Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Dinner Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the comforting layers of lasagna without the fuss of multiple pots and long oven times, you’re in for a treat. This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Dinner Recipe is a total game-changer—I absolutely love how this turns out because it’s not just quick and easy but packed with all that cozy flavor. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it on your first try and have dinner on the table in just about half an hour.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together brilliantly to recreate that classic lasagna flavor, without the long baking time. I always go for lean ground beef or Italian sausage for richness, and don’t underestimate the power of good-quality marinara sauce—it’s the backbone of this dish.

• Olive oil: Optional, but handy if you want to sauté very lean ground beef without sticking.
• Lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage: I usually switch between these depending on what’s in my fridge; both add great flavor and texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to season the beef and balance flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little kick and depth when seasoning the meat.
• Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and body in the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced—because garlic and Italian dishes are best friends.
• Chicken broth: Provides the moisture needed to cook the noodles inside the pot; can substitute with water but then adjust salt to keep flavors bright.
• Jarred marinara sauce: Your favorite store-bought brand works great here to keep things simple.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh burst of acidity.
• Dried basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes: These pantry staples come together to give you that unmistakeable Italian seasoning blend.
• Short Mafalda pasta (mini lasagna noodles): I discovered this shape works perfectly for layering without the fuss of sheets—if you don’t find Mafalda, other short pasta works too.
• Ricotta cheese: A creamy layer that melts into the sauce—feel free to swap cottage cheese if that’s what you have.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated for that melty, ooey-gooey top.
• Fresh parsley and parmesan cheese: Optional garnishes but I highly recommend both—they brighten and finish the dish beautifully.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Dinner Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what’s in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to get creative—you’ll find it adapts beautifully!

• Meatless Version: I’ve swapped the ground meat for mushrooms and lentils, and it still hits all the right notes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Spicy Kick: If you like it hot, I boost the red pepper flakes a bit or throw in a dash of cayenne pepper—my family loves the added warmth.
• Cheese Variations: Try adding a little Parmesan right into the sauce or using sharp provolone instead of mozzarella for a fun twist.
• Herb Freshness: Fresh basil chopped and sprinkled on at the end takes things up a notch, especially in summer.

How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

Fire up your Instant Pot and hit the Sauté function. When the screen reads “hot,” add your lean ground beef or Italian sausage, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Use your spatula to break the meat into smaller bits as it cooks. Once it’s almost cooked through, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Keep stirring until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. Don’t rush this step—that caramelization adds a ton of flavor! If there’s excess grease, I like using kitchen tongs and a paper towel to soak it up directly without dumping everything out of the pot.

Step 2: Deglaze and Add Liquids and Seasonings

Turn off the Sauté setting, then pour in a small splash of chicken broth. Use a flat spatula to scrape off any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this prevents the dreaded “burn” warning and mixes all those fantastic flavors into your base. Next, pour in the rest of the broth, then add your jarred marinara, diced tomatoes, and sprinkle in the dried basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, and if you like, that pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir gently just enough to combine—trust me, layering the pasta on top next is key, so don’t stir everything completely.

Step 3: Layer the Pasta and Pressure Cook

Lay your short Mafalda pasta noodles evenly over the surface of the sauce. I like to push them down gently so they’re mostly submerged but don’t worry if they’re not fully covered—they’ll cook beautifully in the pressure. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on Manual High pressure for 4 minutes—it takes about 15 minutes to come up to pressure, so plan for that in your dinner timing. Different pastas vary a bit, so if you experiment with other shapes or brands, check the package’s recommended cooking times and adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Quick Release and Cheese Finish

At the end of the cooking cycle, perform a controlled quick release—letting out the steam a bit at a time—to avoid splatter. When the pressure is fully released, open the lid and give everything a gentle stir. Then, dollop in your ricotta cheese and sprinkle over that freshly grated mozzarella. Pop the lid back on, but just slightly askew for a few minutes to let the mozzarella melt perfectly. Your Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Dinner Recipe is basically ready to serve!

How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Dinner Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it brightens the rich flavors and adds a lovely pop of green. Parmesan cheese grated on top is a no-brainer for me too, giving an extra cheesy punch. If you have some chili flakes on hand, a dusting of those can add a subtle heat that livens everything up.

Side Dishes

Since the lasagna itself is quite filling, I like to keep sides light and fresh—a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly. Crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are fantastic if you want to make it a real feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners or when I want to impress, I serve the lasagna in individual oven-safe ramekins layered the same way, then broil with extra mozzarella on top for a bubbly finish. It’s a fun way to elevate this easy dish without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully! I transfer the lasagna to airtight containers and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. I’ve found that letting it cool completely before sealing helps preserve the texture and flavors better.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes really well—either in portions or as a whole dish before adding the fresh cheese topping. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and then top with fresh mozzarella before reheating for a freshly made feel.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture intact. Alternatively, warming in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes with foil helps melt the cheese nicely and brings back that just-cooked magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Dinner Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want classic comfort without the wait or mess. I love sharing it because it truly feels like a homemade hug on a plate that anyone can make, no matter their cooking skill level. Give it a shot—you’ll be amazed how quickly your family falls in love with this simple, delicious twist on old-school lasagna.

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