This Creamy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With rich tomatoes, cheesy goodness, and hearty noodles, it captures all the flavors of lasagna without the fuss.
Making dinner in an Instant Pot means more time to kick back! I love whipping this up for my family on busy nights, and there’s always a happy, sauce-splattered smile at the table! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds flavor and richness, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian ground meat substitutes also work well for a meatless version.
Broth: Beef broth gives depth to this soup. If you want a lighter taste, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute!
Cheeses: I love the combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta for creaminess and flavor. If you’re short on mozzarella, cottage cheese can also work. For a vegan option, use plant-based cheeses instead.
Lasagna Noodles: Any pasta can come to the rescue in this recipe! You could use broken spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
How Do I Avoid Burn Warnings When Using the Instant Pot?
Getting a burn warning can be frustrating! To prevent this, ensure you follow these steps:
- Always deglaze the pot after sautéing. This means scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a spatula.
- Make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot. If you’re concerned, add a little extra broth or water to the mix.
- Layer the lasagna noodles on top without stirring them too much into the liquid, allowing them to cook properly without sticking to the bottom.
Taking these precautions helps ensure a smooth cooking experience in your Instant Pot, resulting in delicious soup without the hassle!
How to Make Creamy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking in the Instant Pot. Plus, you’ll want to allow a few extra minutes for pressure release. Overall, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish for a delicious and comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Beef:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and ground beef. Cook it, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned all over. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic into the pot with the beef. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and smells heavenly!
3. Season the Mixture:
Next, stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), along with the salt and pepper. Let it cook for another minute to let those flavors blossom.
4. Add Liquids and Noodles:
Now, pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. This helps prevent any burn warnings. Then, gently add the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid.
5. Pressure Cook:
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 6 minutes. Once the cooking time is done, carefully perform a quick pressure release.
6. Make It Creamy:
Once you open the lid, you’ll find a bubbling soup! Give it a good stir and then add the heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. Mix until everything is creamy and melted together, creating that dreamy lasagna soup texture.
7. Serve Up with Love:
Ladle your delicious soup into bowls and top each serving with an extra dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, creamy lasagna flavors!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative while still providing that hearty texture. Simply substitute equal amounts for the ground beef!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’d like to lighten up the soup or avoid heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the creamy consistency.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the soup base (without cheese and heavy cream) and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the Instant Pot, then stir in the cream and cheeses just before serving!
