If you’re craving all the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna but want it in a quicker, heartier form, then you absolutely have to try this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s an amazing blend of rich meat sauce, tender noodles, and melty cheese that comes together in one cozy bowl with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients are the magic behind this Instant Pot lasagna soup’s incredible flavor and texture. From the savory ground meat to the herbs and cheeses, each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and heartiness.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds a light richness, especially if using lean meats like turkey.
- 1-1.5 pounds lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage: The flavor base that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the soup a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth): The savory liquid that simmers everything together into soup perfection.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Brings that quintessential tomato flavor lasagna is famous for.
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes: Adds freshness and texture chunks to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Classic herb that complements the tomato and cheese flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A subtle green note to brighten the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor for a more layered taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Another herb that pairs beautifully with basil in Italian cooking.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds an earthy, piney aroma that’s unexpected but wonderful.
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces): The star pasta, providing chewy heartiness in every spoonful.
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that balances all the savory flavors.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, melting into the soup for that authentic lasagna feel.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan: Adds nuttiness and umami right into the broth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning for perfect balance.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella: Melts on top for irresistible cheesiness.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbal finish and pretty garnish.
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 on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and heating the olive oil if you’re using it. Add your ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink, which takes about 7 to 8 minutes. This step is key because it locks in rich, savory flavors. Once the meat is browned, toss in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for just a couple more minutes until soft and fragrant. Then, turn off the sauté function—your kitchen is already smelling like dinner!
Step 2: Build the Soup Base and Pressure Cook
Pour a little broth into the pot to deglaze the bottom, scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck there—this adds complexity to your soup. After that, add the remaining broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and all your herbs and spices: basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, and rosemary. Stir gently to distribute, then nestle in your broken lasagna noodles. Push them down just enough to submerge without stirring; this keeps noodles from sticking during cooking. Close the lid, seal the pot, and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. It usually takes about 20 minutes to come to pressure, so this is a great time to prep your cheese toppings.
Step 3: Finish With Cheese and Seasoning
Once the timer goes off, quick release the pressure carefully. Stir in balsamic vinegar, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, which enrich the soup to creamy, dreamy levels. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, then set the lid loosely on the pot to let the cheese melt deliciously. That gooey mozzarella topping is what really sends this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe over the edge.
How to Serve Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the top brings a lovely pop of color and a light herby freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A little extra parmesan never hurts if you want to get cheesy on cheese!
Side Dishes
A warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette are perfect companions here. They add crunch and brightness, balancing the luscious soup in your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls with an extra dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. For a fun twist, try topping with crispy pancetta or fresh basil leaves instead of parsley. It looks impressive but stays true to the comfort food vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup reheats beautifully, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that pasta may absorb more broth and become softer after freezing and reheating. To help with that, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them after thawing when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even warming. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup feels too thick. If microwaving, heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works beautifully here. Just add a bit of olive oil when browning since turkey tends to be leaner and can stick.
Do I have to break the lasagna noodles or can I use smaller pasta instead?
Breaking the lasagna noodles gives you larger chewy pieces that really mimic traditional lasagna texture in soup form. But if you prefer, smaller pasta like rotini or penne can be substituted without issue.
Is this recipe spicy because of the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, but they are totally optional. If you want no heat, feel free to leave them out, or add more if you like things with a kick.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based crumble and use vegetable broth. The marinara and herbs still make it rich and satisfying.
How thick will the soup be? Is it more like a soup or stew?
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe has a hearty, stew-like consistency because of the noodles and cheeses, but it still has enough broth to be spoonable and comforting without being dense.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe enough when you want that perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It’s like a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl that’s ready faster than traditional lasagna. Once you try it, I bet it will become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation, just like it is mine!
PrintInstant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty, comforting soup that’s ready in under an hour. Made with ground beef or Italian sausage, marinara, tender lasagna noodles, and a trio of cheeses—ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella—this recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for a quick family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for very lean beef or turkey)
- 1 to 1.5 pounds lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (ground turkey optional for a lighter version)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Herbs and Spices
- 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 and 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 Instant Pot’s Sauté function 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 into smaller pieces. Discard excess fat using tongs and paper towel if necessary. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for another 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then turn off the sauté function.
- Deglaze and add ingredients: Pour a small amount of broth into the pot and scrape the bottom with a spatula to lift any browned bits. Add the remaining broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried basil, dried parsley, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), and dried rosemary. Add the broken lasagna noodles, pressing them gently into the liquid so they are mostly submerged but do not stir.
- Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual high pressure for 6 minutes. It will take about 20 minutes to come up to pressure before cooking starts.
- Release pressure and finish soup: Perform a quick pressure release once cooking is complete. Remove lid carefully. Stir in balsamic vinegar, ricotta cheese, and freshly grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add mozzarella and serve: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of the soup. Place the lid askew on the Instant Pot to allow the mozzarella to melt slightly. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use olive oil optionally when using very lean meat or turkey to prevent sticking and add richness.
- Do not stir noodles into the liquid before pressure cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Breaking the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces helps them cook uniformly in the soup.
- Balsamic vinegar enhances the soup’s flavor with a subtle tangy sweetness; don’t skip it.
- Quick pressure release is important to prevent overcooking the noodles.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten the dish.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; noodles will absorb more broth over time.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/instant-pot-lasagna-soup-recipe/