Soup In The Instant Pot?
For a lasagna soup in the Instant Pot, cook the soup on high pressure for 5-7 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Can I Use Gluten-free Noodles In Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles in lasagna soup. Be sure to check the cooking time for your specific gluten-free pasta, as it may cook faster than traditional pasta. You may also want to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey For Ground Beef In Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in lasagna soup. Ground turkey is a leaner option and will still provide a great flavor when seasoned well with Italian spices.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
Leftover lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little extra broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables To The Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the lasagna soup, such as bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them after sautéing the meat, and ensure they are cut into smaller pieces to cook evenly during pressure cooking.
How Do I Serve Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup can be served topped with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley for garnish. For an extra touch, you can also serve it with a slice of garlic bread or a side salad.