Quick Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

As the aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen on a hectic weeknight, I find myself reaching for my Instant Pot to whip up this Instant Pot lasagna soup. It captures all the comforting layers of traditional lasagna—rich meat, tangy sauce, and cheesy goodness—but in a simple, spoonable form that’s far less fuss. The broken noodles soak up the savory broth, creating tender bites that feel indulgent without the effort of assembling sheets.

This soup is perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty yet ready in under an hour, making it a go-to for family dinners or meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully, maintaining their cozy texture for a quick lunch the next day. Everyone in the household loves how it brings that classic Italian warmth to the table effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Hearty: This Instant Pot lasagna soup delivers lasagna flavors in a comforting bowl, ready in about 45 minutes total.
• Family Favorite: The cheesy, savory profile appeals to kids and adults alike, turning a simple soup into a cozy meal everyone craves.
• Minimal Cleanup: Using the Instant Pot means one-pot cooking with no layering hassle, ideal for busy moms juggling schedules.
• Versatile Options: Easily adapt it vegetarian by skipping the meat, keeping it flexible for different dietary needs.

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Ingredients

The ingredients in this Instant Pot lasagna soup blend the essence of classic Italian lasagna—meaty depth, fresh aromatics, and creamy cheeses—into a streamlined soup that’s bursting with flavor. Opting for high-quality marinara and fresh garlic elevates the taste, making every spoonful feel homemade and satisfying.

• Ground beef or turkey: Provides a savory, protein-packed base that mimics the meaty layers of traditional lasagna.
• Olive oil: Adds a light sheen for sautéing if needed, enhancing the overall richness without overpowering.
• Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth, softening into the broth for balanced aromatics.
• Garlic: Infuses a pungent, fragrant kick that ties the Italian herbs and sauce together.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the liquid foundation, carrying all flavors while keeping the soup hearty and not too heavy.
• Marinara sauce: Delivers tangy, tomatoey heartiness central to the lasagna-inspired taste.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and acidity, contributing fresh tomato notes and slight chunks.
• Dried basil: Offers earthy, herbal notes that evoke classic lasagna seasoning.
• Dried oregano: Provides a warm, peppery essence for authentic Italian flair.
• Onion powder: Boosts the savory undertones subtly, rounding out the overall seasoning.
• Dried rosemary: Introduces a piney, aromatic lift that complements the tomato base.
• Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, they absorb the broth and create tender, pasta-like bites reminiscent of lasagna layers.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of tangy brightness to balance the richness at the end.
• Ricotta cheese: Brings creamy, mild freshness stirred in for a dollop-like indulgence.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated for sharp, nutty depth that melts seamlessly into the soup.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and melted on top for gooey, stretchy comfort.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, enhancing all other flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Optional garnish for a pop of color and herbaceous finish.

Note: The complete list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Meat

Turn on the Sauté function in your Instant Pot and add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and sauté until softened, around 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This builds the flavorful base without burning.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Cancel the Sauté function and pour in a splash of broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a spatula. This step prevents the Burn warning and ensures even cooking.

Step 4: Combine Liquids and Seasonings

Add the remaining broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, onion powder, and rosemary, stirring everything together well. The mixture should smell richly Italian at this point.

Step 5: Add Noodles

Gently place the broken lasagna noodles into the pot, pushing them down to submerge in the liquid without stirring too much. This helps them cook evenly under pressure.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid, set to Sealing, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, allowing 15-20 minutes for the pot to pressurize. The short time yields tender noodles in a flavorful broth.

Step 7: Quick Release and Finish

Quick release the pressure, then stir in balsamic vinegar, ricotta, and Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover loosely for a few minutes to melt it into a gooey layer before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

• Deglaze Thoroughly: Always scrape the pot bottom after sautéing to avoid the Burn notice and ensure smooth pressure build-up.
• Submerge Noodles Gently: Push them into the liquid without over-stirring to prevent clumping and achieve even tenderness.
• Quick Release Carefully: Use a towel over the valve to manage steam, opening only when the pin drops for safety.
• Taste Before Cheeses: Adjust salt and pepper after adding vinegar but before cheeses to fine-tune the savory balance.
• Vegetarian Swap: Skip meat and use vegetable broth for a lighter version that still captures full flavor.

How to Serve Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

I love topping each bowl of Instant Pot lasagna soup with a dollop of extra ricotta for creaminess, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for brightness, or a dash of red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick. These additions keep it simple yet elevate the Italian vibe without much effort.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy broth. A side of steamed broccoli adds a fresh, vibrant contrast that rounds out a balanced meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, I serve Instant Pot lasagna soup in oversized mugs for a cozy, handheld feel, or layer it in shallow bowls with extra mozzarella pulled into strings for fun. It’s also great presented family-style in the pot with spoons around the table, encouraging seconds in a casual way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Instant Pot lasagna soup in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier for quick lunches.

Freezing

Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening them for easy storage, and it freezes nicely for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the noodle texture.

Reheating

Reheat portions on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen it up, stirring until hot throughout. In the microwave, cover and heat in 1-2 minute bursts, which works well but cover to avoid drying out the cheese.

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