Are you craving a warm and hearty meal? Look no further than this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup! With rich flavors and simple steps, you’ll enjoy a delicious dish that brings the classic lasagna taste to a savory soup. In this post, you’ll find all the ingredients, tips, and variations to make it just right for you. Let’s dive into this cozy recipe and fill your bowl with comfort!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make this tasty Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, gather these ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Cooking Equipment Needed
You will need some simple tools to cook this dish:
- Instant Pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Substitutions for Ingredients
You can switch out some ingredients if needed:
- Use turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Swap ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Try gluten-free lasagna noodles if you need a gluten-free meal.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
This list covers everything you need to create a rich and flavorful Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. Enjoy the cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, gather your ingredients. You need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Next, set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent. This step builds a great base flavor.
Cooking in the Instant Pot
Now, add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until it is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to break it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess fat, drain it.
After that, stir in the Italian seasoning, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Let it cook for 1 more minute until you smell the spices.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to get all the tasty bits. Then, add the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick release of pressure.
Finishing Touches
Once the pressure is released, stir the soup. Add the ricotta cheese and mix until it becomes creamy.
Serve the soup hot. Top it off with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil before enjoying!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Best Flavor
To get the best flavor in your Instant Pot lasagna soup, use fresh ingredients. Start with high-quality ground beef or turkey. The Italian seasoning and dried oregano add depth. Don’t skip the crushed red pepper flakes if you like spice. They give the soup a nice kick. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft. This step builds a base for all other flavors.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still enjoy this dish. Use a large pot on the stove. Sauté the onion and garlic, then brown the meat. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes. You can also use a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just make sure to break the lasagna noodles before adding them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not breaking the noodles. If you add whole noodles, they won’t cook evenly. Another mistake is skipping the quick release. Letting the pressure build too long can overcook the pasta. Always stir in the ricotta cheese after cooking. This step makes the soup creamy and delicious. Lastly, don’t forget the garnish! Fresh basil adds color and flavor.
Variations
Vegetarian Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
I love making a vegetarian version of this soup. You can easily swap the meat for veggies. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. They add great flavor and texture. Just sauté the veggies with the onion and garlic. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it plant-based. You can also add beans for protein. They make the soup hearty and filling. Top it with lots of cheese for that melty goodness.
Spicy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
For a kick, I recommend a spicy version. Just add more crushed red pepper flakes when cooking. You can also use spicy sausage instead of ground beef or turkey. This gives the soup a nice heat. If you want extra spice, toss in some diced jalapeños. They add a fresh flavor and warmth. Serve with a dollop of sour cream to cool it down a bit.
Gluten-Free Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Making this soup gluten-free is super simple. Just swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones. There are many brands available that work well. Make sure to check the package for cooking times. If you can’t find gluten-free noodles, use rice instead. It will still soak up the flavors nicely. Always check your broth for gluten-free options. This way, everyone can enjoy a warm bowl of soup!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your soup fresh, let it cool. Then, pour it into airtight containers. Store it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating is easy! You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, place the soup in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to make sure it’s warm.
Freezing Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Want to freeze it? Sure! First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remember to leave some space for the soup to expand. It can freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it to enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?
It takes about 30 minutes to make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. You spend 15 minutes on prep. The cooking time in the Instant Pot is just 5 minutes. With the quick release of pressure, you can savor this dish fast.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use different types of meat. Ground turkey works well if you want a lean option. You can even use Italian sausage for a richer flavor. Just make sure to cook it until brown before adding other ingredients.
What side dishes pair well with Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?
Great side dishes include garlic bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds brightness. Garlic bread is perfect for dipping. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for extra crunch.
This blog post covered how to make delicious Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. You learned about key ingredients, the right equipment, and helpful substitutions. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for best flavor. We also explored tasty variations and how to store leftovers.
In closing, this soup is easy to make and adaptable. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bowl!
