Instant Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup Comforting and Easy

Are you craving a hearty meal that’s as easy as it is delicious? Look no further! Instant Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup brings all the tasty flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, comforting bowl. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a filling dinner ready in no time. Join me as we dive into this easy recipe that’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 lb ground beef or turkey

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

For this Instant Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup, you can choose ground beef or turkey. Both work well and give great flavor. Next, a medium onion adds sweetness, while three cloves of minced garlic bring a nice kick. Crushed tomatoes form the base, adding rich taste. Finally, four cups of broth enhance the soup's depth.

Pasta and Dairy

- 2 cups uncooked pasta (like mafaldini or alfredo)

- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk

- 1 cup ricotta cheese

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For pasta, I love using mafaldini or alfredo. They hold sauce well and fit the soup's vibe. Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk makes it rich and creamy. Ricotta cheese adds a lovely texture, while shredded mozzarella gives that gooey finish. Seasonings like oregano, basil, and Italian mix tie all these flavors together.

Garnish

- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

To make your soup look nice, top it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These herbs brighten the dish and add freshness. You can also add an extra dollop of ricotta on top for a more decadent touch. If you want a complete meal, serve with garlic bread for dipping!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Browning the meat First, turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned. If there is excess fat, drain it out.

Sautéing the onion and garlic Next, add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant.

Pressure Cooking

Mixing ingredients in the Instant Pot Now, stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Then, add 2 cups of uncooked pasta, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking time and quick release process Close the lid and set the vent to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, do a quick release and carefully open the lid.

Finishing Touches

Adding cream and cheeses Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk. Also, add 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Mix it well until creamy. Then, add half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until it melts.

Adjusting seasoning and serving Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot in deep bowls. Top each bowl with the remaining mozzarella cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

How to prevent burn warnings To avoid burn warnings when making this soup, always add enough liquid. The chicken or vegetable broth helps a lot. Make sure to stir the ingredients well before sealing the pot. Layering the ingredients can also help. Put the meat and vegetables at the bottom and the pasta on top.

Balancing flavors in the soup Balancing flavors is key to a tasty soup. Start with the right seasonings. Use salt and pepper to enhance the taste. You can also add more herbs like basil or oregano if you want a stronger flavor. Taste the soup before serving. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Presentation Tips

Serving suggestions Serve this soup in deep bowls. It looks great and keeps the soup warm. You can pair it with garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. This makes it even more comforting and enjoyable.

Bowl garnishing ideas Garnishing adds a nice touch to your soup. Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. You can also add an extra dollop of ricotta cheese. This makes the soup look fancy and adds creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking pasta duration One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it for only 5 minutes under pressure. It will continue to cook after you release the pressure. This keeps the pasta from turning mushy.

Not releasing pressure properly Improperly releasing pressure can lead to a mess. Always do a quick release after cooking. Be careful when you open the lid. The steam can be hot. Ensure you follow the steps to release pressure safely.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can easily change the meat in this soup. Ground beef or turkey works well. For a twist, try Italian sausage. The flavors add a nice kick. If you want a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils. Both options keep the soup hearty and filling.

Flavor Variations

Add veggies to boost nutrition and taste. Spinach or kale gives great color and flavor. You can also throw in diced bell peppers or carrots. They add sweetness and crunch. For seasonings, feel free to mix it up! Try adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme for a different flavor.

Dietary Accommodations

If you need a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream. It keeps the soup rich and creamy. For cheese, you can try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. For those who need gluten-free options, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. It cooks well in the Instant Pot and tastes great!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store your leftover lasagna soup, use an airtight container. Make sure it cools first, then seal it tightly. Place it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty for the next few days. Leftovers can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze your soup, follow these steps:

- Let the soup cool completely.

- Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space on top.

- Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date.

When you're ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it creamy.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, lasagna soup lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. For the best taste and texture, try to eat it sooner rather than later. Enjoying it fresh makes every bite a delight!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Some great options include:

- Bow tie pasta

- Shells

- Fusilli

- Penne

Each type gives a unique twist. Just make sure the pasta cooks well in a short time.

How long does it take to cook in the Instant Pot?

Cooking this soup takes about 10 minutes in total. Here's the breakdown:

- Sautéing meat and veggies: 5-7 minutes

- High-pressure cooking: 5 minutes

- Quick release: 1-2 minutes

This makes it a quick and easy meal!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Here are some tips:

- Cook the soup and let it cool.

- Store it in an airtight container.

- Refrigerate for up to three days.

When ready, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What toppings go well with lasagna soup?

Toppings add extra flavor and fun. Here are some tasty suggestions:

- Shredded mozzarella cheese

- Fresh basil or parsley

- Extra ricotta dollop

- Crushed red pepper for heat

These toppings enhance the taste and look of your soup!

In this post, we covered how to make a delicious lasagna soup in an Instant Pot. You learned about the key ingredients, like ground beef, cheeses, and pasta options. I shared clear steps for preparation and cooking, along with useful tips to enhance your dish. You can also make fun variations and store leftovers easily.

Lasagna soup is a comforting meal that can be tailored to your taste. Try it out and enjoy!