Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe with you because it’s truly a game changer for busy weeknights. Imagine all the cozy, layered yumminess of classic lasagna without the half-day commitment or the dozens of pots and pans—you’re gonna love how fast and fuss-free it is, plus that one-pot cleanup is a blessing. Stick around and I’ll walk you through how to get bubbly, cheesy lasagna magic straight from your Instant Pot to your plate.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe comes together to create that familiar comfort-food taste you crave—using pantry staples and simple cheeses you can easily find. A quick tip: opt for good-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated mozzarella for best flavor and texture.

• Olive oil (optional): Helps brown the very lean ground beef without sticking; can omit if sausage has enough fat.
• Lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage: I like mixing beef and sausage for a punch of flavor; choose whichever you prefer.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and balancing the sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth—you’ll want it freshly cracked for best aroma.
• Yellow onion: Diced finely so it softens nicely and blends into the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to release deep, savory notes that marry perfectly with the tomato base.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory richness; you can use water but broth makes a difference.
• Marinara sauce: The tomato star of the show—try to find one with minimal added sugar.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Gives texture and fresh tomato brightness to balance the sauce.
• Dried basil: Classic Italian herb that brings warmth and herbal notes.
• Dried parsley: Adds a mild freshness that uplifts the sauce.
• Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without extra pieces floating around.
• Oregano: Earthy and slightly bitter, it rounds out the herb blend beautifully.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a subtle kick, these are your secret weapon.
• Short Mafalda pasta (mini lasagna noodles): The perfect shape for layering and soaking up sauce without requiring pre-cooking.
• Ricotta cheese: For creamy, dreamy layers—you can swap with cottage cheese if you prefer.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully for that ooey-gooey top layer we all love.
• Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (optional garnish): Brighten the plate and add that last burst of flavor and texture.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you’ve got or your family’s preferences. Play around with meat choices or cheese combos to make it your own.

• Meat Variations: I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or skip meat altogether and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian twist that still packs plenty of flavor.
• Cheese Swaps: Cottage cheese works fine as a ricotta substitute, especially if you want a lighter dish; adding a bit of Parmesan inside makes it extra cheesy.
• Spice it Up: If your family loves heat, double those red pepper flakes or stir in some spicy Italian sausage.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free short pasta if you need to keep this recipe gluten-free; just watch the cooking time as some GF pastas can cook faster.

How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Aromatics

Start by turning on your Instant Pot’s Sauté function. Once it says “hot,” add your ground beef or sausage seasoned with salt and pepper. As it browns, break it apart with a spatula for even cooking. Then, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the meat is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent. If there’s any excess grease, I’ve found that using tongs and a folded paper towel inside the pot to soak it up is easier than draining the whole pot—trust me, it saves time and avoids spills.

Step 2: Deglaze and Build Your Sauce Layers

Turn off the Sauté function and pour in a small splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot—use a flat spatula to scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial to avoid that dreaded “burn” warning on the Instant Pot and adds tons of flavor. Then, add the rest of your broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and all your dried herbs and spices. Give it just a gentle swirl to combine but no stirring with the pasta yet.

Step 3: Layer the Pasta and Cook

Now, evenly layer your mini Mafalda noodles over the sauce—don’t stir! Just press them down gently so they’re partially submerged in the liquid. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. It’ll take about 15 minutes for the pot to reach pressure first. This quick cooking perfectly softens the pasta without turning mushy.

Step 4: Finish with Cheeses

After the timer beeps, carefully do a controlled quick release of pressure to avoid sauce splattering. Open the Instant Pot, give the lasagna a gentle stir, then fold in the ricotta cheese. Top everything with freshly grated mozzarella. Pop the lid back on but slightly ajar for a few minutes to let that mozzarella melt into gooey, bubbly perfection.

How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh parsley and a good dusting of Parmesan cheese over the top—it adds a bright pop of color and that classic Italian umami hit. If you’re feeling extra, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving really brings the whole dish together.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli tossed in olive oil and garlic, also complement the lasagna perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating this lazy lasagna in individual ramekins—portion control plus it feels fancy. Serving it with a sprig of fresh basil and a side of roasted cherry tomatoes turns it into an elegant dinner without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep the pasta from drying out, I make sure there’s still a little sauce coating the noodles before sealing it up. It’s best eaten within 4 days for fresh flavor and texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this lasagna successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While the texture softens slightly after freezing, the flavors stay delicious and it’s an awesome make-ahead meal.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover lasagna is gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to keep moisture in, or in a low oven covered with foil. Adding a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella before warming helps revive that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe has been a total kitchen hero for me on hectic evenings when I want the warmth of homemade lasagna but just can’t spare the hours. I absolutely love how it marries all those classic flavors and textures in such a short time, with minimal cleanup. I hope you’ll enjoy this one as much as my family does—it’s hearty, comforting, and fuss-free, making it a perfect go-to dinner. Give it a try and let me know how you customize yours!

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