Instant Pot Lasagna Soup: The Comfort Food Game-Changer

Name: Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 pound Ground Beef (or sausage); 1 Onion, diced; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes; 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth; 8 Lasagna Noodles, broken into pieces; 1 cup Ricotta Cheese; 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded; 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning; Optional: 2 cups Spinach, chopped; Optional: 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced; Optional: 1 Zucchini or 1 Bell Pepper, diced

So, you’ve heard of lasagna, right? That classic Italian dish featuring layers of pasta, cheese, and all the good stuff that makes your heart sing. Now, what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy all that deliciousness in a cozy, soup form? Yup, I’m talking about Instant Pot Lasagna Soup! Get ready, because this dish is going to make your weeknight dinners a whole lot easier and tastier. 🙌

Why Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?

Ever wondered why everyone raves about the Instant Pot? Let me tell you, this magical kitchen gadget is like having a personal chef who never complains. You can sauté, pressure cook, and even slow cook—all in one pot! Plus, it speeds up the cooking process in a phenomenal way. Imagine making lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking; that’s the beauty of Instant Pot Lasagna Soup.

But wait—there’s more! This soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to your liking. Did someone say "vegetarian"? You got it! Want extra meat? Go for it! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some extra veggies. Whatever your taste buds are craving, this soup has you covered.

The Ingredients You Need

Here’s the fun part—let’s talk about what you’ll need to create this delicious dish. Grab your shopping list!

Essential Ingredients:

Olive Oil: For that nice sauté action.
Ground Beef (or sausage): Because, IMHO, what’s lasagna without some meat?
Onion and Garlic: The dynamic duo of flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: No canned tomato left behind!
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: To give it that soul-warming touch.
Lasagna Noodles: This is key, my friend.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy delight adds that authentic lasagna feel.
Mozzarella Cheese: Because you can’t have too much cheese, right?
Italian Seasoning: To transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

Optional Add-ins:

Spinach: For a nutritional boost (and to make you feel less guilty).
Mushrooms: Adds earthy tones that complement the flavors beautifully.
Zucchini or Bell Peppers: Get a little colorful with your veggies.

Now, that wasn’t too painful, was it? Trust me; you probably have most of this in your pantry already! 🤷‍♀️

Cooking Instructions: How to Make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Ready to get your hands dirty (well, kind of)? Here’s how you can whip up this masterpiece without losing your mind.

Step 1: Sauté the Goodness

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
Toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (like you could already eat it straight out of the pot).
Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until it’s nice and browned.

Step 2: Layering the Flavor

Add the crushed tomatoes and broth. Give it a good stir.
Now for the fun part—break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2 inches) and add them to the pot.
Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning and stir again.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Like a Pro

Seal the lid and set to high pressure for about 5 minutes.
When the time’s up, do a quick release (but stand back—soup can get a little rambunctious).

Step 4: The Creamy Finale

Once the pressure is released, stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s all melty and mixed.
Top with mozzarella cheese and put the lid back on for a couple of minutes or until it’s nice and ooey-gooey!

Just like that, you’ve got a rich, savory soup that’s practically screaming to be devoured. 🙌

Serving Suggestions

Here’s where you can let your creativity shine! You can easily make this dish even more enticing.

Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of this brings a pop of freshness.
Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Because dipping is a love language.
A Side Salad: For balance (and to prove to yourself you’re being healthy).

Storing and Reheating

A couple of things to remember here, folks. This beautiful soup can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container—nobody wants soggy soup!

When it’s time to reheat, you can either warm it up on the stovetop or toss it back in the Instant Pot for a few minutes. Add a splash of broth if it seems a little thick. Trust me; soggy noodles are not your friend.

Tips for Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Success

To ensure your soup comes out perfect every time, consider these quick tips:

Don’t skip on the sautéing. This step is crucial for deep flavor.
Use no-cook lasagna noodles if you have them on hand. They soften up beautifully in the soup!
Play around with your seasonings. If you love a kick, add red pepper flakes. The world is your oyster (er, soup).

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that marries convenience with flavor, offering you all the joys of lasagna without the labor. Isn’t that a win-win?

Try it out for your next weeknight dinner, special occasion, or just because it’s Tuesday. You won’t regret it.

Seriously, if someone asked me what I’d want as my last meal (God forbid), I’d probably go with this soup. Just sayin’. 😋

Try this recipe, share your thoughts, and let me know—what’s your favorite twist on this classic dish? I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy cooking!