Instant Pot Lasagna Soup: Easy Recipe & Quick Cooking Guide

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup: Imagine all the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna, but in a warm, satisfying bowl! Forget layering noodles and waiting hours; this recipe delivers that classic lasagna flavor in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.

Lasagna, a dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition, has evolved over centuries from a simple layered pasta dish to the rich, complex casserole we know and love today. While its exact origins are debated, the concept of layering pasta with sauce and cheese dates back to ancient Rome. This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup takes that beloved concept and transforms it into a quick and easy weeknight meal.

What’s not to love? People adore lasagna for its rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. This soup captures all those elements in a convenient and comforting format. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to achieve tender noodles and a flavorful broth in under an hour. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash! Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly simple and delicious recipe. I know you’ll love it!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean
• Italian Sausage: 1/2 pound, sweet or hot (your preference!), casings removed
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces
• Tomato Sauce: 15 ounces
• Diced Tomatoes: 14.5 ounces, undrained
• Beef Broth: 4 cups
• Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons
• Dried Basil: 2 teaspoons
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Lasagna Noodles: 8 ounces, broken into small pieces (about 1-2 inch pieces)
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces, whole milk or part-skim
• Egg: 1 large
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded, for topping

Browning the Meats and Aromatics

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to brown our ground beef and Italian sausage. This is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor that will permeate the entire soup. Don’t skip this step!

1. Turn on the Instant Pot: Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Adjust to the “More” or “High” setting for optimal browning.
2. Add the Meats: Once the Instant Pot is hot (it usually takes a few minutes), add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break them up with a spoon as they cook.
3. Brown the Meats: Cook the meats, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the meat well so you don’t have large chunks in your soup.
4. Drain Excess Grease: If there’s a lot of grease in the pot (depending on the fat content of your meats), carefully drain it off. You can tilt the Instant Pot and use a spoon to hold back the meat while pouring off the grease. Be careful not to burn yourself!
5. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot.
6. Sauté the Aromatics: Cook the onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The garlic should become fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic can make the whole dish taste bitter.

Building the Soup Base

Now that we’ve got our meats browned and our aromatics softened, it’s time to build the foundation of our lasagna soup. This is where all the delicious tomato flavors come together!

1. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the Instant Pot.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Add Bay Leaf: Add the bay leaf. This will infuse the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!
5. Add Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the Instant Pot. Gently stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. This is important to prevent them from sticking together during cooking.

Pressure Cooking the Soup

This is where the magic happens! The Instant Pot will work its pressure-cooking wonders to meld all the flavors together and cook the noodles to perfection.

1. Seal the Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place.
2. Set to Pressure Cook: Turn the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
3. Cook on High Pressure: Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 8 minutes on high pressure.
4. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. This means you don’t touch the steam release valve.
5. Quick Release Remaining Pressure: After 10 minutes of natural pressure release, carefully turn the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure. Be careful of the hot steam!
6. Open the Lid: Once the pressure is completely released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot.
7. Remove Bay Leaf: Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Preparing the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

While the soup is cooking in the Instant Pot, let’s prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. This adds a creamy, cheesy element that mimics the layers of a traditional lasagna.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
2. Mix Well: Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Set Aside: Set the ricotta cheese mixture aside until the soup is ready.

Serving and Garnishing

Almost there! Now it’s time to serve up this delicious and comforting Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. The final touches make all the difference!

1. Stir the Soup: Give the soup a good stir to ensure the noodles are evenly distributed.
2. Ladle into Bowls: Ladle the soup into individual bowls.
3. Top with Ricotta Mixture: Spoon a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture onto the top of each bowl of soup.
4. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese mixture.
5. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the Instant Pot Lasagna Soup immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup base.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use Different Noodles: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Lasagna soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Adjusting the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir well to combine.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Asiago, or Fontina would all be delicious additions.

Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Lasagna Soup! It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.

Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, and trust me, you absolutely need this recipe in your life! We’ve taken all the best parts of classic lasagna – the rich tomato sauce, the creamy ricotta, the savory meat, and of course, those delightful lasagna noodles – and transformed them into a quick, easy, and utterly delicious soup that’s ready in a fraction of the time. Forget spending hours layering and baking; with your Instant Pot, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try? It’s the incredible depth of flavor achieved in such a short amount of time. The Instant Pot works its magic, melding all the ingredients together into a symphony of taste that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Looking for serving suggestions? I love to top mine with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese (because, let’s be honest, you can never have too much ricotta!), a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and a drizzle of good quality olive oil. A side of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth, is also highly recommended.

And speaking of versatility, feel free to get creative with variations! If you’re a vegetarian, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese – mozzarella, parmesan, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all be fantastic. If you are feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of red wine to the soup while it is cooking for an even deeper flavor profile.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste as you go and add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly forgiving, so you can really make it your own.

I’m confident that this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup will become a family favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying dish.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what you loved about the recipe and what you might do differently next time. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with!