why make this recipe
Quick & Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna takes all the flavors of traditional lasagna and makes them simple and fast. Using an Instant Pot cuts down your cooking time significantly while still delivering a creamy, cheesy dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Quick & Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 6-8 broken lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular broken noodles)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water or broth
Directions:
- Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer briefly while prepping the other ingredients.
- Cancel sauté mode to prevent burning. Spread a ladle of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pot to avoid sticking.
- Add a layer of broken lasagna noodles, then spoon dollops of ricotta cheese and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour about half a cup of water or broth evenly over the top to create steam for cooking. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 12 minutes.
- When the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to prevent overcooking.
- Open the lid and allow the lasagna to rest uncovered for 5 minutes to set the layers. This makes serving easier and improves texture. Garnish as desired before serving.
how to serve Quick & Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Serve the lasagna warm right from the pot. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you like. It pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Quick & Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
tips to make Quick & Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
- You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms.
- If you like a little spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- For extra flavor, try using homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought.
variation
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute. You can also use a mix of different cheeses for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just make sure to break them into smaller pieces and layer them properly.
2. How long does it take to cook in the Instant Pot?
It takes about 12 minutes at high pressure after the Instant Pot has built up pressure.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add some extra cooking time if you are cooking from cold.
Quick & Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A creamy and cheesy lasagna made easy in the Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 6-8 broken lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water or broth
Instructions
- Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned and breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, simmer briefly.
- Cancel sauté mode and spread meat sauce on the bottom of the pot.
- Layer broken lasagna noodles, dollops of ricotta, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Pour water or broth over the layers to create steam. Seal the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 12 minutes.
- Perform a quick release when cooking time is up.
- Allow the lasagna to rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can customize by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For extra flavor, use homemade marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian