Ultimate Instant Pot Lasagna Soup: All the Flavor, None of the Fuss

Imagine your favorite classic lasagna, layered with rich meat sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheese, but instead of hours of layering and baking, it’s transformed into a comforting, hearty soup ready in a fraction of the time. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Instant Pot Lasagna Soup recipe! It’s all the irresistible yumminess of traditional lasagna, perfectly reimagined as a one-pot wonder, bringing incredible flavor to your table with unparalleled ease.

If you’re a fan of Italian-inspired comfort food and the convenience of your Instant Pot, prepare to meet your new favorite weeknight meal. This recipe delivers big on taste, with a savory meat base, robust tomato sauce, perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, and a delightful ricotta swirl to finish. Trust us on this one – it’s an absolute game-changer. Get ready to impress your family and satisfy those lasagna cravings in record time!

Why You Need This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup in Your Life

Life can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on delicious, homemade meals. This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup offers a perfect solution for busy individuals and families who crave the wholesome goodness of a classic dish without the lengthy preparation. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Unbeatable Speed and Convenience

Traditional lasagna is a labor of love, requiring multiple steps: cooking meat sauce, boiling noodles, preparing ricotta mixture, and meticulously layering. Our Instant Pot version slashes that time dramatically. With the magic of pressure cooking, you can go from raw ingredients to a steaming bowl of delicious lasagna soup in approximately 25 minutes of active cooking and pressure building time. It’s a true one-pot meal, meaning minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

All the Classic Lasagna Flavors You Love

Don’t let the “soup” format fool you – this dish captures the authentic essence of lasagna. The rich tomato base, savory Italian sausage (or ground beef), aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, combined with broken lasagna noodles, create a symphony of familiar tastes. The final swirl of creamy ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan bring that signature lasagna comfort straight to your bowl.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, feeding a hungry family, or simply seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this lasagna soup fits the bill. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, yet versatile enough to pair with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal choice for a comforting family dinner.

Effortless Cooking Experience

Even if you’re new to Instant Pot cooking, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. The steps are simple to follow, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The Instant Pot handles the cooking precisely, ensuring your noodles are perfectly tender and your sauce is robustly flavored every time.

Key Ingredients for an Authentic Lasagna Soup

Creating a truly magnificent Instant Pot Lasagna Soup starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building that authentic flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Meat: One pound of mild Italian sausage is highly recommended for its rich flavor and seasoned goodness, mimicking the traditional meat sauce. Ground beef (80/20 lean) or even traditional pork sausage are excellent alternatives, offering versatility to suit your preference.
• Aromatics: A medium yellow onion, diced, forms the foundation of flavor, adding sweetness and depth. A green bell pepper, chopped, contributes a subtle freshness and texture. Four cloves of minced garlic are essential for that unmistakable Italian aroma and taste.
• Tomato Base: Two 14 oz cans of diced tomatoes provide chunkiness and acidity, while two 8 oz cans of tomato sauce create a smooth, rich body for the soup. Together, they form the classic red sauce that defines lasagna.
• Liquids: Four cups of chicken or beef broth (chicken broth often lends a lighter touch, while beef broth enhances the savory meatiness) along with two cups of water create the perfect consistency for the soup and enough liquid to cook the noodles under pressure.
• Pasta: Approximately 10 regular lasagna noodles, broken into manageable chunks, are key. Breaking them ensures they fit well in the Instant Pot and become easy to eat in a soup format. If you don’t have lasagna noodles, about ½ pound of another pasta, like rotini, penne, or even rigatoni, works beautifully.
• Herbs and Spices: A trio of bay leaves, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried oregano are the backbone of Italian seasoning, imparting warmth and an aromatic depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste, which are crucial for balancing all the flavors.
• Cheese Finish: About 8 oz of creamy ricotta cheese, stirred in at the end, provides that signature creamy, slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving adds a final touch of salty, nutty goodness.

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

All the yumminess of regular lasagna in a fraction of the time!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)

Course: Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage, traditional sausage, or ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 10 regular lasagna noodles, about 1/2 pound, broken into chunks
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz ricotta cheese to mix in at the end

Instructions

1. Push “sauté” on the Instant Pot. Add the sausage, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is cooked through and the onion softens, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, water, all the dried seasonings (bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano), and the broken lasagna noodles. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid. Do not fill the Instant Pot past the “max” line.
4. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is sealed (set to “Sealing” position).
5. Press “cancel” to turn off the sauté setting.
6. Select “manual” (or “high pressure”) and set the cooking time for 4 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
7. Once the cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, allow it to naturally depressurize for 10 minutes (Natural Release, NR). After 10 minutes, carefully twist the steam release valve to “vent” (Quick Release, QR) to release any remaining pressure until the float valve drops. Once safe, open the lid.
8. Remove the bay leaves. Drop a few generous spoonfuls (adjust to your preference) of ricotta cheese directly into the hot soup. Stir gently until the ricotta melts into creamy pockets, adding a luscious texture.
9. Serve your rich Instant Pot Lasagna Soup immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Note: This soup will naturally thicken as it cools, primarily because the lasagna noodles will continue to absorb liquid. If you prefer a thinner consistency upon reheating or serving, you can always stir in additional broth. Also, if standard lasagna noodles are unavailable, feel free to substitute with approximately 1/2 pound of other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow ties; rotini works especially well in this recipe.

Tips for Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Success

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your Instant Pot Lasagna Soup from great to absolutely exceptional:

• Don’t Skip Deglazing: After browning your meat and vegetables, ensure you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot before adding liquids. This process, called deglazing, prevents a “burn” notice on your Instant Pot and adds immense flavor to your soup. A splash of broth or water can help loosen stubborn bits.
• Break Noodles Evenly: When breaking your lasagna noodles, try to make them roughly uniform in size. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to manage in a spoonful of soup. Aim for 2-3 inch pieces.
• Avoid Over-Stirring After Adding Noodles: Once the noodles are in, stir just enough to submerge them in the liquid. Excessive stirring can cause them to clump together, especially during pressure cooking.
• Mind the “Max” Fill Line: It’s crucial not to overfill your Instant Pot past the designated “Max” line. This is a safety precaution for pressure cookers and also ensures there’s enough room for the soup to cook properly without overflowing.
• Natural Release is Key: The 10-minute natural release (NR) after cooking is important. It allows the pressure to drop gradually, preventing pasta from bursting and ensuring a more tender, perfectly cooked noodle. It also helps in preventing foam from shooting out of the valve during a quick release.
• Adjust Consistency to Your Liking: As mentioned in the notes, this soup thickens as it cools due to the noodles absorbing liquid. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply stir in additional chicken or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency, especially when reheating leftovers.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Different broths and sausages can vary in sodium content, so a final seasoning check is essential.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

One of the beauties of Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it uniquely yours:

• Go Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and instead use a pound of sliced mushrooms, lentils, or a combination of plant-based ground meat substitutes. You might also want to add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Different Meats: While Italian sausage is classic, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used for a lighter version. Just be sure to season them well to build up flavor.
• Cheese, Please!: Beyond ricotta, consider stirring in a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese at the end for extra melty goodness. A dollop of fresh burrata on top of each serving can also add a luxurious touch. For a stronger flavor, sprinkle some aged Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by adding a cup of fresh spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking (after pressure release, before adding ricotta). Diced carrots or celery can also be sautéed with the onion and bell pepper for more depth.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy kick. Using hot Italian sausage instead of mild will also add considerable warmth.
• Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs truly brighten the flavor profile. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano before serving. You can also add a small amount of fresh herbs (about a tablespoon, chopped) along with the dried herbs during cooking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free lasagna noodles or other gluten-free pasta varieties. Be aware that cooking times might vary slightly, so check the tenderness of the pasta before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Your Lasagna Soup

This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a meal in itself, but a few accompaniments can make the dining experience even more delightful:

• Garlic Bread or Crostini: The classic pairing! Crusty garlic bread or toasted crostini are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth.
• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Extra Cheese: Always offer extra freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on top.
• Fresh Herbs: A final flourish of fresh basil or parsley can add a pop of color and freshness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the best things about soup is how well it keeps, and Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is no exception. This soup makes fantastic leftovers:

• Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened significantly (which it likely will, as the noodles absorb more liquid), add a splash of chicken or beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a testament to the fact that you can enjoy complex, beloved flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It delivers the comforting warmth and rich taste of traditional lasagna in an accessible, quick-cooking format, making it ideal for any day of the week. This recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a culinary experience that combines efficiency with exceptional taste. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying lasagna soup. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you!