Instant Pot Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, hearty bowl—without the hassle of layering! This one-pot meal is loaded with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No need to bake or assemble layers—everything cooks in one pot.
- Full of Flavor: Tastes just like traditional lasagna but with less effort.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that kids and adults love.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to your taste—make it meaty, cheesy, or even vegetarian!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Beef or chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Sauté the meat and aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, then add onion and garlic. Sauté for another 2 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add pasta: Break lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the pot.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow for a 5-minute natural release, then manually release the remaining pressure.
- Add cheese: Stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (plus pressure build-up and release)
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or mushrooms instead of beef.
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-Free: Replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rotini or penne works well.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting too soft?
Break them into larger pieces and avoid stirring too much after cooking.
Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?
Yes! Simmer all ingredients on the stovetop for about 25 minutes, adding pasta during the last 10 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter option.
What’s the best broth to use?
Beef broth adds richness, but chicken or vegetable broth works too.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Reduce the broth or add more cheese for a thicker consistency.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.
What cheese substitutes can I use?
Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
Nope! The Instant Pot perfectly cooks it in the soup.
What side dishes pair well with lasagna soup?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is an easy, comforting, and delicious meal that brings the flavors of classic lasagna to your bowl in a fraction of the time. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you need a cozy, satisfying meal. Try it out and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!
PrintInstant Pot Lasagna Soup
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is rich, hearty, and packed with classic lasagna flavors! It’s made with ground beef, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and tender lasagna noodles, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Topped with melty cheese and fresh basil, it’s a cozy, comforting meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1½ cups water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Beef & Aromatics:
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Heat the olive oil, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
-
Add Tomatoes & Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine.
-
Break the Noodles & Add Water:
- Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and stir them into the pot. Add 1½ cups of water.
-
Pressure Cook:
- Cancel Sauté mode and lock the Instant Pot lid.
- Set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on HIGH for 5 minutes.
- Once done, quick release the pressure.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Stir the soup well and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Serve in bowls and top with a spoonful of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Creamier: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving for a richer soup.
- Meat Options: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat with extra broth if needed.