Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is a game-changer for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it captures all the essence of classic lasagna without the fuss. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. You’ll love how easy it is to create such a satisfying meal in just one pot!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Meat & Vegetables
• Seasonings & Sauces
• Pasta & Cheese
• 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 Garlic Bread
• Add a Fresh Salad
• Top with Extra Cheese
• Garnish with Herbs
• How to Perfect Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Reheating Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different types of pasta in Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna?
• How do I make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna vegetarian?
• What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
• Can I add vegetables to my Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 34 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Layers: Enjoy the classic taste of lasagna with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and savory meat sauce.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cook everything in your Instant Pot for a hassle-free meal experience.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out meats or cheeses based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty dish that feeds a crowd.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything at hand ensures you can focus on creating delicious food.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: The key to quick cooking, allowing you to pressure cook and sauté all in one appliance.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients without scratching the inner pot.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for optimal flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna:

Meat & Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin recommended)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Sauces

• 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

Pasta & Cheese

• 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Step 1: Sauté the Meat

Turn on the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add the olive oil, ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and break it apart with a spoon. If needed, turn off Sauté and drain excess grease.

Step 2: Add the Sauce

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

Step 3: Add Liquid & Seasoning

Pour in 3 cups of water. Add dried basil, Italian seasoning, parsley, and salt; stir until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Layer the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the sauce mixture. Do not stir! Press down gently on the pasta so it is mostly submerged in liquid.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of your Instant Pot. Set the valve to Sealing and pressure cook on High for 5 minutes. Remember that it will take around 10 minutes to come to pressure before cooking starts.

Step 6: Natural Release

Let the pressure naturally release for 5-10 minutes:
1. For al dente pasta: release after 5 minutes.
2. For softer texture: release after 8 minutes.
3. For very soft pasta: release after 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 mixed well. Add ricotta and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and fully combined.

Step 8: Serve

Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna immediately! Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

This recipe is not only easy but also packed with flavor that everyone will enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread Sticks: Toasted bread sticks brushed with garlic butter for a crunchy side.
• Classic Garlic Bread: Sliced baguette or loaf, topped with garlic butter and herbs.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing make a refreshing contrast.
• Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Top with Extra Cheese

• Additional Parmesan: Sprinkle more freshly grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella adds creaminess and a delightful stretchiness to each bite.

Garnish with Herbs

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish visually and adds freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic touch that enhances the Italian flavors.

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How to Perfect Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

To ensure your Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Lean Meat: Opting for lean ground beef reduces excess grease and keeps the dish healthier.
• Layer Pasta Properly: Make sure to layer the uncooked penne evenly without stirring; this ensures even cooking.
• Natural Release Timing: Adjust the natural release time based on your preferred pasta texture for optimal results.
• Cheese Variety: Mixing different types of cheese can enhance flavor. Consider adding mozzarella for an extra cheesy dish.
• Season to Taste: Always taste before serving; feel free to adjust seasonings based on personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Complementing your Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort alongside lasagna.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli brings freshness and balance to the hearty dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized pairs beautifully with lasagna.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies offers variety and flavor contrasts.
5. Italian Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic and lemon juice enhance the Italian theme while adding crunch.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil makes for a light and refreshing appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna, avoiding common mistakes ensures a delicious outcome. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:

• Not draining excess grease: If you skip draining the grease after sautéing the beef, the dish can become overly oily. Always drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients.
• Stirring pasta into the sauce: Stirring the uncooked penne into the sauce can lead to uneven cooking and mushy pasta. Layer the pasta on top of the sauce without stirring.
• Overcooking the pasta: Each Instant Pot model may vary slightly in cooking time. Follow recommended natural release times closely for perfect pasta texture.
• Using too much liquid: Adding more water than specified can result in a watery lasagna. Stick to the recipe’s measurements for best results.
• Skipping seasonings: Not using enough herbs and spices can lead to bland flavors. Don’t skip any seasonings; they are essential for enhancing the taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• It can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of pasta in Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna?

Yes, while penne is recommended, you can use other short pastas like rotini or ziti. Adjust cooking time as necessary.

How do I make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can replace ricotta with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for similar creaminess.

Can I add vegetables to my Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna?

Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions. Just chop them finely and layer them with the pasta.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna is a fantastic meal that combines convenience and flavor effortlessly. Its one-pot nature makes cleanup easy while still delivering that classic lasagna taste. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for an even more personalized dish. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple it is!