Instant Pot Lasagna Quick and Easy Dinner Solution

Instant Pot Lasagna is a quick and delicious way to enjoy classic Italian flavors without all the extra work.

This recipe combines layers of tender oven-ready noodles, hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta, and plenty of shredded mozzarella, all made in the Instant Pot for easy cleanup and minimal prep.

The rich marinara sauce and Italian seasoning give each bite a comforting, homemade taste.

Perfect for busy nights, Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna takes advantage of a few smart cooking tips, like layering sauce before noodles for proper cooking, and using enough sauce to keep everything moist.

With a simple assembly and a quick pressure cook, it’s a comforting, cheesy dinner everyone will look forward to.

What Makes This Recipe ‘Lazy’ Lasagna?

This lazy lasagna stands out because it uses a simple, one-pot process with the Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Instead of a complicated approach like classic lasagna, it skips boiling noodles and preheating sauce.

Everything goes into the same pot—just brown the meat, then layer in noodles, cheese, and sauce.

Steps at a Glance:

• Brown ground beef and sauté onions with garlic and seasoning.
• Mix ricotta cheese, egg, and seasonings for the cheese layer.
• Layer ingredients in a springform pan: sauce, noodles, cheese, meat, and mozzarella.
• Place the pan in the Instant Pot and cook.

A helpful tip is to use enough sauce and keep layers covered so noodles cook well and nothing dries out.

For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like basil.

Ingredients

A delicious Instant Pot lasagna uses classic lasagna ingredients for a simple, easy meal.

Below is a list of what is needed:

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	1 teaspoon
Ground beef	8 ounces
Onion, diced	1 medium
Garlic, minced	1 clove
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Ricotta cheese	2 cups
Italian seasoning	3 teaspoons (divided)
Large egg	1
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon
Grated parmesan cheese	1/4 cup
Marinara sauce	24 ounces
Dried parsley	1 teaspoon
Oven-ready lasagna noodles	8 (gluten-free if needed)
Shredded mozzarella cheese	2 cups (divided)

Fresh herbs like basil can be added on top for extra flavor.

Make sure to have enough pasta sauce and water to keep the noodles tender.

How to Make

To start, set the Instant Pot to the sauté function.

Pour in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and add 8 ounces of ground beef.

Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt.

Cook everything together for 3 to 5 minutes, mixing often until the meat is no longer pink.

Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked meat, and turn off the pressure cooker.

Next, get the cheese and sauce ready.

In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, a large egg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.

Mix well until the combination is smooth.

In another bowl, stir together the marinara sauce, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and dried parsley.

After the fillings are prepped, it’s time to layer the lasagna.

Use a 7-inch springform pan.

Start with a layer of marinara sauce, then break apart some oven-ready lasagna noodles to fit.

Top that with half the ricotta mixture, then half the cooked meat.

Add another sauce layer and a good amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Repeat these steps with the remaining ingredients.

Cover the pan tightly with foil.

Place 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot.

Set the trivet inside, then use a foil sling to safely lower the covered lasagna pan onto the trivet.

This helps avoid burns and makes it easier to lift out later.

Make sure the lid is locked and set the valve to sealing.

Cook the lasagna using pressure cooking at high pressure for 22 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, then carefully use the quick release function to release any remaining steam.

Carefully lift out the pan using the foil sling and let the lasagna sit, still covered, for another 10 minutes before serving to help it keep its shape.

Step	Description
Saute	Brown beef, onion, garlic, and seasoning in the Instant Pot.
Mix	Stir ricotta mixture and season marinara sauce separately.
Layer	Arrange sauce, noodles, cheese, meat, and mozzarella in a springform pan.
Prep Pot	Add water, set trivet, and use a foil sling for the pan.
Pressure Cooking	Cook at high pressure for 22 minutes, natural release 15 min, then quick release.

Some tips include making sure each noodle layer is fully covered with sauce, not skipping the foil cover, and always checking the water level in the pot for perfect results.

For more flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.

This method saves oven time and makes lasagna simple in a pressure cooker.

Ingredient Substitutions

Many ingredients in lasagna can be swapped, making it easy to adjust for different tastes or dietary needs.

Ground beef is traditional, but ground chicken, pork, turkey, or a mix will work.

Dairy options are also flexible—ricotta is standard, but some people like to use cottage cheese for a milder taste and lower fat.

For a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free noodles and ensure your marinara or spaghetti sauce is also gluten free.

If you’d like to use a different sauce, swap marinara sauce for your favorite pasta or spaghetti sauce.

Dried basil or Italian seasoning can be added or increased for more flavor.

If egg is not preferred in the cheese mixture, it can simply be left out without any problem.

What Should I Serve With My Lasagna?

A great family dinner with lasagna is even better when served with simple, tasty sides.

Classic choices include a side garden salad, Caesar salad, and crunchy garlic bread.

Breadsticks are a family favorite and pair perfectly with layers of ricotta and mozzarella.

Try adding a Spring Salad with Dill Buttermilk Dressing for freshness, or add roasted veggies to the table.

Mozzarella sticks and a raw veggie plate can round out your dinner recipes nicely.

Side Dish	Why It Works
Breadsticks	Great for dipping in extra sauce
Caesar or Garden Salad	Adds crunch and balances rich flavors
Roasted Veggies	Brings more vegetables to a family favorite

What Can I Add to My Lasagna?

There are many ways to adjust lasagna for personal taste while keeping those classic Italian flavors.

Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sauteed and added for more nutrition and taste.

For added protein, ground chicken or pork can be used instead of beef, or try a mixture of both for a different flavor profile.

To bring in fresh basil or oregano, sprinkle these herbs on top before serving.

Adding extra Italian seasoning or parmesan cheese can highlight those favorite Italian flavors.

For those who enjoy soups, adding some extra sauce or broth can create a lasagna soup style dish.

Ingredient	Alternative Ideas
Ground Beef	Ground Chicken, Ground Pork
Ricotta Cheese	Cottage Cheese, Extra Parmesan
Italian Seasoning	Fresh Basil, Fresh Oregano
Mozzarella Cheese	Extra Parmesan or Provolone
Marinara Sauce	Add Tomato Paste for Richness

Recipe Notes and Tips

Layering order is key—always start with sauce, then add noodles, cheese, and meat.

This ensures the noodles cook through and don’t turn out hard.

Use enough sauce on each layer; pasta needs moisture to soften, and the sauce provides it.

If using a slow cooker, still keep to this order for best results.

Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be sprinkled on top after cooking for extra flavor.

Always add at least 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot to prevent burning or dryness.

Step	Why It’s Important
Sauce first	Keeps noodles from sticking and ensures moisture
Cover with foil	Stops condensation from making the top soggy

For easy removal, use a foil “sling.”

Allow the lasagna to rest 10 minutes after cooking before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers should be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, place the lasagna in an airtight container or Ziploc and freeze for up to 3 months.

Storage Method	Duration
Refrigerator	Up to 3 days
Freezer	Up to 3 months

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, which takes about 20–30 minutes.

The microwave also works well; reheat in 1-minute bursts until the center is hot.

Make sure the lasagna is heated evenly before serving.

Premade marinara and oven-ready noodles save time and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to make lasagna in the Instant Pot?

1. Brown the meat and sauté the onions using the sauté function with olive oil, ground beef, garlic, salt, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning until the meat is cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Mix the ricotta cheese with egg, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning in a bowl.
3. In a different bowl, combine marinara sauce, the rest of the Italian seasoning, and parsley.
4. In a 7” springform pan, start the layering: sauce, broken lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the meat, more sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
5. Cover with foil. Add 1 cup of water and the trivet to the Instant Pot. Lower the lasagna onto the trivet using a foil sling.
6. Set to high pressure for 22 minutes. Allow natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Can you substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in an Instant Pot lasagna recipe?

Yes, cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese in the Instant Pot lazy lasagna. Both cheeses will create a creamy layer, though cottage cheese has a lighter texture.

Some people prefer to blend cottage cheese before adding it for a smoother consistency.

Is there a vegetarian option for Instant Pot lasagna?

The meat can be left out for a vegetarian option. Substitute the ground beef with extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Those following a vegetarian diet should use only cheese and vegetable layers, and skip the meat step in the recipe instructions.

How do you incorporate ravioli into an Instant Pot lasagna?

Ravioli can replace both the noodles and cheese layers. Layer frozen or refrigerated ravioli directly with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Cook time may need slight adjustment since ravioli cooks quickly.

What ingredients do you need to prepare Instant Pot lasagna soup?

Key ingredients for Instant Pot lazy lasagna soup are:

• Ground beef or sausage
• Onion and garlic
• Marinara sauce
• Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Ricotta, mozzarella, or parmesan (for topping)
• Italian seasoning

All ingredients can be added to the Instant Pot except the cheese, which is stirred in or used as a topping once the soup is finished.