Easy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate answer for busy weeknights when you crave the rich, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna but simply don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This incredible recipe transforms classic lasagna into a convenient, deconstructed soup, delivering all the beloved layers of Italian sausage, seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and luscious cheese in a delectable, creamy tomato broth. It’s pure comfort food, effortlessly served up in a single bowl, making it a guaranteed family favorite that even the pickiest eaters will adore!

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup, especially when it packs the nostalgic punch of a beloved Italian classic. When I first introduced this easy lasagna soup recipe to my family, my kids immediately declared it the best soup they had ever tasted. And coming from selective eaters, that’s high praise! If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of easy Instant Pot recipes, this creamy lasagna soup should be at the very top of your list.

Imagine your favorite lasagna – rich, meaty, cheesy, and bursting with savory Italian flavors – now imagine it cooked in a fraction of the time, all in one pot, and served as a hearty, satisfying soup. That’s precisely what Instant Pot Lasagna Soup offers. It truly is a “lazy lasagna” or “deconstructed lasagna” served in a bowl, minus the fussy layering and long baking times. This dish delivers an unparalleled depth of flavor and texture that makes it an instant classic in any home.

The beauty of this pressure cooker lasagna soup lies in its simplicity and speed, without compromising on taste. It’s a delightful cross between some of our most cherished quick dinners, like Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef and Instant Pot Creamy Sausage and Shells. If you appreciate the convenience and deliciousness of those recipes, you’re in for an even greater treat with this lasagna soup. It’s a testament to how the Instant Pot can transform complex dishes into effortless culinary masterpieces.

How to Make Lasagna Soup in Your Instant Pot

Crafting this hearty lasagna soup in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward, mimicking the core flavors of traditional lasagna but streamlining the process dramatically. The key steps involve browning the meats, building a rich tomato broth, and perfectly cooking the pasta, all in one versatile appliance.

Building the Flavor Base: Sautéing Meats and Aromatics

We begin by creating a robust flavor foundation, just as you would for a classic lasagna. Start by browning a savory blend of Italian sausage and lean ground beef directly in your Instant Pot using the Sauté function. This combination offers a complex depth of flavor and a delightful texture that elevates the soup beyond a simple beef broth.

Once the meats are nearly cooked through, add finely diced onions to the pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic sweetness into the meat mixture. At this stage, incorporate your chosen spices – typically garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and ground black pepper. These seasonings are crucial for infusing the soup with that unmistakable Italian essence.

Generally, with lean ground beef and mild Italian sausage, draining excess grease isn’t necessary. However, if your meat produces a significant amount, you can certainly drain it before adding the spices to keep the soup lighter. A well-browned meat mixture is the secret to a deeply flavorful soup base.

Layering Ingredients for Pressure Cooking Success

After the meat and aromatics are beautifully browned, it’s time to assemble the rest of your ingredients for pressure cooking. First, hit the CANCEL button on your Instant Pot to turn off the Sauté function. This is a critical step to prevent any “burn” notices during pressure cooking, especially if there are any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. A quick deglaze with a splash of beef broth and a spatula will ensure a clean surface.

Next, pour in a carton of low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth, if preferred) and your favorite marinara sauce. The key here is to not stir these liquids into the meat. Layering them ensures even cooking and prevents the thicker sauce from settling at the bottom, which could trigger a burn warning. Finally, scatter broken lasagna noodles directly on top of the sauce layer. Breaking the noodles makes them manageable for soup and ensures they cook evenly.

If you prefer not to break up traditional lasagna sheets, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute them with other short, flat pasta shapes like bowtie (farfalle), mafalda corta, or even rotini for a similar texture. I recently spotted some adorable mini lasagna-shaped pasta at a local market, which would be absolutely perfect for this soup! Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes.

The Art of Pressure Cooking: Perfect Pasta, Every Time

One of the greatest advantages of using the Instant Pot for this lasagna soup is its ability to cook pasta perfectly and quickly. Since the meat is already cooked and browned, the pressure cooking time is primarily focused on heating the broth and tenderizing the pasta to an al dente perfection. This is where the magic of the Instant Pot truly shines, transforming a lengthy traditional recipe into a fast and efficient meal.

Pressure cook the lasagna soup for just 5 minutes on High Pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. This brief natural release is important as it helps to prevent foaming and ensures the pasta absorbs just the right amount of liquid, resulting in a more tender and flavorful noodle without becoming mushy. After the 5-minute natural release, carefully turn the venting knob to the Venting position to quick release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, you can safely remove the lid.

Upon opening the pot, give the soup a good stir to combine all the delicious ingredients. You’ll notice the noodles have softened beautifully and the flavors have melded together. For that irresistible creamy texture that my family absolutely adores, I like to stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream at the very end. This adds a velvety richness that mimics the creamy layers of traditional lasagna. However, if you prefer a lighter soup or have dietary restrictions, you can certainly omit the heavy cream without sacrificing much of the fantastic flavor.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

To truly complete the Instant Pot Lasagna Soup experience, the toppings and accompanying sides are just as important as the soup itself. They elevate the dish, adding layers of flavor, texture, and that authentic lasagna feel.

The Signature Creamy Cheese Topping

The crowning glory of this soup is undoubtedly the creamy, cheesy topping. To achieve that classic lasagna taste, prepare a simple yet decadent mix of ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella. The ricotta provides a smooth, cooling contrast to the warm, savory soup, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth, and the mozzarella contributes that wonderful, melty stretch. Dollop a generous spoonful of this mixture over each serving of hot soup; the residual heat will gently warm the cheeses, allowing them to melt slightly into the broth, creating pockets of pure comfort food heaven. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a final touch of freshness and color.

Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal

For sides, keep it simple and classic. Crusty bread or warm garlic bread is an absolute must. They are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, creamy broth, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. The crisp texture of the bread also provides a lovely contrast to the soft noodles and tender meat in the soup. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is another excellent accompaniment, offering a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the lasagna soup. It helps to balance the meal and adds a touch of freshness.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Lasagna Soup

One of the many benefits of this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can savor this comforting meal days later or even months down the line.

Refrigerating Leftovers

If you have leftover soup (which is always a good problem to have!), simply transfer it to an airtight container once it has cooled completely. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for approximately 3-4 days. When reheating, you might find the soup has thickened slightly due to the pasta absorbing more liquid. A splash of extra beef broth or water can be added to achieve your desired consistency before warming it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Don’t forget to add fresh cheese topping for the best experience!

Freezing for Future Enjoyment

This lasagna soup also freezes exceptionally well, making it an ideal candidate for freezer meals. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Then, ladle individual portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then store them upright to save space. Freezing in smaller portions is highly recommended, as it allows for quicker thawing and prevents waste.

Frozen lasagna soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Again, if the soup is too thick, add a little extra broth. A fresh sprinkle of cheese and basil will revive its deliciousness, making it feel just as satisfying as when it was first made.

So, if you’ve been yearning for the incredible awesomeness of lasagna without all the usual effort and dirty dishes, look no further than this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a clever culinary shortcut to a satisfying, quick, and easy Instant Pot dinner that appeals to everyone, even your pickiest family members. Give it a try, and watch it become a regular feature on your meal rotation!

If you’ve enjoyed making and tasting this delightful soup, we’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us create more delicious recipes. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your experience!

More Easy Instant Pot Soup Recipes

• Easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup
• Instant Pot Hamburger Soup
• Easy Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup
• Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
• Easy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Recipe originally published in 2018 and last updated in 2021.