Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Introduction

What if all the cozy comfort of lasagna could be made in just one pot — no layering, no baking, and no mess? That’s exactly what this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup delivers. Packed with tender noodles, savory ground beef, rich tomato broth, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a deconstructed lasagna that’s ready in a fraction of the time. According to cooking data from Instant Pot trends, “lasagna soup” recipes have grown in popularity by over 60% in the last three years, thanks to their simplicity and irresistible flavor.


Ingredients List

🍅 Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

🧀 Cheese Topping:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp dried basil or parsley

🌿 Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper or zucchini
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Timing

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes (under pressure)
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

That’s about 70% faster than a traditional lasagna — with all the same flavors!


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic; cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Seasoning & Liquids

Stir in Italian seasoning, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add Pasta

Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them in. Make sure they’re submerged but not clumped together.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes. Allow for a 10-minute natural release, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and dried basil until creamy.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Open the pot, stir the soup, and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls, then top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.


Nutritional Information (per serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories420 kcal
Protein32 g
Fat18 g
Carbohydrates32 g
Fiber3 g
Calcium25% DV
Iron20% DV

Healthier Alternatives

  • Lighten It Up: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap noodles for zucchini ribbons or shirataki pasta.
  • Dairy-Free: Use cashew cream and vegan mozzarella.
  • Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, carrots, or spinach for more nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread or a side Caesar salad.
  • Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs for presentation.
  • Pair with a glass of red wine for a hearty Italian-style dinner.
  • Add a drizzle of olive oil and chili flakes for extra flavor depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Forgetting to deglaze: Always scrape the pot bottom after browning meat — it prevents the Burn warning.
  2. Overcooking noodles: The pressure cooking process is short; avoid adding extra minutes.
  3. Adding cheese early: Cheese should only go on top when serving, or it may curdle under pressure.
  4. Skipping natural release: It keeps pasta tender and soup textures perfect.

Storing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze without cheese topping for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth if too thick.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup brings everything you love about classic lasagna — rich sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheese — into one comforting bowl that’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to leave a comment or subscribe for more easy Instant Pot favorites!


FAQs

1. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — skip the meat and use vegetable broth plus mushrooms or lentils.

2. Can I use another pasta type?
Absolutely — rotini, penne, or mafalda noodles work great too.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure not to exceed the pot’s fill line.

4. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can make this on the stove — simmer for about 25 minutes until noodles are tender.

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Recipe by Sara
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth

  • 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • For serving:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

  • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until softened.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper.
  • Break lasagna noodles into small pieces and add them to the pot. Stir to submerge.
  • Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes, then do a quick release.
  • Stir the soup and check that noodles are tender.
  • In each bowl, top with a spoonful of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Garnish with basil and serve hot.