If you’ve ever craved warm, cheesy comfort food without all the layers and fuss, Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is your new best friend. It’s a weeknight-friendly twist on classic lasagna, with all the bold Italian flavors and creamy textures—made super cozy and approachable in just one pot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Classic Lasagna Goodness: Enjoy rich, meaty sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheeses—no tedious layering required.
- One-Pot Wonder: From sautéing to pressure cooking, everything happens right in your Instant Pot—meaning fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Weeknight Fast with Homemade Flavor: Get a super-satisfying dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, with so much love and flavor packed into every bite.
- Customizable for Everyone: This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna easily adapts to whatever pasta, meat, or sauce you have on hand—so everyone can make it their own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna relies on everyday, cozy ingredients you probably already have. Each one offers something special—from hearty meatiness to cheesy indulgence—and every element contributes straight to that crave-worthy, homey flavor you love.
- Olive oil: Adds just a touch of richness, especially if using extra-lean beef.
- Lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage: The savory, meaty heart of the lasagna; Italian sausage brings a kick of extra flavor if you’re in the mood for it.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning to make every ingredient pop.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed for natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Five cloves of punchy goodness—don’t hold back here!
- Chicken broth (or water): Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks (adjust the salt if you sub water).
- Marinara sauce: Brings those vibrant tomato and herb flavors—choose your favorite homemade or store-bought.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Boosts texture and gives each bite a bright, rustic edge.
- Dried basil & dried parsley: Classic Italian herbs for fragrance and freshness.
- Onion powder & oregano: Layers in that unmistakable lasagna flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Short Mafalda pasta (10–12 oz): These ruffled mini lasagna noodles hold up beautifully; 10 oz will give you a saucier dish, 12 oz makes it more pasta-forward.
- Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese): Creamy, classic, and essential for that lasagna richness.
- Freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Melts right into the hot noodles for ooey-gooey perfection.
- Fresh parsley & parmesan cheese (optional): The ultimate finishing touch for color and a nutty, salty bite.
Variations
This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to twist it to suit what’s in your pantry or your family’s cravings. Here are some easy ideas to get you started—let your imagination (and taste buds!) run wild.
- Swap in Different Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils are all delicious alternatives to beef or sausage.
- Go Vegetarian: Omit the meat entirely, and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for hearty texture and extra veggies.
- Pasta Substitutes: Use any sturdy short pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties); adjust the cook time as needed for perfect texture.
- Dairy-Free or Lighter Cheese: Try plant-based ricotta and mozzarella, or swap in cottage cheese for a lighter touch.
- Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for extra zip.
How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat & Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté. Once it’s hot, add your ground beef (or sausage) and season with salt and pepper. Break it up as it cooks, then add diced onion and all that luscious minced garlic. Cook until the onion turns soft and the meat is no longer pink, making sure to soak up any excess grease with a paper towel using tongs, if needed. This foundational step infuses the sauce with rich flavor you only get from browning.
Step 2: Deglaze and Layer the Flavor
Turn off Sauté and pour a splash of chicken broth into the pot. Use a flat spatula to scrape up any stuck bits from the bottom—this not only prevents the dreaded burn notice but also unlocks big flavor from those golden brown bits! Then, add the rest of the broth, marinara, diced tomatoes, dried herbs, and onion powder. Give everything a gentle mix but—trust me—don’t stir in the pasta just yet.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Scatter the Mafalda pasta (or your short pasta of choice) evenly over the surface. Gently nudge it down with your spoon so most of the noodles are in contact with liquid, but don’t mix it—this is the true secret to lasagna magic in the Instant Pot. This keeps everything layered and the pasta just right.
Step 4: Pressure Cook!
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to sealing. Select Manual High Pressure (or Pressure Cook, depending on your model) for just 4 minutes. The pot will take about 15 minutes to come up to pressure—and then, just let that lasagna magic happen. Your kitchen will already smell heavenly!
Step 5: Stir in The Cheese
After cooking, do a controlled quick release (open the valve little by little to keep splatters at bay). Open the lid, give everything a good but gentle stir, then dollop in the ricotta and sprinkle that fresh mozzarella right on top. Place the lid askew over the pot for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese into luscious gooeyness. Give yourself a round of applause.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Scoop generous portions into bowls, shower with fresh parsley and a flurry of parmesan if you’d like. It’s officially time to dig in to your Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
- Saucy Success: If you prefer your lazy lasagna extra saucy, stick with 10 ounces of pasta; for firmer, less saucy results, go with 12 ounces—adjust to your mood!
- Layer, Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to stir after adding the pasta; this keeps it from clumping and ensures every piece cooks perfectly in the sauce.
- Pasta Timing: For alternate pasta shapes, check the package instructions, round down the lowest suggested cook time, then divide by two for great Instant Pot results every time.
- Cheese at the Finish: Always wait to stir in your ricotta and top with mozzarella after pressure cooking—this keeps the texture creamy and prevents separation.
How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Garnishes
For an irresistible finish, scatter freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese over each bowl. The color makes the dish pop and adds a fresh bite, while the parmesan gives you that little extra nutty-salty punch that truly completes Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but serving it with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad (think arugula and lemon vinaigrette) makes for a satisfying, balanced meal. And of course, no one will say no to warm, crusty garlic bread—essential for swiping up that glorious, cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, try spooning your Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna into individual ramekins and letting everyone top theirs with extra mozzarella before popping them under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust. Or, dish it up family-style in a big serving bowl with a swirl of pesto or drizzle of balsamic glaze for a rustic party look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your lazy lasagna to cool, then pack leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making the second-day experience just as sensational! Eat within 4 days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
Want to stash some away? Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. The noodles might soften a tad upon reheating, but the sauce and cheese flavor only gets cozier.
Reheating
For single servings, microwave until steamy, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. For larger batches, gently rewarm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in a low oven, stirring now and then. Don’t forget a fresh cheese shower on top!
FAQs
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Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of short Mafalda pasta?
Absolutely! Break traditional lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before adding. Just make sure each piece is nestled in the sauce; the cook time remains the same, divided by half as described in the recipe tips.
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What’s the best substitute for ricotta cheese in Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna?
Cottage cheese works beautifully and brings a slightly lighter, tangier flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based version, or omit and add more mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness.
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How do I keep the pasta from turning mushy?
Stick to the recommended pasta amounts and follow the adjusted cook time (half the lowest suggested cook time on the package, rounded down). Don’t stir the pasta into the sauce before pressure cooking—just press it down gently.
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Can I double this recipe in my 8-quart Instant Pot?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as you don’t go over the max fill line. The cook time stays the same—the only difference will be the pot taking a little longer to come to pressure. Give everything a big, careful mix before serving!
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food shortcut, and I hope you’ll give it a cozy spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you stick to the classic or add your favorite twist, every bubbling bite is pure happiness—just waiting to be shared at your table!
Print
Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Instant Pot
- Method: Pressure Cooking
Description
Indulge in a hassle-free Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna that’s packed with all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna but without the layering hassle. This recipe is a time-saver and a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A few turns freshly ground black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth (can sub water and adjust salt to taste)
- 22 oz jar marinara sauce (650 ml / 2 3/4 cups)
- 1 15oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 10–12 oz short Mafalda pasta (mini lasagna noodles) – use 10oz for saucier texture, 12oz for less
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (can sub cottage cheese)
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley and parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Meat: Turn on the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. Cook the beef with salt and pepper, then add onion and garlic until browned.
- Deglaze and Layer: Add a bit of broth to deglaze, then layer broth, marinara, diced tomatoes, herbs, and pasta. Do not stir.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set to Manual High pressure for 4 minutes. Do a quick release at the end.
- Finish: Stir, add ricotta, top with mozzarella, and melt the cheese with the lid askew. Serve garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Pasta Substitution: Use 12 ounces of any short pasta to avoid a soupy result.
- Pasta Cook Time Calculation: Divide the lowest pasta cook time on the package by 2 (round down if odd) for pressure cook time.
- This recipe was tested in both 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot models.
- Recipe adapted from Instant Pot Lasagna Soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 463 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 884mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
