This creamy lasagna soup is a cozy dish that brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna but in a quick and easy way! With pasta, juicy tomatoes, and a touch of cheese, it’s delicious.
Who needs a fork when you have a spoon for this? I love how I can make it in my Instant Pot and have dinner ready in no time. Perfect for those busy days! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Either works well, but sausage adds fantastic flavor. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken instead. For a meatless version, consider using lentils or mushrooms.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Coconut milk is also a great non-dairy substitute.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds a creamy richness and classic lasagna flavor. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be good substitutes to achieve a similar texture.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna sheets broken up work great, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, like rotini or penne. You could even use gluten-free pasta if needed.
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor Balance in My Soup?
The key to achieving great flavor lies in the layering of ingredients. Start by properly sautéing your meat and veggies to build a solid foundation. Don’t rush this step! Letting the onions soften and the garlic become fragrant makes a huge difference.
- Cook the meat until fully browned, then add onions and cook until soft.
- Incorporate garlic last to really bring out its flavor!
- Adjust seasoning gradually; taste as you go!
Adding dried herbs like basil and oregano enhances flavors further, but fresh herbs should be reserved for garnishing at the end. This method ensures your soup will be bursting with flavor!
Creamy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
- 1 can (28 oz / 796 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 8 oz (225 g) broken lasagna noodles (or regular dry lasagna noodles broken into pieces)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
- Extra Parmesan and black pepper for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting lasagna soup takes about 15 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot, plus 10 minutes for release and finishing touches. So, you can have a delicious and hearty meal on the table in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Meat:
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, using a spoon to break it up, until it’s browned and no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Next, add your finely chopped onion to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds. You want that beautiful garlic aroma filling the kitchen!
3. Combine the Broth and Tomatoes:
Now, pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and water. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
4. Season the Soup:
Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for a little kick), and then season with salt and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
5. Add the Noodles:
Before you seal the pot, break the lasagna noodles into pieces about 2 inches long and add them to the mixture in the pot, ensuring they’re well submerged.
6. Pressure Cook:
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once done, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure—be careful of the steam!
7. Stir in the Cream:
Once the pressure is released, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, turning the soup creamy and rich.
8. Add the Cheeses:
Finally, add the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything until well incorporated, and you have a thick, creamy soup ready to enjoy.
9. Season to Taste:
Take a moment to taste your creation. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to your liking.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious lasagna soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish with family and friends!
Dig in and savor each spoonful of your homemade creamy lasagna soup. It’s sure to become a favorite! 🍲
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be sure to season it well, as it can be more mild in flavor than beef or sausage.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile of the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or meat alternatives. Also, swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and omit the meat entirely.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep it creamy.