Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

This soup takes all the best parts of lasagna-savory meat sauce, tender noodles, creamy cheese-and puts them into one easy pot, turning the classic Italian layered casserole into a brothy, spoonable pasta stew.
It's cozy and bold, like a lasagna that's been simmered down into something spoonable.

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The Instant Pot brings it all together fast, using pressure cooking to cut simmer time by up to 70%.
You sauté, cook, and finish everything in one place with no need for layering, baking, or watching the oven.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you're craving lasagna but don't want the work that comes with it.

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Why This Recipe Works

Lasagna soup delivers big flavor with less effort, with a hearty tomato-and-herb finish, reminiscent of Italian-American pasta sauces.
You get the same depth as a baked pasta dish, but faster and without the pile of dishes.

• Quick cook time - Just 7 minutes under pressure and a short natural release, using the Instant Pot's high-pressure setting.
• One-pot cleanup - Sauté the meat, simmer the soup, and stir in cheese all in the same pot.
• Customizable - Add veggies, skip the meat, or swap the cheese.
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly - A comforting, make-ahead meal that stores well.

It's everything you want from lasagna, minus the wait and easy to pair with blended cocktails for warm-weather sipping.

For a sweet finish after a savory bowl, try refreshing honey-based desserts for summer.

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What You’ll Need

This soup has a classic lasagna flavor, and every ingredient plays a part, rooted in Italian-American lasagna traditions, which evolved from Italian immigrant casseroles in the U.S.
It uses pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to bring it together.

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• Ground Beef or Sausage - Gives you that rich, meaty base; try spicy cured options like 'nduja sausage for smoky, spreadable heat.
• Onion and Garlic - Build flavor from the start.
• Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste - Creates the body of the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning and Red Pepper Flakes - For bold, balanced flavor.
• Lasagna Noodles - Broken into pieces to mimic the layers of traditional lasagna.
• Broth - Helps cook the noodles and thins the sauce into a soup.
• Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan - Stirred in or used as toppings for that cheesy finish.
• Olive Oil and Salt - To sauté and season throughout.

You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese or skip the dairy altogether if needed, or serve alongside creamy deviled egg basics.

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How to Make Lasagna Soup in the Instant Pot

Everything happens in one pot-from browning the meat to melting in the cheese.

1. Brown the meat - Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and brown the beef or sausage. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté aromatics - Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Then add tomato paste and stir to coat.
3. Add broth, tomatoes, and spices - Pour in the broth, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
4. Add noodles - Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and submerge them in the soup.
5. Pressure cook - Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes.
6. Finish and serve - Stir in ricotta or spoon a dollop into each bowl. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan before serving.

Every bite is thick, rich, and layered with cheesy goodness.

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Topping Ideas and Variations

This soup gives you a base to build on, similar to lasagna's layered toppings.
Toppings and stir-ins let you customize it however you like, from fresh herbs to melty cheeses.

Topping or Add-In	Why It Works
Ricotta or Cottage Cheese	Classic lasagna flavor
Mozzarella or Fontina	Melts beautifully
Fresh Basil	Adds brightness
Spinach or Kale	Stir in at the end for color and texture
Italian Sausage	Swap for beef or use a combo
Chili flakes or hot sauce	For a little heat

You can even serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad to round it out, or toss in leftover rotisserie chicken for quick dinners.

End the meal with small-batch cupcake ideas for intimate gatherings.

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How to Store and Reheat

Lasagna soup stores really well, and the flavors only get better overnight.
The noodles will soak up some broth, so just add liquid before reheating.

Storage Tips

• Cool fully before transferring to containers.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Stovetop - Reheat over low heat with added broth or water.
• Microwave - Warm in short bursts, stirring and checking for consistency.

Add more cheese after reheating for a fresh melted finish.

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Troubleshooting Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes-skip the meat and use mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for depth.

Can I use other noodles?
You can. Use pasta that holds shape like rotini, shells, or penne.

Can I add more broth?
Absolutely. Add extra for a thinner soup or to adjust leftovers.

Can I make it without dairy?
Yes-just leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Does it freeze well?
Very well. Just know the noodles will soften slightly more after thawing, so expect a softer texture than freshly cooked pasta.

Try a hearty chicken-and-wild-rice Instant Pot soup for comforting, stick-to-your-ribs flavor. For a velvety vegetarian option, make a butternut squash Instant Pot soup with warming spices.