Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna – all the classic lasagna flavors you love in a no fuss easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. This deconstructed lasagna is simple comfort food at its best!

instant pot lazy lasagna in pot with melted cheese and basil

The Lazy Lasagna Instant Pot Method

Making homemade lasagna is always a labor of love. Worth it, yes! But between the prep steps involved and long bake time, it’s just not totally feasible on those busy weeknights. This Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe takes the hassle and effort out of making lasagna with all the same delicious, homey results. It’s a great way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna with no boiling of noodles or assembly required!

Why We Love Instant Pot Lasagna

  • It’s made in a fraction of the time of traditional lasagna.
  • It’s made in one pot, which means easy clean-up!
  • It can easily be customized with your favorite meat and sauce.
  • Less cheese than a classic lasagna recipe, but still plenty of cheesy goodness.
  • It’s budget friendly, made with simple inexpensive ingredients.
  • The leftovers are awesome!
  • It’s a hearty, delicious meal the whole family will love!

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Pasta – a flat, short noodle works best such as bowtie pasta (farfalle), penne pasta, or mini lasagna noodles (mafalda.)
  • Ricotta Cheese – regular or low-fat ricotta can be used, or substitute cottage cheese for some added protein.
  • Ground Beef – I like lean ground beef but feel free to use Italian sausage, ground turkey, ground pork, or your favorite ground meat mixture.
  • Marinara Sauce – choose your favorite pasta sauce (I love Rao’s Brand!) or make your own simple marinara using crushed tomatoes.
  • Seasonings – salt, pepper, and my Homemade Italian Seasoning.
  • Fresh Mozzarella Cheese – I always prefer to shred fresh or raw cheeses and avoid the pre-shredded varieties because they contain anti-caking agents.
  • Water – a low sodium chicken broth or beef broth can be used instead if desired.
  • Olive Oil – for adding to the pot when browning the meat. This can be skipped if using a meat with higher fat content (like Italian sausage or pork.)
  • Optional – top with fresh grated parmesan cheese and/or minced fresh basil after cooking.

How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

  1. Begin by browning the ground beef in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add the seasonings to the meat while browning. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Turn off the saute function and add the marinara sauce and water. Give it a good stir to combine the liquids and meat.
  3. Add pasta to the pot, pressing the noodles into the sauce mixture, but do not stir.
  4. Seal the lid and cook for 4 minutes using the Manual function (high pressure.) It will take about 10-15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure.
  5. When the cook time is complete, immediately perform a quick release of the remaining pressure from the pot by opening the sealing valve.
  6. Remove lid and stir. Add the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese) and stir again. Let the pasta sit for about 2-3 minutes to continue absorbing the sauce. Stir once more.
  7. Top with grated fresh mozzarella and serve. If desired, top with fresh chopped basil and/or fresh grated parmesan cheese.

FAQs & Tips

Can you freeze this recipe?

Absolutely! Transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3-6 months. To use, thaw completely in the refrigerator, then reheat.

What to serve with Instant Pot Lasagna?

A fresh green salad and garlic bread, of course! Or serve with any veggie side such as broccolini or sauteed green beans.

Can you make this Gluten Free?

Sure! Any gluten free pasta can be substituted for the noodles.

How to store and heat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by microwaving at 30 second intervals until warm through.

Can I make Lazy Lasagna without an Instant Pot?

Yep! Check out my Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe, made in one pot on the stovetop.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Goulash

Instant Pot Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce

Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Casserole with Broccoli

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken

Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Hidden Veggies

ingredients for instant pot lazy lasagna farfalle noodles submerged in sauce in instant pot serving of instant pot lasagna in bowl with fork

cooked lazy lasagna in instant pot topped with melted mozzarella

Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Author: Nikki
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: deconstructed lasagna, instant pot lasagna, instant pot lasagna casserole, lazy lasagna
Easy Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna - all the classic lasagna flavors you love in a no fuss easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. This deconstructed lasagna is simple comfort food at its best!
5 from 5 votes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 lb lean ground beef, see recipe notes below
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil, optional, see note
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Homemade Italian Seasoning, see recipe below
  • 12 ounces farfalle pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated fresh mozzarella cheese

Equipment

Instructions

  • Add oil (if using) to the pot and turn on the Saute function. When hot, add the beef to the pot and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Cook the beef until browned, breaking up into bits with a wooden spoon. Turn off the pot and drain any excess grease if needed.
  • Add the water and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck on browned bits. Add the marinara and stir to combine.
  • Add the pasta noodles to the liquid sauce mixture and press down until mostly submerged. Do not stir.
  • Close and seal the lid. Set the pot for 4 minutes using the Manual function (high pressure.)
  • When the cycle is complete, perform a quick release (open the vent to release pressure.) Remove lid and stir.
  • Add the ricotta cheese and stir. Let sit for 2-3 minutes (don't worry if it still seems a little liquidy at this point - the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce.)
  • Give it another stir and sprinkle the grated mozzarella on the top. If you want to melt the cheese quickly, set the lid on top for a couple of minutes.

Notes

Note: you may substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or Italian sausage for the ground beef. If using lean ground beef or ground turkey, olive oil is recommended while browning. It is not necessary is using ground pork or sausage.
Click here for Italian Seasoning recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 495mg, Potassium: 579mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 530IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 110mg, Iron: 3mg

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