The Easiest Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but making it can sometimes feel like a complicated and time-consuming task. What if there was a way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of lasagna with less hassle and less time spent in the kitchen? Enter the Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna.

This recipe takes the traditional lasagna ingredients—pasta, meat, sauce, cheese—and turns them into an easy, one-pot dish that can be made in just 30 minutes. No need to layer noodles and bake for hours. With the Instant Pot, you can get that perfect lasagna texture and flavor in record time, with less mess and minimal effort.

Why Make Lazy Lasagna in the Instant Pot?

Making lasagna the traditional way can take quite a bit of time, especially when you factor in cooking the noodles, layering, and then baking. However, Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is a time-saving version that gives you the same rich flavors without all the steps. Here’s why the Instant Pot is perfect for making lazy lasagna:

• ◉ Faster Cooking Time: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete lasagna dish, much faster than traditional baking methods.

• ◉ One-Pot Wonder: All the ingredients are cooked together in one pot, minimizing the mess and cleanup time.

• ◉ Perfect Texture: The pressure cooking method ensures that the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce while still maintaining the right texture.

• ◉ Customizable: This recipe is versatile—you can use different meats, cheeses, or veggies based on your preferences.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Before you get started, make sure you have these essential ingredients ready for your Instant Pot lazy lasagna:

Main Ingredients

• ◉ Ground Meat: You can use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground Italian sausage. Each offers a slightly different flavor, so pick your favorite.

• ◉ Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide a flavorful base for the sauce.

• ◉ Broth: Chicken or beef broth will provide the necessary liquid for pressure cooking.

• ◉ Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favorite marinara sauce makes this dish even easier. You can also use tomato sauce or a different pasta sauce if you prefer.

• ◉ Diced Tomatoes: Adds volume to the sauce and helps create the perfect consistency.

• ◉ Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, basil, parsley, and oregano gives the lasagna its classic flavor.

• ◉ Short Pasta: We recommend using Mafalda pasta (mini lasagna noodles), but you can substitute with rotini or another short pasta.

• ◉ Cheeses: Ricotta and mozzarella are the go-to cheeses, adding creaminess and richness to the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Making Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills. Here’s how you can prepare this easy meal:

Step 1: Brown the Meat

• Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a tablespoon of oil.

• Add your ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage) and season with salt and pepper.

• Sauté until the meat is browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.

• Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for a few more minutes until the onion is soft.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pot

• Once the meat is cooked, pour in a small amount of broth and use a spatula to deglaze the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial to avoid any burn errors during pressure cooking.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

• Pour in the remaining broth, followed by marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and all of your seasonings. Stir to combine.

• Add the dry pasta on top. Do not stir it in—simply press it down into the liquid. It doesn’t need to be fully submerged but should be in an even layer.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

• Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing.

• Select Pressure Cook/Manual mode and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. It will take about 10–15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, depending on your model.

Pro Tip: If you want a saucier lasagna, use 10 ounces of pasta. For a drier version, use 12 ounces.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Add Cheese

• When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Once the lid is safe to open, stir the lasagna.

• Mix in the ricotta cheese for creaminess, then top with mozzarella cheese.

• Place the lid askew on the pot and let the mozzarella melt for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve

• Stir the lasagna one final time to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.

• Serve the lasagna immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes and Tips for Success

• Pasta Shape: For best results, use short pasta like Mafalda or rotini. Long pasta like spaghetti can get clumped together in the Instant Pot and may require different cooking methods.

• Substituting Meats: If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. Just make sure to season it well to maintain flavor.

• Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t like ricotta, you can substitute cottage cheese or skip it altogether. Mozzarella and Parmesan are always a must!

• Make It Vegetarian: For a meatless version, use vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, along with plant-based cheese options.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is filling on its own, but here are some great sides to complete the meal:

• ◉ Garlic Bread: A classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with lasagna.

• ◉ Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the lasagna.

• ◉ Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli or asparagus adds a healthy touch to the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna makes great leftovers and is perfect for meal prepping. Whether you have extra portions or want to store some for later, here’s how to handle leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Allow the lasagna to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: This lasagna freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality. For longer storage, consider freezing in individual portions for easier reheating.

Pro Tip: When storing in the fridge or freezer, it’s best to avoid storing the cheese on top. Add the mozzarella cheese when reheating for a fresher texture.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: To reheat individual portions, place the lasagna on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check the temperature, and heat further if necessary. Stir in a splash of broth if the sauce looks dry.

• Stovetop: For larger portions, reheat in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a little bit of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Heat until the lasagna is warmed through.

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a little extra mozzarella for an even cheesier topping.

Food Safety Tip: Always check the internal temperature when reheating. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions, serving sizes, and specific brands used. Always check the labels for accuracy.

Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey, or Italian sausage)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups chicken broth (or water, adjusted with salt)

• 22 oz jar marinara sauce (650 ml / 2¾ cups)

• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 10–12 oz short Mafalda pasta (or other short pasta)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (can substitute cottage cheese)

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated

• Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Meat:
   Turn on the Sauté function of the Instant Pot and add olive oil (if using). Once the pot shows “HOT”, add ground beef (or your choice of meat), salt, and pepper. Break the meat into smaller pieces while sautéing. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Deglaze the Pot:
   Turn off the Sauté function. Pour in a small amount of chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   Pour in the remaining chicken broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (optional). Stir to combine. Layer the uncooked pasta on top, pressing it down slightly to ensure it’s in an even layer. Do not stir.

4. Pressure Cook:
   Close the lid and set the vent to Sealing. Select Manual/Pressure Cook on High Pressure and cook for 4 minutes. After the cooking cycle ends, perform a controlled quick release of the pressure.

5. Finish the Lasagna:
   Open the lid carefully. Stir the lasagna and add ricotta cheese, mixing it in. Top with mozzarella cheese and place the lid askew on the pot to melt the cheese for a few minutes.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Pasta Choices: Mafalda pasta mimics lasagna noodles, but you can substitute with other short pasta such as rotini or penne. If using long pasta, adjust the cooking method.

• Sauciness: For a saucier version, use 10 ounces of pasta; for a thicker texture, use 12 ounces.

• Meat Substitutes: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins can replace ground beef or sausage.

• Make-Ahead: This lasagna works well for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 4 minutes

• Total Time: 34 minutes

• Method: Instant Pot (Pressure Cook)

• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Comfort Food