Delicious Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna: Your New Weeknight Favorite!

Lazy Lasagna is the perfect go-to dish for those who want Italian comfort food without all the fuss.

This version turns a classic pasta favorite into an easy meal, ideal for today’s busy lifestyle.

By using the Instant Pot, cooking time is slashed while keeping all those deep, rich flavors intact.

It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty dinner without spending too long in the kitchen.

With layers of pasta, hearty sauce, and gooey cheese, it requires little prep work and offers quick cleanup.

This one-pot marvel delivers satisfaction to even the pickiest pasta fans out there.

Why Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Is A Timesaver

• Quick Kitchen Hack: Effortlessly whip up a delicious lasagna without complex layering or multiple pans.
• Speedy Weeknight Savior: Pressure cooking cuts traditional lasagna preparation time from 60 minutes to just 20 minutes total, perfect for busy families.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize dirty dishes by cooking everything directly in the Instant Pot, combining convenience with maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ground beef for sausage, adjust spice levels, or add vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need For Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Rich meats that add deep flavor and protein to the lasagna, choose lean options for less grease.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides smooth texture and richness to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Tangy base that creates moisture and bright tomato flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes.
• Broth: Helps prevent burning and adds extra liquid for pasta cooking, chicken or vegetable broth work well.

• Pasta, Lasagna Noodles: Hearty base of the dish, no need to pre-cook, will soften during pressure cooking.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, stretchy layer, select freshly grated for best results.

• Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide aromatic brightness and green color, can use dried if fresh is unavailable.
• Onion Powder, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend that adds depth and subtle heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall flavor profile.

How To Cook Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Fast

Step 1: Brown The Meat

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables soften and meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Pour chicken broth into pot. Use wooden spoon to scrape bottom, releasing delicious browned bits.

Step 3: Build Lasagna Layers

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Dried basil
• Dried parsley
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Arrange uncooked pasta noodles on top. Gently press noodles into liquid without stirring.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Close lid. Set valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Carefully perform quick release. Open lid and stir contents. Fold in ricotta cheese.

Step 6: Melt Cheese Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Cover partially and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy creamy, comforting lasagna.

Tips For Perfect Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

• Drain Excess Fat: Remove any accumulated grease after cooking meat to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing lasagna.
• Pasta Placement Matters: Gently press pasta into the liquid without stirring to help it cook evenly and absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the hot lasagna sit with cheese on top and lid slightly open to create perfect melting without overcooking the base.
• Quick Release Technique: Open the pressure valve slowly and carefully to prevent sauce from splattering and maintain a clean cooking area.
• Customize Your Protein: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

How To Keep Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled lasagna to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where it will stay delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in Microwave: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring between intervals.
• Oven Reheating: Warm refrigerated lasagna in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture and restore its original texture.

Side Dishes For Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

• Complement Wine Selection: Choose robust red wines like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that balance the rich, meaty lasagna flavors with their bold tannic profiles and fruity undertones.
• Craft Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette dressing to cut through the lasagna's heaviness, adding refreshing green notes and balancing the meal's richness.
• Enhance Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up extra sauce, providing delightful textural contrast and additional carbohydrate comfort.
• Create Vegetable Harmony: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus with olive oil and herbs to complement the lasagna's savory elements and add nutritional variety.

Lazy Lasagna Twists To Try In The Instant Pot

• Vegetarian Lasagna Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of traditional broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Replace pasta with thin sliced zucchini or cauliflower rice. Use full-fat cheeses and increase protein content with additional ground meat or Italian sausage.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap ricotta and mozzarella with cashew-based cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Use coconut milk for creaminess and plant-based protein crumbles for texture.

Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even use a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to use an Instant Pot for this lasagna?

While this recipe is specifically designed for an Instant Pot, you can adapt it for oven baking by adjusting cooking times and liquid quantities.

• How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Reduce or eliminate red pepper flakes and ensure the meat is finely broken up. You can also add extra cheese to make it more appealing to children.

• What if I don't have all the fresh herbs mentioned?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs to maintain the right flavor intensity.

Effortless Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna, where layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese come together effortlessly. Quick preparation and minimal cleanup make this hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for hungry families seeking a delicious weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth
• 22 ounces (650 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can diced tomatoes

Pasta:

• 10–12 ounces (280–340 grams) short Mafalda pasta

Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Seasonings:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• A few turns freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Fire up the Instant Pot’s sauté mode and allow it to heat. Introduce ground meat, seasoning with salt and pepper, fragmenting the protein while cooking until it approaches doneness.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, continuing to sauté until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence. Eliminate excess rendered fat if necessary.
3. Neutralize the sauté function and splash a small quantity of broth into the pot. Utilize a flexible spatula to liberate caramelized remnants adhering to the vessel’s base.
4. Cascade remaining broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Sprinkle a medley of herbs and spices – basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes – creating a robust flavor profile.
5. Strategically arrange uncooked pasta sheets across the liquid landscape, gently submerging them without disrupting the underlying sauce. Maintain a strict no-stirring policy during this phase.
6. Secure the Instant Pot’s lid, positioning the valve to sealing configuration. Activate high-pressure cooking for precisely four minutes, understanding the total pressurization process requires approximately fifteen minutes.
7. Execute a measured quick pressure release, gradually venting to prevent splattering. Once unsealed, thoroughly integrate ricotta cheese throughout the mixture.
8. Generously crown the lasagna with mozzarella, positioning the lid ajar to facilitate gentle melting.
9. Conclude by adorning with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan shavings. Serve immediately while piping hot, reveling in this effortless culinary creation.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version.
• Remove red pepper flakes for kid-friendly spice levels or add extra for heat lovers.
• Always break pasta noodles to ensure they’re fully submerged and cook evenly in the liquid.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus pressure time)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg