This Creamy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with cheesy goodness, tender pasta, and rich tomato flavor, it’s comfort food made easy.
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up—just toss everything in the Instant Pot and let it work its magic. I always add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a fancy touch—easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds hearty flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well. For a vegetarian twist, choose lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh.
Onion: A medium onion enhances the soup’s sweetness. If you’re short on time, use onion powder instead. You can also swap it for shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
Beef Broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. Low-sodium options allow you to control salt levels better!
Cream and Cheeses: Heavy cream makes it rich. You can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. For the cheeses, swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter option, or use vegan cheese for a plant-based version.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Soup?
To enhance the flavor, focus on sautéing the beef and onion properly. Cooking them till they’re well browned develops a deeper taste. Always add your garlic at the end of the onion cooking so it doesn’t burn.
- Keep the heat medium and monitor often.
- Don’t rush; let the beef caramelize for more flavor.
- Stir in your spices right after adding tomatoes to let them bloom!
Finally, don’t forget to taste as you go! This way, you can adjust spices and seasonings to create a soup that’s perfect for your palate.
Creamy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Dairy:
- 8 oz mafalde or broken lasagna noodles (or another wide pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes just about 10-15 minutes to prepare, followed by 5 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot, plus a quick release of pressure. In about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of lasagna soup ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it out to keep your soup from being greasy.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook alongside the beef. Let it sauté until it softens, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Now, pour in the beef broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir everything well to combine.
4. Add the Pasta:
Take your lasagna noodles and break them into smaller pieces. Add the broken noodles to the pot and stir to make sure they’re submerged in the liquid.
5. Cook Under Pressure:
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to Manual (high pressure) for 5 minutes. This will cook the pasta and allow all the flavors to meld beautifully!
6. Quick Release:
Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully turn the steam release handle to release the steam before opening the lid.
7. Stir in the Cream and Cheeses:
With the lid off, stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until everything is creamy and well combined. Give it a taste and adjust your seasonings as needed!
8. Serve and Garnish:
It’s time to enjoy your soup! Ladle it into bowls and garnish each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a bright finish.
This creamy, rich lasagna soup delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a quick and easy soup form made effortlessly in the Instant Pot! Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will still provide wonderful flavor. Just follow the recipe as is, and you can make a lighter version of this hearty soup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the pasta may soften when reheated, so consider cooking it separately if you plan to freeze the soup.
What If I Can’t Find Mafalde Noodles?
No problem! If you can’t find mafalde, you can use other wide pasta like pappardelle, or even broken lasagna noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of pasta used.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and the rest of the ingredients can remain the same for a delicious vegetarian soup.