Some days, you just don’t have the time (or energy) to layer lasagna noodles, simmer sauces, and spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna comes in! It’s everything you love about classic lasagna—cheesy, saucy, and comforting—but with a fraction of the effort. Trust me, this is about to become your new weeknight favorite.
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Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Fast & Easy: No need for layering or baking—just toss everything in the Instant Pot and let it do the work.
Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Use your favorite protein, add extra veggies, or tweak the seasonings to your liking.
Ingredients in Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
This one-pot wonder is packed with all the classic lasagna flavors but with a quick and easy twist.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture.
Onion & Garlic: The flavor foundation that makes everything taste better.
Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, flavorful sauce without the need for hours of simmering.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken into pieces for that classic lasagna feel without the layering hassle.
Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes: Brings warmth and a little spice.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds that signature creamy texture.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Because what’s lasagna without loads of gooey, melty cheese?
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Sauté the Meat & Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Cook the ground beef (or sausage) with diced onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings. Give it a good mix to combine everything.
Layer in the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and scatter them over the sauce. Do NOT stir! Just press them down slightly so they’re submerged.
Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 6 minutes. Once done, quick release the pressure.
Stir in the Cheese: Add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently until everything is melted and combined.
Serve and Enjoy: Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then scoop into bowls and top with extra cheese or fresh basil!
How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
- Garlic Bread: Because sopping up that sauce is a must!
- Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the lasagna.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted zucchini make great sides.
- Red Wine: If you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, a glass of Chianti pairs beautifully.
Additional Tips
Use Different Meats: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes for a kick or stir in some crushed fennel seeds for an Italian sausage vibe.
Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an ultra-rich finish.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth.
Freezer-Friendly: Let the lasagna cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different pasta?
A1: Yes! Short pasta like penne or rotini works well, just adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Swap the meat for mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based crumble.
Q3: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A3: Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute and adds extra protein.
Q4: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
A4: You can make this on the stovetop by simmering everything in a pot, then baking it at 375°F for 20 minutes after adding the cheese.
Q5: How do I prevent a burn warning?
A5: Make sure the noodles are fully submerged and avoid stirring after adding them.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Only if you have an 8-quart Instant Pot—otherwise, it may be too full to cook properly.
Q7: How can I make it lower carb?
A7: Use zucchini noodles or Palmini lasagna sheets instead of regular pasta.
Q8: Can I prep this ahead?
A8: Yes! Brown the meat and mix the sauce ingredients in advance, then just add the noodles and pressure cook when ready.
Q9: Can I use fresh lasagna sheets?
A9: Yes, but they cook much faster, so reduce the pressure cooking time to 3 minutes.
Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is comfort food at its finest—rich, cheesy, and packed with bold Italian flavors, all with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something cozy, this dish has you covered. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Print
Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus pressure time)
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy one-pot lasagna is the ultimate lazy day dinner! Made with ground beef or sausage, mini lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, and two kinds of cheese, it delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with minimal effort. Using the Instant Pot, this dish comes together in just 34 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage
- 1/4 tsp salt
- A few turns freshly ground black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water, adjust salt as needed)
- 22 oz jar marinara sauce (2 3/4 cups)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 10–12 oz short Mafalda pasta (mini lasagna noodles) See Notes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the meat: Turn on the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. When the screen says “hot,” add ground beef or sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until nearly done, breaking it into pieces. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened. Drain grease if needed.
- Deglaze the pot: Turn off Sauté, add a small amount of broth, and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Layer the ingredients: Add the remaining broth, followed by marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Evenly layer the pasta on top and gently push it down so it’s partially submerged. Do not stir.
- Pressure cook: Close the lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes (it will take ~15 minutes to reach pressure).
- Release pressure: Do a controlled quick release (release a little at a time to avoid splatter). Open the lid, stir, then mix in ricotta cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Top with mozzarella cheese, set the lid askew, and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 10 oz pasta for a saucier lasagna or 12 oz for a thicker texture.
- Other pasta options: Rotini, bowtie, or broken lasagna sheets. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 463
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 55mg