Lasagna, a classic Italian dish, is known for its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese. While traditional lasagna is a staple in many households, it can be time-consuming to prepare.
Enter the Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, a quick and easy alternative that captures all the flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl of soup. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave the taste of lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Instant Pot, a versatile electric pressure cooker, simplifies the cooking process and significantly cuts down the time needed to make this delicious meal. By combining ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and cheese, you can have a hearty soup ready in under an hour.
This recipe not only saves time but also allows for easy customization, making it a favorite among home cooks. For those interested in exploring the Instant Pot further, you can find a comprehensive guide on its uses and benefits on Serious Eats.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe: Easy and Delicious
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
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- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
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- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions for Making Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe: Easy and Delicious
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- Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, mixing well.
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- Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
- Break lasagna noodles into small pieces and add them to the pot.
- Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ mode, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once done, carefully perform a quick release of pressure.
- Open the lid and stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Serve the soup in bowls, topping each with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Nutritional Information
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup offers a balanced mix of macronutrients, making it a wholesome meal option. With ground beef as the primary protein source, it supports muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of vegetables like spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.
High-quality cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan add calcium and additional protein. Each serving of this lasagna soup contains approximately 450 calories, 24 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber.
For those monitoring their sodium intake, it’s important to note that processed ingredients like broth and canned tomatoes can be high in sodium. Opting for low-sodium versions can help manage sodium levels. For more detailed nutritional information, resources like the USDA Food Database can provide insight into the nutritional values of individual ingredients.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe: Easy and Delicious
Lasagna soup pairs wonderfully with a range of beverages. A glass of Chianti, a classic Italian red wine, complements the savory flavors of the soup beautifully. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, consider serving it with a sparkling water infused with lemon or lime for a refreshing contrast.
For a cozy evening, a warm herbal tea such as chamomile or mint can be soothing alongside this hearty soup.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To enhance the flavor of your Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, consider using a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage. This combination adds depth and richness to the soup. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with plant-based crumbles or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving. For those who enjoy spice, increasing the amount of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant kick to the soup.
Additionally, experimenting with different types of pasta can change the overall texture, with rotini or penne being excellent alternatives to lasagna noodles.
To save time, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, such as chopping onions and garlic or pre-cooking the meat, which can then be stored in the refrigerator until needed.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is best served hot and fresh, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly into the soup, creating a delightful creaminess in every bite. Consider serving this soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
The bread is perfect for dipping, making it a satisfying and complete dining experience.
If you’re hosting a dinner party or gathering, you might serve the soup in large bowls with a variety of toppings like chopped fresh herbs, extra cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil, allowing guests to customize their bowls to their liking.
This dish also works well as a make-ahead meal. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to regain the desired soup consistency, as the pasta can absorb liquid while sitting.
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe: Easy and Delicious Health Benefits
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup provides a nutritious, balanced meal option that supports good health. The combination of lean ground beef and cheese supplies high-quality protein, crucial for maintaining muscle mass and supporting metabolic functions.
Spinach, an integral component of the soup, is loaded with iron, vitamin K, and magnesium, all essential for blood health and bone strength. Tomatoes, rich in lycopene, act as powerful antioxidants, reducing the risk of chronic diseases by combating oxidative stress.
By opting for whole-grain pasta instead of regular pasta, you can increase your dietary fiber intake, promoting digestive health and prolonged satiety.
Furthermore, substituting a portion of the beef with leaner protein options, like ground turkey or chicken, or using a vegetable broth can reduce the overall fat content, making it a heart-healthy option. This versatility makes it easy to adjust to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
FAQs About Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe: Easy and Delicious
Can I make this lasagna soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if necessary.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?
While you can freeze it, the pasta may become mushy upon thawing. Consider freezing the soup without the noodles, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used as substitutes for ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture in the soup.
The Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. Its versatility and richness make it a family favorite that can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to impress guests, this lasagna soup is sure to satisfy. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the warmth and depth of flavors in every spoonful, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make this recipe truly your own.