Instant Pot Ground Beef Lasagna

When regular lasagna feels like too much work but you crave the same comforting flavors, this Instant Pot Ground Beef Lasagna Soup steps in perfectly It brings together all the classic taste you love with a fraction of the effort and cleanup Perfect for busy nights or any time you want a fuss free hearty meal that feels just a little special

I tested this out on a weeknight when I had zero energy but lots of hungry faces and everyone went back for seconds Even my picky eater was all in

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and helps brown the beef Use a quality one for the best flavor
• Lean ground beef: Protein backbone Look for one with just enough fat to stay moist during pressure cooking
• Onion: Delivers sweetness and complexity Choose onions that feel firm with no soft spots
• Bell pepper: Offers sweetness and a little crunch Pick any color you love and make sure it’s bright and unblemished
• Garlic: Adds an irresistible aroma Fresh cloves are the way to go for the best kick
• Marinara sauce: Forms the deeply flavorful tomato base A robust store bought jar works fine but you can use homemade too
• Crushed tomatoes: Give body and one more dimension to the broth Use San Marzano style for a little extra richness
• Beef stock: Adds depth and makes everything more savory Go for low sodium so you can control seasoning
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the whole pot Stir a handful in at the end for color
• Italian seasoning: Pulls all the classic flavors together Dried is perfect here
• Salt and pepper: For essential seasoning Adjust to your taste
• Dry lasagna noodles: Transform this soup from good to great Break them up for more fun and easy eating
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Makes everything creamy and gooey Look for whole milk mozzarella and shred it yourself if possible for best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Set your Instant Pot to saute and swirl in a generous spoonful of olive oil Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers Add ground beef along with a pinch of salt and pepper Cook for about five minutes stirring frequently to break up the clumps Brown it just until there is a bit of color and nearly cooked through Press cancel to stop heating

Sauté Aromatics and Add Veggies:

To the beef add in your diced onion diced bell pepper and minced garlic Stir everything well and let the heat left in the pot gently soften the veggies for two to three minutes

Combine With Sauces and Seasonings:

Pour in the marinara sauce followed by the can of crushed tomatoes Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and toss in a good amount of chopped parsley Stir until the sauce turns a lovely vibrant color and everything looks evenly mixed

Layer the Noodles:

Scatter the broken dry lasagna noodles right on top of your beef sauce mixture No need to stir simply let them sit above so they cook evenly later

Add Broth:

Pour all the beef stock directly over the uncooked noodles Gently press down with a spatula until most noodles are just submerged This is key so nothing stays dry while cooking

Pressure Cook:

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing Select high pressure and set for five minutes It will take a little time to come to pressure before cooking begins

Quick Release:

Once the timer goes off carefully turn the valve for a quick release of pressure When the pin drops remove the lid Be careful the steam will be hot and fragrant

Add Cheese and Finish:

Immediately sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the soup Place the lid loosely back on for around three to five minutes letting the cheese melt fully into gooey strands Remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls Top each with fresh parsley and a generous crack of black pepper Serve hot and enjoy that molten cheese pull

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When I first tried this with freshly torn parsley it added a pop of green that made the whole pot look and taste brighter My son loves sprinkling the cheese on top and watching it melt which makes dinnertime extra fun

Storage Tips

Cool any leftover soup before transferring it to airtight containers This soup keeps in the fridge for up to four days To reheat use the stove or microwave stirring gently and adding a splash of beef stock if it thickens too much Avoid freezing if you plan to keep the noodles extra tender though it is still delicious after freezing just a bit softer

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you want something lighter For extra veggies toss in spinach or zucchini right before melting the cheese For a dairy free version skip the mozzarella or use your favorite vegan alternative

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone but crusty garlic bread turns it into a feast Try adding a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette for a balanced meal If you love a little kick sprinkle each bowl with chili flakes or drizzle with chili oil

Cultural and Historical Context

Lasagna classics come from Italian cuisine with centuries of tradition but turning those flavors into soup is a modern weeknight hack It lets you experience everything that makes lasagna beloved without spending hours in the kitchen This version borrows American convenience with Italian inspiration making it both familiar and fresh

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Let this easy lasagna soup bring joy to your table even on the busiest days It is a true win for anyone who loves cozy comfort with minimal dishes and effort

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for beef. It will produce a lighter flavor, but the method remains the same.

→ How do I keep noodles from sticking together?

Break lasagna noodles into pieces and layer them evenly before adding beef stock. Be sure to press them gently into the liquid.

→ What type of marinara sauce works best?

Choose a high-quality marinara with simple ingredients for the richest flavor. Chunky or smooth both work well.

→ Can this soup be frozen for later?

The soup can be frozen, but noodles may soften more upon reheating. Reheat gently and add extra cheese before serving.

→ Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding?

No, add the uncooked, broken lasagna noodles directly to the sauce and broth mixture before pressure cooking.