This Creamy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is like a big warm hug in a bowl! It’s filled with pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato broth that warms you right up.
Making this soup is super easy—just toss everything into the Instant Pot and let it do the magic. I’ve even caught myself debating if it’s dinner or a guilty pleasure! 😂
I love serving this soup with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. Plus, it comes together so quickly, letting you enjoy more time relaxing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor! If you want a healthier option, lean turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a meat substitute.
Lasagna Noodles: You can use regular or no-boil lasagna noodles. If you want a gluten-free option, feel free to swap them for gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter touch.
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan blend wonderfully in this soup. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cream cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Broth: Beef or chicken broth adds depth. Vegetable broth is another great choice if you prefer a vegetarian option. Homemade broth can elevate the taste, but store-bought works fine, too.
How Do You Properly Sauté Ingredients in the Instant Pot?
Sautéing gets the flavor rolling! It’s crucial for building the base of your soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, choose “Sauté” mode and wait until the pot is hot (it typically takes a few minutes).
- Add a splash of oil before adding ground meat. This prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
- Cook the meat until brown, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Next, toss in the onions and let them soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic for a burst of flavor at the end of this step.
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly flavored base for your lasagna soup! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Creamy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 6 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. After cooking, you’ll want a quick 5-minute pressure release. Total time is around 30 minutes, including prep and cooking, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook it until it’s browned. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, drain it out to keep the soup from being greasy.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the pot and let it sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and mixed well with the onion.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Now, pour in the beef or chicken broth and the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix it well!
4. Add the Noodles:
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid to cook properly.
5. Pressure Cook:
Cancel the “Sauté” mode, secure the lid of the Instant Pot, and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 6 minutes. You can kick back while it cooks!
6. Quick Pressure Release:
When the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick pressure release to let out the steam. Be cautious—hot steam will escape!
7. Stir in the Cream and Cheeses:
Once the lid is off, stir in the heavy cream. Then add the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring gently. This will make your soup creamy and luscious.
8. Final Seasoning Adjustments:
Give it a taste and tweak the seasonings as necessary. Add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs if you prefer!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing each with fresh chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
10. Enjoy!
Serve it warm, ideally with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy your cozy, creamy lasagna soup straight from the Instant Pot!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner option. They’ll still provide a delicious base for the soup!
What If I Don’t Have Lasagna Noodles?
No worries! You can substitute with any small pasta like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time if the pasta you choose requires more or less time than lasagna noodles.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the ground meat with lentils or a meat substitute. Use vegetable broth and skip any meat-based ingredients to keep it hearty and delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!