Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is a quick and easy one-pot recipe that delivers all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle of layering noodles or lengthy baking. Combining ground meat, savory tomato sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights needing hearty, fuss-free meals.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes (12 min pressure cook + 5 min natural release)
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free / Vegetarian / Vegan with substitutions
Protein and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Liquids
- 6 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 1 cup water or broth
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare the meat sauce: Using the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot, cook minced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer in the noodles and cheese: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and scatter evenly over the meat sauce. Pour in water or broth ensuring noodles are submerged. Add dollops of ricotta cheese evenly and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top without stirring.
- Pressure cook the lasagna: Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. After the cooking cycle, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick manual release to release any remaining steam.
- Final touches and serve: Open the lid mindfully and let the lasagna rest for a few minutes to thicken. For a creamier texture, gently stir; otherwise, leave layers intact. Optionally, top with extra mozzarella and broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes for a golden finish or serve as is.
Notes
- Do not overfill the Instant Pot; stay below the maximum fill line.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to ensure even cooking without pre-soaking.
- Avoid stirring after adding noodles and cheese to preserve distinct layers.
- Customize the sauce with added herbs or a splash of red wine for extra richness if time allows.
- Let the lasagna rest after cooking to firm up and meld flavors perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Instant Pot, lazy lasagna, one-pot lasagna, quick lasagna, pressure cooker recipe, comfort food, easy lasagna