Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss. Packed with all the flavors of traditional lasagna, this easy one-pot meal comes together in just minutes. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish showcases how delicious simplicity can be!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Main Dish
• For Cheese Mixture
• For Garnish
• How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Step 1: Sauté the Meat
• Step 2: Add the Sauce
• Step 3: Add Liquid & Seasoning
• Step 4: Add the Pasta
• Step 5: Pressure Cook
• Step 6: Natural Release
• Step 7: Stir & Add Cheese
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Pair with Fresh Salad
• Add Garlic Bread
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Serve in Individual Portions
• How to Perfect Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Reheating Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of pasta?
• Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
• How long does it take to prepare?
• Can I customize the cheese used?
• How do I serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 34 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful: Enjoy classic lasagna tastes thanks to rich beef, tangy pasta sauce, and creamy cheeses.
• One-Pot Wonder: No need for multiple pans—everything cooks together in your Instant Pot.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up ingredients like using different pasta or adding vegetables based on your preferences.
• Feeding a Crowd: Serves 8 generous portions, making it great for families or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential items to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: The star of the show! It allows for quick cooking under pressure while retaining flavors.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for prepping your ingredients quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in cooking, especially when balancing flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your Instant Pot’s surface.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are required to make your delicious Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna:

For the Main Dish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin recommended)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jar (24-26 oz) traditional pasta sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta

For Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Step 1: Sauté the Meat

Turn on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil, then crumble in the ground beef along with diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain it before moving on.

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Pour in the jar of pasta sauce over the cooked meat mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Add Liquid & Seasoning

Next, pour in 3 cups of water. Then add dried basil, Italian seasoning, parsley, and an additional ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly so that all ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Evenly layer the dry penne pasta over the sauce mixture without stirring. Gently press down on the pasta to ensure it’s mostly submerged in liquid.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on High for 5 minutes. Remember that it will take about 10 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before cooking begins.

Step 6: Natural Release

Once cooking is complete, let the pressure naturally release for between 5-10 minutes:
1. For al dente pasta—5 minutes.
2. For softer texture—8 minutes.
3. For very soft pasta—10 minutes.

Step 7: Stir & Add Cheese

Turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid and stir everything together until well mixed. Add ricotta cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and fully combined.

Step 8: Serve

Enjoy your Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna immediately! Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired for added flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Serving Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is a breeze, and you can customize it to suit your taste. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your culinary experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed with a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese paired with creamy Caesar dressing for a classic touch.

Add Garlic Bread

• Traditional Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with butter, garlic, and parsley—perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Same as above but with melted mozzarella for extra indulgence.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds aromatic flavor and a pop of color to your dish.
• Parsley Sprigs: A sprinkle of parsley provides brightness and balances the richness of the lasagna.

Serve in Individual Portions

• In Bowls: Ladle the lasagna into bowls for a comforting presentation.
• In Plates: Serve on plates for an elegant dining experience; layer it attractively.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

To ensure your Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: This helps reduce excess fat and keeps the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
• Don’t Stir After Adding Pasta: Layering the pasta prevents it from clumping together during cooking.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Texture: For al dente pasta, set the natural release to 5 minutes; longer for softer pasta.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Mix in mozzarella or ricotta variations for unique flavors and textures.
• Seal Properly Before Cooking: Ensure that the lid is sealed correctly to avoid any pressure leaks during cooking.

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Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Complement your Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with these delightful side dishes. They add variety and balance to your meal.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft dough twisted into knots and baked until golden brown, brushed with garlic butter—great for dipping!
2. Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds nutrients and flavor.
3. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
4. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for a great appetizer.
5. Italian Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil provides an excellent starter.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative that pairs well with lasagna flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna can be quick and easy, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Not browning the meat properly can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always sauté the beef with onion and garlic to build flavor.
• Overcrowding the Instant Pot: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Forgetting to Layer the Pasta: If you stir in the pasta, it can become mushy. Layer it on top without stirring, ensuring it’s submerged in liquid.
• Ignoring Natural Release Times: Not allowing enough time for natural pressure release can result in overcooked pasta. Follow the timing guidelines for perfect texture.
• Using Broth Instead of Water: Broth may make your lasagna too salty. Opt for water to keep the classic flavors intact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the lasagna to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents before freezing.

Reheating Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water and covering until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, while penne is recommended, you can substitute with rotini or ziti. Just ensure they are similar in size and cooking time.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with mushrooms or lentils, and use a vegetable-based pasta sauce for a tasty vegetarian version of lazy lasagna.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time is about 34 minutes, including prep, cooking, and natural release. This makes it a quick meal option!

Can I customize the cheese used?

Certainly! Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda along with ricotta and Parmesan for varied flavors.

How do I serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna?

This dish is delicious on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences, whether by swapping out proteins or adjusting cheese types. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without all the fuss. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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