Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

If you’re like me and love lasagna but dread the hours it sometimes takes to make it, then this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s rich, comforting, and the best part? You get lasagna flavors and cheesy goodness without all the fuss of traditional layering. Trust me, once you try this one, you’ll keep coming back for more – it’s fan-freaking-tastic!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together—simple, pantry-friendly, and full-flavored. The key is using the right pasta and layering your seasonings well so each bite bursts with that classic lasagna taste.

• Lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage: I usually use beef, but sausage adds a nice herby kick if you want more flavor.
• Yellow onion: Diced onion gives sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for richness; powdered garlic won’t bring the same warmth.
• Chicken broth: This adds savory moisture and helps cook the pasta perfectly without watering down the sauce.
• Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality jarred marinara that you love, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Diced tomatoes: They create a nice texture contrast and boost freshness in the sauce.
• Italian herbs (basil, parsley, oregano): These dried herbs make the sauce unmistakably Italian.
• Short Mafalda pasta: I recommend this mini lasagna noodle since it holds sauce nicely and cooks just right under pressure.
• Ricotta cheese: It adds creaminess and balances the acidity—cottage cheese can also be swapped in.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded to melt on top for that gooey, bubbly finish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Olive oil (optional): Useful for sautéing if your beef isn’t fatty enough to brown well.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick, add to taste.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve tried a few variations over time and encourage you to play around with it too—to suit your family’s taste or what you have in the fridge.

• Meat-free version: I’ve swapped ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and lentils once, and nobody even missed the meat.
• Cheese tweaks: Use part romano or parmesan mixed with ricotta for extra sharpness.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a subtle heat that my family goes crazy for.
• Different pasta: If you can’t find Mafalda, penne or rigatoni work well—but remember to adjust the pasta quantity and cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Start by turning on the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot and letting it heat until it says “hot.” Add the lean ground beef (or Italian sausage) and season with salt and pepper. Use your spatula or spoon to break it into smaller crumbles as it cooks. When it’s nearly cooked through, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything until the meat is fully browned, and the onion softens, releasing all those delicious aromas. Don’t skip this step—building flavor here makes a world of difference. If there’s excess grease, I usually grab kitchen tongs and a paper towel to soak it up without having to dump and lose those tasty bits.

Step 2: Deglaze and Layer Your Ingredients

Once the meat mixture is ready, turn off the Sauté function and pour in just a small amount of chicken broth. Use a flat spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot—this deglazing step lifts all those flavorful browned bits and prevents the dreaded “burn” warning on your Instant Pot. Next, add the rest of your chicken broth, followed by the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Stirring can turn into a sticky mess here, so avoid it. Instead, arrange your short Mafalda pasta noodles on top. Gently press them down slightly so they’re nestled in the liquid, but not fully submerged. You want the pasta to absorb all the flavors as it cooks.

Step 3: Pressure Cook and Add Cheeses

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on High for 4 minutes. Keep in mind, it’ll take around 15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure, so plan accordingly. When the time’s up, do a controlled quick release of pressure to avoid splattering hot sauce everywhere (this trick took me a while to perfect!). Open the lid, give everything a careful stir to combine, then fold in the ricotta cheese. Finally, sprinkle that glorious mozzarella cheese over the top. Don’t seal the lid again; just place it askew so the residual heat can gently melt the cheese. After a few minutes, you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a generous dusting of parmesan over the top—it adds brightness and a little salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheeses. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil at the end really elevates it.

Side Dishes

This lazy lasagna goes so well with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a simple side of garlic bread to soak up all that sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli balance the meal and add some freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to transfer the cooked lasagna into a pretty baking dish and broil it for a minute or two to get the cheese golden and bubbly all over—guests always think I slaved over baked lasagna. You can also serve it layered in individual ramekins for a cute, unexpected presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find this recipe holds up beautifully for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Before refrigerating, let it cool slightly so condensation doesn’t make the layers soggy. Reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop works well.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers successfully by letting the lasagna cool completely, portioning into freezer-safe containers, and thawing overnight before reheating. The texture stays surprisingly good, so it’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

For best results, I reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep the moisture, then remove foil at the end to refresh the cheese melt. Microwaving is quicker, but I recommend adding a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe turns out every single time—it’s faster, simpler, and just as comforting as a traditional baked lasagna. Whenever I’m short on time but craving something cozy and cheesy, this is my go-to. I hope you give it a try and discover how easy lasagna can be without skimping on that comforting, saucy goodness we all adore. Happy cooking, friend!

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