If you are craving the classic comfort of lasagna but want it in a cozy, slurpable bowl of goodness, then this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It captures all the layers of flavor you adore in traditional lasagna, from tender noodles to rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and fragrant herbs, but in a fraction of the time and with a lot less fuss. Perfectly hearty and satisfyingly cheesy, this soup combines convenience with flavor magic that will warm you up and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe shines because of its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a crucial role in building that beloved lasagna flavor and texture, while also adding depth and color to each comforting spoonful.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional): Adds a hint of richness, especially useful if using very lean beef or turkey to keep things moist.
- 1-1.5 pounds lean ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides the hearty, meaty base that flavors every bite; turkey works for a lighter twist.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth as it softens in the pot.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a punch of savory warmth and unmistakable flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Creates the perfect flavorful but light soup base.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Adds bright tomato richness and classic Italian flair.
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes: Offers fresh-tasting tomato chunks that boost texture and juiciness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fragrant herbal note that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds subtle earthiness and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor for extra dimension.
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Delivers classic Italian herbaceousness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a touch of heat for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary: Lends a fragrant, pine-like hint that enhances savoriness.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces: The pasta heart of the dish, perfect for spooning.
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Brightens the soup with a subtle tang and depth.
- 1 cup ricotta: Creamy and dreamy, to be stirred in for lushness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan: Sharp and nutty, elevating every spoonful.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing harmony.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella: The gooey cheese topping that melts beautifully on serving.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the bowl.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by turning your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heating the olive oil if you choose to use it to keep the meat tender. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, and cook it until it’s no longer pink, about 7 to 8 minutes, breaking it up into small crumbles. If the meat releases too much fat, use tongs and a paper towel to soak it up rather than draining, so you don’t lose any of the flavorful bits in the pot. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring as they soften and release their irresistible aromas for a few minutes. Then, switch off the sauté mode to prep for the next stage.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base and Add Noodles
Pour a splash of your broth into the pot and use a spatula to deglaze the bottom, lifting up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the surface—this little step adds incredible depth of flavor. Add the rest of the chicken or vegetable broth along with marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and all your dried herbs and spices: basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and rosemary. Carefully add the broken lasagna noodles, pushing them gently beneath the liquid but avoiding stirring, so they cook evenly and don’t clump together. Seal the pot with the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual high pressure for 6 minutes. It should take about 20 minutes to reach full pressure.
Step 3: Finish and Cheese It Up
When the cooking timer beeps, do a quick release of the pressure to stop the noodles from overcooking. Stir in the balsamic vinegar then fold in the ricotta and parmesan cheeses, which instantly create a luscious, creamy texture that feels indulgent in every spoonful. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella across the surface and simply place the Instant Pot lid askew to let the cheese melt into a gooey blanket. Serve right away, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup loves all the toppings! Freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and a pretty green contrast. For extra richness, a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of the Parmesan on top never hurts. If you like a little kick, garnish with a pinch of red pepper flakes to tease the taste buds.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is filling on its own, simple sides work best. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables provide a fresh balance to the dense, cheesy flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling this soup into mini bowls or soup crocks for a cozy dinner party presentation. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed greens for an unexpected twist or offer small ramekins of additional toppings like chopped basil, extra cheese, or crunchy toasted breadcrumbs to personalize each bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It thickens as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid texture changes in the cheese, you might want to add fresh mozzarella only when reheating and serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened, add broth or water a little at a time until you reach a creamy, spoonable consistency again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lighter option that works well in this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe. Just keep the olive oil handy to ensure the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
Do I have to break the lasagna noodles? Can I use different pasta?
Breaking the noodles into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and be spoon-friendly. However, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like broken rigatoni or small shells if you prefer – just watch cooking times closely.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the meat for hearty vegetables or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth. The combination of marinara, herbs, and cheeses will still deliver plenty of flavor.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? Can I make this on the stove?
You can make a version on the stove by browning the meat and aromatics in a pot, then adding broth, tomatoes, sauce, and pasta. Simmer gently until noodles are tender, stirring often. Just note it will take longer and require more attention.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that enhances the savory flavors without overwhelming heat. You can easily omit or adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl and perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to feel wrapped in cozy, cheesy goodness. Its combination of familiar flavors, quick prep, and ease of cooking make it a winner for anyone who loves lasagna but craves simplicity. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to dinners!
PrintInstant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
This comforting Instant Pot Lasagna Soup combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty, easy-to-make soup. Featuring lean ground beef, rich marinara, tender broken lasagna noodles, and creamy cheeses, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Proteins & Oils
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for very lean beef or if using turkey)
- 1–1.5 pounds lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (use ground turkey for a lighter option)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Seasonings
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the meat and sauté aromatics: Turn on the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil if using. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces. Drain excess fat using tongs and paper towels if necessary. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Turn off the Sauté function.
- Deglaze and add soup ingredients: Pour a small amount of broth into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a spatula. Add the rest of the chicken broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and dried rosemary. Then add the broken lasagna noodles, gently pushing them down so they are submerged but do not stir the noodles.
- Pressure cook the soup: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. It will take about 20 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before cooking begins.
- Release pressure and finish soup: At the end of the cooking time, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by moving the valve to venting. Open the lid and stir in the balsamic vinegar, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt the mozzarella and serve: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of the soup. Place the lid askew on the Instant Pot to allow the heat to gently melt the cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter recipe, substitute ground turkey for the beef or sausage and skip the olive oil.
- Do not stir the noodles after adding them to prevent sticking and clumping.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.
- If you want a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Be cautious with the quick pressure release as the steam can be hot and forceful.