Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you are craving the cozy, hearty flavors and layers of a classic Italian favorite but want something quicker and easier to enjoy, this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna in a comforting, velvety soup form that comes together in under 30 minutes. With tender bits of ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, rich tomato broth, and a sprinkle of cheeses and fresh basil, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl that feels both satisfying and fresh. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze. Get ready to fall in love with lasagna all over again, but in soup form!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple because each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From savory meat to aromatic herbs and creamy cheeses, these essentials will turn your Instant Pot into a magic maker of Italian comfort.

• Ground beef: The foundation of richness and heartiness that makes the soup fulfilling.
• Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened and browned.
• Minced garlic: Injects that irresistible aromatic punch typical in Italian dishes.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Serves as the flavorful, light base for the soup without overpowering it.
• Crushed tomatoes: Bring vibrant color and tangy sweetness that’s key for a lasagna feel.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds subtle acidity and complexity that elevate the tomato broth.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbiness with oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle heat that wakes up your palate without overwhelming.
• Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): Provide the satisfying bite and texture of traditional lasagna pasta.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning perfectly to taste.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops on top mimic the traditional lasagna layers beautifully.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty sprinkle that finishes the soup wonderfully.
• Chopped fresh basil: Offers a fresh, green brightness that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and adding the ground beef. Cook it while stirring occasionally until it’s nearly fully browned and broken into small, crumbly pieces—this usually takes about five minutes. This step creates that savory, meaty base that’s essential for lasting flavor.

Step 2: Soften the onions

Next, toss in the diced onion and continue sautéing. Let the onions soften and start to brown slightly, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth to the dish. This generally takes another five minutes and transforms simple ingredients into something rich and delicious.

Step 3: Add garlic for aroma

Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for just one more minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Garlic is the heart of Italian cooking, and here it teases your senses and prepares the whole dish to shine.

Step 4: Build the broth

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine all those vibrant ingredients. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, which you can adjust later, to awaken all those flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Add the pasta

Gently stir in the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are fully submerged beneath the flavorful liquid. This helps the noodles cook evenly without drying out, creating that signature comfort food texture you expect from lasagna—but now in a soup!

Step 6: Pressure cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “sealing.” Set the pressure cooker to Manual for 4 minutes. This short but efficient cook time softens the noodles and melds the flavors perfectly without overcooking.

Step 7: Release the pressure

Once cooking finishes, carefully release the pressure manually by turning the valve to “venting.” This quick release stops the cooking immediately, so your noodles remain tender but not mushy, keeping perfect texture intact.

Step 8: Final seasoning and stir

Give the soup a good stir, tasting and adjusting salt and pepper as needed. This is your moment to tweak the flavors and make the soup exactly as you like it—bright, balanced, and full of Italian warmth.

Step 9: Garnish and serve

Top each bowl with spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese, a sprinkling of shredded Parmesan, and freshly chopped basil for a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve immediately and watch your loved ones delight in this soulful twist on classic lasagna.

How to Serve Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Adding ricotta cheese and shredded Parmesan is not just for taste—it brings that authentic lasagna creaminess and cheesy goodness to every spoonful. Fresh basil isn’t just pretty; it gives a fresh, slightly sweet herbaceous note that balances the rich tomato broth.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty on its own, but pairing it with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad adds wonderful texture contrast and rounds the meal out perfectly. A simple Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the Italian flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or individual ramekins with melted cheese on top. Layer ricotta dollops as “slashes” that melt and swirl into the soup, mimicking that classic lasagna layering effect visually and taste-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe tastes great the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to enjoy quick, comforting meals without extra effort.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. When you want a quick dinner, just thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick or overcook. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back to that perfect, spoonable texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted to lighten the dish while keeping all the delicious flavors intact. Just brown the meat thoroughly as you would with beef for the best texture.

Do I have to break the lasagna noodles?

Breaking the noodles helps them cook evenly and fit comfortably within the pot. Whole noodles might clump or be difficult to eat as soup, so breaking into approximately 1½-inch pieces is ideal.

Is it necessary to use balsamic vinegar?

While balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and depth, if you don’t have it on hand, a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice can provide a similar bright acidity to balance the tomato base.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

You can make a stovetop version by following the same sequence of browning, sautéing, and simmering ingredients until the noodles are tender, which usually takes about 20–25 minutes. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

How spicy is this soup?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick that awakens your taste buds but doesn’t overpower the other flavors. You can always adjust the amount up or down to suit your personal heat preference.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food hug in a bowl that you can whip up fast without losing any of the classic lasagna’s heartwarming charm. Whether you’re feeding a family or just indulging in some solo cozy-eating, this soup brings joy, ease, and incredible flavor to your table. Don’t hesitate—grab your Instant Pot, gather those simple ingredients, and fall in love with this Italian-inspired masterpiece tonight!

Print