There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of lasagna soup, especially when it’s made in an Instant Pot. This dish takes all the flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a quick and easy soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. As someone who loves the rich combination of noodles, cheese, and savory meats, I found myself falling in love with this recipe the first time I made it. It’s not only hearty and satisfying, but it also brings a sense of home-cooked nostalgia to the table, making it a favorite in my kitchen.

Reasons You’ll Want to Make This Lasagna Soup

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. Not only is it quick to whip up in an Instant Pot, but it is also budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal without breaking the bank. Here’s why you should try this dish:

Quick & Convenient: With a total cooking time of under 30 minutes, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal without the fuss.
Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, marinara sauce, and spices meld together to create a robust flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Kid-Approved: This dish is a surefire hit with kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for family dinners.

“This lasagna soup is life-changing! So easy to make and packed with flavor. My kids devoured it. It’s now a weekly staple!” – A satisfied home cook

The Cooking Process Explained

Making this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Here’s a quick overview of how it all comes together:

Sauté and Sear: Begin by browning your meat and sautéing the aromatics—onions and garlic—for a fragrant base.
Combine the Goodness: Once your meat is cooked, deglaze the pot with broth, then add all remaining ingredients (minus the cheese).
Pressure Cook: Add your broken lasagna noodles, seal the lid, and allow the soup to cook under high pressure.
Final Touches: After quick-releasing the pressure, stir in your creamy cheeses and let the mozzarella melt before serving.

This simple step-by-step process allows even novice cooks to shine, offering delicious results with minimal effort.

Gather These Items

Creating this mouthwatering soup is easy with a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Optional: 2 teaspoons olive oil (for very lean beef or turkey)
1-1.5 pounds lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (or ground turkey)
1 yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups marinara sauce
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Feel free to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand, or to cater to dietary preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and heat the olive oil, if using.
Add the ground beef and cook for about 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. If needed, discard excess oil using paper towels.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for another 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Turn off the sauté function.
Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
Pour in the remaining broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Gently press the broken lasagna noodles into the liquid but do not stir.
Secure the lid, set it to sealing, and cook on Manual high pressure for 6 minutes. It’ll take about 20 minutes to come to pressure.
Once the cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Top with mozzarella and place the lid askew on the pot to allow the cheese to melt.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some creative serving suggestions:

Crunchy Bread: Serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette for dipping.
Salad Pairing: A simple mixed greens salad or Caesar salad pairs beautifully, adding a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
Perfect Bowl: Garnish each bowl with extra cheese or fresh herbs for a pop of flavor and color.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Storing leftovers from this lasagna soup is straightforward:

Refrigeration: Place any soup in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to extend the life of your soup, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember that the noodles may become softer once thawed and reheated.
Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Pro Chef Tips

Flavor Enhancements: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the deglazing step.
Veggie Load-Up: Feel free to add in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrients and texture.
Cheese Variations: Swap out the ricotta for cream cheese for a richer flavor, or use goat cheese for something different.

Creative Twists

Looking to change things up? Here are a few variations of this soup to keep it exciting:

Spicy Kick: Fans of heat can add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to amp up the spice level.
Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a lighter flavor.
Protein Swaps: Use ground chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian take on this recipe.

Your Questions Answered

What is the cooking time for Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?

The total cooking time is about 6 minutes under high pressure, with an additional 20 minutes needed for the pot to come to pressure.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the meat with lentils or tofu, and use vegetable broth to maintain that hearty flavor.

How can I store the leftovers properly?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients a day in advance to save time. Just avoid adding the cheese until you cook it.

Can I use no-cook lasagna noodles for this recipe?

While regular lasagna noodles work best, you can use no-cook noodles; just be mindful of the cooking time and adjust the liquid accordingly.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cream cheese, cottage cheese, or even mascarpone can be substituted for a creamier texture.

How spicy is this soup?

This recipe includes a pinch of red pepper flakes, which is optional. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

What can I serve with this soup?

Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete your meal!