This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup gives you all the flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy soup form! It’s packed with yummy pasta, cheese, and hearty meat, all in one pot.
The best part? It’s super quick to make! I love how this dish warms me up on chilly days. Just toss everything in, let it cook, and enjoy a delicious bowl without all the layering fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the soup its hearty base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also make it vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms.
Pasta: Mafaldine adds a nice shape, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as bowtie, elbow macaroni, or broken lasagna noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type!
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you want a lower-fat option, cottage cheese works well. For a dairy-free choice, you can try cashew cheese or a plant-based ricotta substitute.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works perfectly, but you can make your own if you have time! Adding some fresh herbs can elevate its flavor. For a spicier kick, use arrabbiata sauce instead.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté the Meat and Onions?
Getting this part right sets the flavor for your entire soup. Here’s how to do it!
- Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode until it’s hot. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Cook until it’s browned and the onions soften, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a nice flavor base.
- If you see fat pooling, carefully drain it off to keep your soup from being greasy.
Don’t rush this step! Well-cooked meat and onions will enrich your soup with deep flavors. Enjoy the pleasant aroma as they cook!
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 8 oz (225 g) mafaldine pasta or broken lasagna noodles
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (240 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or dried parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes for cooking in the Instant Pot. So, you can enjoy your delicious Lasagna Soup in about 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Meat:
Start by turning the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there is any fat after cooking, be sure to drain it off.
2. Adding Aromatics:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté it for about 1 minute until you can smell its delicious aroma. This will really add flavor to your soup!
3. Mixing the Soup Base:
Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, and water. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors well. This is the soup’s foundation!
4. Seasoning:
Now, add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to let the herbs infuse their flavors into the broth.
5. Adding the Pasta:
Take the mafaldine or broken lasagna noodles and break them into smaller pieces (but not too small!). Add them into the pot and stir gently to make sure they are submerged in the liquid.
6. Cooking in the Instant Pot:
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. This quick cooking time is what makes this recipe so appealing!
7. Releasing Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick pressure release. Be cautious of the steam!
8. Stir and Cream it Up:
Open the lid and give the soup a good stir. If you want it to be creamier, stir in half of the ricotta cheese, letting it melt and combine into the soup.
9. Serving:
Ladle the hearty soup into bowls. Each serving should have a little scoop of the remaining ricotta cheese on top, along with the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh basil or dried parsley for garnish.
10. Enjoying Your Meal:
Serve the soup hot, and feel free to enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting Instant Pot Lasagna Soup that delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty bowl!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind that gluten-free pasta often cooks faster, so check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from soaking up too much liquid, you might want to store the soup and pasta separately if possible. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with lentils or sautéed mushrooms. Also, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor profile will still be delicious!
What Can I Serve with Lasagna Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up all the savory broth!