This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup brings all the flavors of your favorite lasagna into a warm and hearty bowl. It’s filled with pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce that’s super tasty!
What I love most is how quick it is to make! You just throw everything in and let the Instant Pot do the work. No layers, no fuss—just delicious soup ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives your soup a nice meaty flavor. If you want a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based meat substitutes!
Pasta: Rotini is great for this recipe because it holds sauce well. You can swap it for any short pasta like fusilli or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since some pasta types cook differently.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese or cream cheese can also work. I prefer ricotta to keep that authentic lasagna taste!
Broth: I suggest using beef broth for a richer flavor, but chicken broth or vegetable broth can do the trick too. Homemade stock can add even more depth if you have it handy!
What’s the Best Way to Build Flavor in This Soup?
The key to a flavorful Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is layering your ingredients thoughtfully. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. This releases their essential oils and gives a great base flavor.
- Let the onions soften before adding garlic. Garlic cooks quickly, so just a quick sauté is perfect!
- Seasoning the meat while it cooks helps enhance overall taste. Don’t forget to season the broth and sauce too!
- Make sure your pasta is fully submerged in the broth mixture to cook evenly—this keeps it from being mushy.
How to Make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups water
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. So, set aside about 30 minutes in total, and you’ll have a delicious soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Firstly, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Toss in the diced onions and sauté them until they’re nice and soft, which should take about 3 minutes. Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, letting their aroma fill the kitchen.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Brown it well, making sure to break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Keep cooking until the beef is no longer pink. If there’s too much fat, feel free to drain a little out to keep it from being greasy.
3. Add Seasonings and Liquids:
Now it’s time to flavor your soup! Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Then pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and water. Mix everything well until it is all combined.
4. Add the Pasta:
Next, add in the uncooked rotini pasta. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce and broth mixture. This helps with even cooking!
5. Pressure Cook:
Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once completed, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure—be cautious of the steam!
6. Mix the Cheeses:
While your soup is sitting, mix the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until well combined. This cheesy concoction is going to be heavenly on top of your soup!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the delicious soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture you prepared, plus a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish. Enjoy your warm, comforting Instant Pot Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully, you can use other short pasta like penne or shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as some pasta types may require more or less time to cook.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth to keep it meat-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth or water as the pasta will absorb some of the liquid.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a little liquid if needed.
