Meal Prep Lasagna Soup That's Just $1 Per Serving
Meal Prep Lasagna Soup That's Just $1 Per Serving is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 330 calories per serving. Recipe by Steamy Vegan on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $11.34 total, $2.84 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 Onion (medium, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups Red Lentils (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher)
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves
- 4 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast (fortified)
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce (about 24 oz, any brand)
- 6 cups Hot Water (boiled)
- 6 noodles Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles (broken into 2‑3 inch pieces, about 130 g)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Vegan Parmesan Cheese (grated with microplane)
- a handful Fresh Basil (chopped)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Chop the medium onion and mince the four garlic cloves. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Rinse Lentils
Place 1½ cups red lentils in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
Time: PT3M
Break Noodles
Break the six lasagna noodles into roughly 2‑3 inch pieces (about 130 g total).
Time: PT2M
Sauté Aromatics
Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté function on medium heat. Add a splash of hot water, wait for steam, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir and sauté for 2‑3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Add Seasonings & Liquids
Stir in 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 2 bay leaves, 4 Tbsp nutritional yeast, the jar of marinara sauce, 6 cups hot water, and the rinsed red lentils.
Time: PT2M
Add Noodles
Drop the broken lasagna noodle pieces into the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid.
Time: PT1M
Pressure Cook
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Natural Release
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Quick Release
After the 5‑minute natural release, carefully perform a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.
Time: PT5M
Finish & Serve
Stir in freshly ground black pepper, 2 Tbsp grated vegan Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 330
- Protein
- 24 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 10 g
Dietary info: Vegan, High‑Protein, Plant‑Based, Can be made Gluten‑Free
Allergens: gluten (if using wheat noodles), soy (nutritional yeast)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder
- Instead of Red Lentils: brown lentils
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: herb blend
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Nutritional Yeast: vegan cheese powder
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: any pasta sauce
- Instead of Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles: gluten‑free lasagna noodles (brown rice or chickpea)
- Instead of Vegan Parmesan Cheese: extra nutritional yeast
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cup Set
- Wooden Spoon
- Microplane Grater
- Ladle
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté onion and garlic until softened (step 4).
- Ensure lasagna noodle pieces are fully submerged (step 6).
- Pressure cook for exactly 5 minutes (step 7).
- Perform natural then quick pressure release safely (steps 8‑9).
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use hot water for the initial sauté to keep the dish oil‑free and prevent sticking.
- Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces helps them cook evenly and creates that "slurpy" texture.
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright flavor and color.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after cooking.
Stir in additional hot water, ¼ cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are undercooked and still firm.
Close the lid and pressure cook for an additional 2‑3 minutes, then perform a quick release.
Soup is too thin.
Simmer on Sauté mode for a few minutes to reduce, or add ½ cup more red lentils next time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezer: Not recommended; the noodles may become mushy after freezing and reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chop onion and garlic a day ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Rinse and drain lentils in advance; they keep well for 2‑3 days refrigerated.
- The soup reheats well; add a little water when reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of vegan lasagna soup in Italian-inspired plant‑based cuisine?
While traditional Italian lasagna is a layered baked dish, the concept of a lasagna‑style soup emerged as a modern, plant‑based adaptation that captures the same comforting flavors in a quicker, one‑pot format. It reflects the growing trend of vegan cooks re‑imagining classic comfort foods with legumes and whole grains for added nutrition.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian cuisine?
In Italy, soup variations like "pasta e fagioli" or "minestra di pasta" use beans, tomatoes, and short pasta. The vegan lasagna soup borrows those ingredients—lentils for protein and lasagna noodles for heartiness—while swapping meat and cheese for plant‑based alternatives, creating a fusion of traditional soup and lasagna flavors.
How is vegan lasagna soup traditionally served in Italian‑inspired vegan households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh basil leaves. Some families add a crusty piece of gluten‑free bread on the side for dipping.
What occasions or celebrations is vegan lasagna soup traditionally associated with in plant‑based communities?
The dish is popular for cozy family dinners, potlucks, and autumn gatherings because it is hearty, easy to scale, and can be made in a single pot, making cleanup simple for larger groups.
What makes vegan lasagna soup special or unique in Italian‑inspired vegan cuisine?
It combines the creamy, cheesy flavor of lasagna—thanks to nutritional yeast and vegan Parmesan—with the comforting broth of a soup, while delivering 24 g of protein per serving from red lentils and whole‑wheat noodles.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan lasagna soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles so they become mushy, not using enough liquid which can cause the soup to scorch, and forgetting to release the pressure safely. Follow the timing and ensure the noodles are fully submerged for best results.
Why does this vegan lasagna soup recipe use red lentils instead of other beans?
Red lentils break down quickly, creating a naturally creamy texture that thickens the broth without the need for dairy. They also cook faster than most beans, keeping the total cooking time short for an Instant Pot recipe.
Can I make vegan lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making vegan lasagna soup?
The broth should be thick and slightly creamy from the lentils, with soft but still bite‑sized pieces of lasagna noodle. The soup should have a rich red hue from the marinara and be speckled with herbs and nutritional yeast.
How do I know when vegan lasagna soup is done cooking?
The noodles will be tender and the lentils fully softened, giving the broth a velvety consistency. A quick taste of the noodles should reveal no firmness, and the soup should coat the back of a spoon.
What does the YouTube channel Steamy Vegan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Steamy Vegan focuses on plant‑based, high‑protein recipes that are quick, easy, and often made in one pot or one pan, catering to busy home cooks who want nutritious vegan meals.
How does the YouTube channel Steamy Vegan's approach to Italian‑inspired vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Steamy Vegan emphasizes minimal ingredient lists—often six main items—and uses kitchen appliances like the Instant Pot to cut down on cooking time, whereas many other channels may rely on longer stovetop or oven methods and more complex ingredient lists.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
