It was a chilly winter evening, and I couldn’t wait to get home and cozy up with a big bowl of my Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. This dish has become a staple in our household, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. The aroma of bubbling tomato sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta just fills the house and instantly warms you up from the inside out.
I remember the first time I made this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. I was craving a hearty, comforting meal, but I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen prepping and assembling a traditional lasagna. That’s when I stumbled upon this genius recipe that lets you enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a easy, one-pot soup! It’s the best of both worlds – the richness and coziness of lasagna with the simplicity and convenience of a soup.
From that very first bite, I was hooked. The way the noodles soak up all the delicious tomato and beef flavors, the gooey mozzarella cheese that melts into every spoonful, and the fresh basil and oregano that add such an incredible depth of flavor – it’s just perfection in a bowl. Needless to say, this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup has become a regular in our dinner rotation, and I know your family is going to love it just as much as mine does.
Why This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
The secret to this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is all in the technique. Unlike traditional lasagna, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, this soup comes together quickly and easily in your trusty Instant Pot. By cooking the noodles right in the flavorful tomato broth, they soak up all those delicious Italian flavors, and you end up with the perfect texture – not mushy, but perfectly tender.
What really sets this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup apart is the way the cheese is incorporated. Instead of just adding shredded mozzarella on top, I stir in a creamy ricotta cheese mixture that gets melted right into the soup, giving you that signature lasagna taste in every bite. It’s an easy way to get that cheesy, comforting goodness without the hassle of layering and baking.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef: For the rich, meaty flavor that’s essential for lasagna.
– Onion and garlic: The aromatic base that adds so much depth to the soup.
– Canned crushed tomatoes: The foundation of the tomato broth.
– Beef broth: Provides the liquid to cook the pasta and create a hearty soup.
– Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that give this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup its signature flavor.
– Lasagna noodles: Breaking them into bite-sized pieces allows them to cook perfectly in the soup.
– Ricotta cheese: Stirred in at the end to create a creamy, cheesy texture.
– Shredded mozzarella: For that classic lasagna cheese pull.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal. All you need is your trusty Instant Pot, a few simple ingredients, and a bit of time for the flavors to meld together. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by selecting the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
3- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Give everything a good stir and secure the lid on your Instant Pot.
4- Set the Instant Pot to the “Soup” function and cook for 10 minutes. When the time is up, carefully quick-release the pressure.
5- Finally, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and the ricotta cheese mixture. Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6- Ladle the Instant Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve piping hot.
Pro Tips for Success
– For extra flavor, brown the ground beef with a bit of Italian seasoning or red wine vinegar.
– Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less broth, depending on your preference.
– Avoid overcooking the noodles – they’ll continue to soften as the soup simmers.
– Stir in the ricotta at the very end to prevent it from curdling.
Serving and Storing Your Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Perfect Pairings for Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is truly a meal in itself, but there are a few tasty accompaniments that can take it to the next level. A crisp garden salad or some garlic breadsticks would be the perfect side dishes to soak up every last drop of that delicious tomato broth. And don’t forget the wine – a bold, full-bodied red would be an excellent pairing to complement the hearty flavors of this soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Instant Pot Lasagna Soup makes for excellent leftovers! Simply store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
This soup also freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed. The noodles may break down a bit more after freezing, but the flavor will still be incredible.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Creative Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Variations
The great thing about this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or the season. Try swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different noodle shapes, like penne or rigatoni.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef. Load it up with extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a hearty meatless meal. And in the summertime, try using fresh tomatoes and basil for a brighter, more summery take on this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup.
Making Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few easy substitutions you can make. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini noodles instead of the traditional pasta.
For a lower-carb option, skip the noodles altogether and serve the tomato-beef broth over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles. You can also reduce the amount of ricotta cheese and use a lighter shredded cheese on top.
And for a vegan Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella, and opt for vegetable broth instead of beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular lasagna noodles in this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup recipe?
A: Yes, you can! Just be sure to break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the Instant Pot. This will help them cook evenly in the soup.
Q: How long do I need to cook the noodles in the Instant Pot?
A: The noodles will cook for about 5-7 minutes once you’ve added them to the soup. Just keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or overcooking.
Q: Can I make this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup actually gets better as the flavors have time to meld. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?
A: For best results, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
Q: My Instant Pot Lasagna Soup seems too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: If your soup has thickened up too much, simply add a bit more beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start with 1/4 cup at a time and adjust as needed.
Print
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic lasagna without all the fuss. Packed with ground beef, tomatoes, lasagna noodles, and melted cheese, it’s a cozy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef or chicken broth
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. – Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. – Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, and stir in the lasagna noodle pieces, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
4. – Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to the Soup setting. Cook for 15 minutes.
5. – Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. – Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined.
7. – Ladle the Instant Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can add less broth or simmer the soup for a few extra minutes.
– Customize the flavor by adjusting the herbs and spices to your liking.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a big bowl of Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. The rich, tomato-y broth, the perfectly cooked noodles, and the melty cheese – it’s pure Italian-inspired bliss in every spoonful. And the best part is, you can whip up this family-favorite meal in a fraction of the time it would take to make a traditional lasagna.
I hope your family loves this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup as much as mine does. It’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation, whether you’re craving a cozy night in or need to feed a hungry crowd. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready for rave reviews! And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out.
