Your Weeknight Answer to Lasagna Cravings

Are you yearning for the rich, robust flavors of a traditional lasagna but find yourself short on time during a hectic week? This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution, delivering all the delicious taste you crave in a convenient, comforting bowl. It’s a brilliant twist on a beloved Italian classic, designed for modern, busy kitchens.

Packed with hearty ground beef, savory chicken broth, perfectly tender lasagna noodles, robust crushed tomatoes, a hint of tangy balsamic vinegar, and aromatic Italian seasonings, this soup is a complete meal that warms you from the inside out. The magic of the Instant Pot means fewer dishes, less active cooking time, and a deeply flavored soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

Whether you’re a long-time admirer of classic lasagna or simply seeking a new, exciting soup recipe that will delight the entire family, this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Its simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, especially when you need a quick yet satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients for Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Lasagna Soup starts with selecting quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Ground Beef: This forms the foundational richness of our soup, providing a satisfying, meaty texture. For a lighter version, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken, or even a plant-based ground substitute. Ensure you brown it thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are the backbone of most savory dishes. Sautéing them until tender and fragrant creates a complex, earthy base that elevates all other flavors in the soup.
• Chicken Stock: The liquid foundation, chicken stock is crucial for cooking the lasagna noodles perfectly and building the soup’s broth. While chicken broth is recommended for depth, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option, or water in a pinch (though flavor will be lighter).
• Crushed Tomatoes: Providing a sweet and savory tang, crushed tomatoes form the majority of our rich, tomatoey “sauce.” Unlike diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes break down more easily, contributing to a smoother soup consistency.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A touch of balsamic vinegar adds a unique tang and a subtle sweetness, balancing the richness of the meat and tomatoes. It brightens the entire flavor profile, making the soup taste more vibrant.
• Italian Seasoning: This essential blend infuses the soup with classic Italian flavors. It typically includes dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, providing a harmonious herbaceous note.
• Red Pepper Flakes and Kosher Salt: Red pepper flakes introduce a pleasant, subtle warmth or a noticeable kick, depending on your preference. Kosher salt is vital for seasoning the soup throughout the cooking process, bringing out and enhancing all the delicious flavors. Always taste and adjust salt at the end.
• Lasagna Noodles: The star of the show! Breaking these into smaller, bite-sized pieces makes them perfect for soup. They soften beautifully in the Instant Pot, absorbing the flavorful broth and giving the soup its characteristic lasagna texture.

Understanding Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a deep, dark, and highly concentrated vinegar that boasts a unique, complex flavor profile. Originating from Modena, Italy, it stands apart from other vinegars like red wine or apple cider due to its distinctive sweetness, which is beautifully balanced by its natural acidity. This sweetness comes from the grape must it’s made from, which is slowly cooked and aged, often for many years.

In our Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, balsamic vinegar serves a crucial role. It cuts through the richness of the ground beef and the acidity of the tomatoes, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor that enhances the overall taste without overpowering it. It provides that subtle tang and a hint of caramelized sweetness that makes the soup truly sing.

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, don’t worry! Apple cider vinegar can offer a similar tanginess and a slight sweetness, though it won’t be as sweet or as deep in flavor as true balsamic. Red wine vinegar is another viable alternative, providing acidity and fruitiness. When substituting, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, as the intensity can vary.

Crafting Your Own Dried Italian Seasoning Blend

Italian seasoning is a cornerstone of many classic Italian-American dishes, and our Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is no exception. If you find yourself without a pre-made blend, creating your own is incredibly easy and allows you to customize the flavors to your preference. A typical Italian seasoning blend harmonizes several popular dried herbs:

• Dried Basil: Sweet and peppery, a fundamental flavor in Italian cuisine.
• Dried Oregano: Pungent, slightly bitter, and earthy, it’s often considered the quintessential Italian herb.
• Dried Rosemary: Piney, woody, and aromatic, it adds a robust depth.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy and minty with floral notes, it complements the other herbs beautifully.
• Dried Marjoram: Often included for its milder, sweeter, and more delicate flavor compared to oregano.

To make your own, combine equal parts of these dried herbs. For instance, start with 1 teaspoon of each basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, then add a pinch of marjoram if you have it. You can also experiment with a touch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra savory notes, or a hint of red pepper flakes for heat. Store your homemade blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, and it will keep its potency for several months, ready to elevate your next culinary creation.

Demystifying the Instant Pot: Your Culinary Game Changer

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, becoming a beloved appliance in kitchens worldwide. Far more than just a pressure cooker, it’s an electric multi-cooker designed to simplify meal preparation with impressive versatility and speed. Its primary functions typically include sautéing, slow cooking, steaming, and, most famously, pressure cooking.

Unlike the traditional stovetop pressure cookers of yesteryear, which often came with intimidating instructions and safety concerns, modern electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot are remarkably user-friendly and incredibly safe. They feature multiple built-in safety mechanisms and intuitive digital controls, eliminating the guesswork and anxiety associated with older models. This means you can harness the power of high-pressurized steam to cook meals significantly faster than conventional methods, whether it’s tenderizing tough cuts of meat in minutes or preparing grains and legumes without lengthy pre-soaking.

Beyond speed, the Instant Pot offers a wealth of benefits. It’s a true one-pot wonder, allowing you to sauté ingredients, then pressure cook, and even keep food warm, all in the same inner pot. This drastically reduces cleanup and streamlines your cooking process. The sealed environment helps to lock in nutrients and moisture, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender dishes. For beginners, the Instant Pot opens up a world of culinary possibilities without requiring advanced cooking skills. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply exploring new recipes. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!

Instant Pot vs. Electric Pressure Cooker: Understanding the Distinction

It’s a common point of confusion: what exactly is the difference between an Instant Pot and an electric pressure cooker? The answer is simple: Instant Pot is a specific brand name for an electric multi-cooker that happens to be an electric pressure cooker. Think of it like calling all facial tissues “Kleenex” or all adhesive bandages “Band-Aids.” Over time, the Instant Pot brand became so popular and ubiquitous that its name became synonymous with the entire category of electric pressure cookers.

While Instant Pot certainly dominates the market, many other excellent brands produce electric pressure cookers that offer similar functionalities and deliver equally delicious results. Brands like Crock-Pot (with their Express Crock line), Ninja Foodi, and PowerXL also offer multi-cookers that include pressure cooking capabilities. The fundamental technology behind these appliances is largely the same, focusing on using pressurized steam to cook food quickly and efficiently.

Therefore, when a recipe calls for an “Instant Pot,” it generally means any electric pressure cooker. You can confidently use any brand of electric pressure cooker you own, as long as it has the pressure cooking function, to achieve the same fantastic results in this lasagna soup recipe and many others. The key is understanding the cooking principles, not necessarily owning a specific brand.

Mastering Pressure Release: Natural vs. Quick Release

Understanding the two main methods for releasing pressure from your Instant Pot is crucial for achieving optimal results in various recipes. Each method serves a different purpose and can significantly impact the final texture and tenderness of your food.

Natural Release (NR)

When a recipe instructs you to allow your Instant Pot to “natural release,” it means the pressure cooker will slowly and gradually release the built-up pressure on its own. After the cooking cycle finishes, the Instant Pot will typically switch to a “Keep Warm” setting, and the pressure will naturally dissipate over time, indicated by the float valve dropping. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, or even longer, depending on the volume of food inside.

Natural release is often preferred for dishes with large cuts of meat, beans, grains, or ingredients that benefit from a slight continuation of cooking after the heat is off. It allows the temperature and pressure to decrease more gently, preventing rapid boiling and ensuring that meats remain tender and juicy. It’s also ideal for foamy foods or those with high liquid content, as a slow release reduces the risk of spewing food or liquid through the vent. You don’t need to do anything; simply wait until the float valve drops, signaling that it’s safe to open the lid.

Quick Release (QR)

Conversely, “quick release” involves manually venting the pressure from the Instant Pot immediately after the cooking cycle is complete. To do this, you’ll carefully turn the steam release handle (or press the release button) from the “Sealing” to the “Venting” position. A strong stream of hot steam will rapidly escape from the vent. It is absolutely critical to keep your hands and face clear of this steam, as it is extremely hot and can cause burns. Using a long-handled spoon or tongs can help you safely manipulate the valve.

Quick release is typically used for delicate foods, such as vegetables, fish, or pasta, to prevent overcooking. By rapidly depressurizing, you stop the cooking process almost instantly, helping to preserve texture and vibrant colors. It’s also the method of choice when you need your meal ready as fast as possible. Once all the steam has escaped and the float valve has dropped, the lid will unlock, and your food is ready to be served.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Lasagna Soup

One of the many joys of making a delicious soup like this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is enjoying the leftovers! Properly storing and reheating your soup ensures it tastes just as fantastic the next day.

Any leftover Instant Pot Lasagna Soup should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality and flavor for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, simply place your desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Loosely cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and help retain moisture, then heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until thoroughly heated. If reheating on the stovetop, transfer the soup to a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You may need to add a splash of extra broth or water if the soup has thickened significantly during storage.

Explore More Delicious Soup Recipes

If you loved this comforting Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic soup recipes to warm your soul and inspire your culinary adventures:

• Looking for a healthy and hearty option? Try my Healthy French Lentil Soup.
• Craving exotic flavors with a kick? My Green Curry Chicken Noodle Soup is a must-try.
• Desire something smooth, creamy, and satisfying? Dive into my Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup.
• Need a robust and filling meal? My Instant Pot Ground Chicken Chili is perfect for chili lovers.

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

By: Brandy O’Neill – Nutmeg Nanny

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

This Instant Pot lasagna soup takes all the things you love about lasagna and turns it into a comforting soup effortlessly thanks to the use of the Instant Pot!

Equipment

• Italian Seasoning
• Crushed Tomatoes
• Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 1.5 inch pieces

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the ground beef.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is almost completely browned and broken into small pieces – about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is soft and just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Next, add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the broken lasagna noodles and ensure they are all submerged under the liquid.
7. Attach the lid and ensure the valve is in the “sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook Manual for 4 minutes.
8. Once the Instant Pot has finished cooking, release the pressure manually by carefully switching the valve to the “venting” position.
9. Stir the soup and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
10. Garnish the soup with ricotta cheese and shredded parmesan, as well as fresh basil, if desired.
11. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 1089mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Instant Pot

Cuisine: American