Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving classic comfort food without the fuss, you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with Cheese Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of traditional lasagna—those rich layers of meat, sauce, and cheesy goodness—packed into one pot that does most of the work for you. I absolutely love how this dish comes together quickly and with minimal mess, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever made lasagna the hard way!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together so beautifully, creating that classic lasagna taste but without the traditional layering hassle. I recommend using quality marinara for the best flavor, and if you can find short Mafalda pasta or any mini lasagna noodle, it cooks perfectly in the pot.

• Lean ground beef or Italian sausage: Leaner meat helps reduce grease but still gives great flavor; I sometimes mix half beef and half sausage.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth—don’t skip because it softens and blends into the sauce perfectly.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts richness and gives that signature Italian taste.
• Chicken broth: Provides flavorful moisture for the pasta to cook in—you can also use water but adjust salt accordingly.
• Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish; I choose a jar with basil and garlic notes.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and fresh tomato bursts throughout the layers.
• Dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, onion powder): These blend with the sauce to create that comforting, savory aroma.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch kicks up the flavor without making it spicy.
• Short Mafalda pasta (mini lasagna noodles): These cook evenly under pressure without sticking; if you can’t find them, broken lasagna noodles work fine.
• Ricotta cheese: I love its creamy texture; cottage cheese works too if you prefer a lighter option.
• Mozzarella cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and gooeyness on top.
• Parsley and parmesan (optional): For garnish, adding fresh brightness and cheesy finish.

Variations

One of the best things about this Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with Cheese Recipe is how easily you can adapt it to what you love or what’s on hand. I like to experiment with different proteins and cheeses depending on the season or my pantry.

• Make it Vegetarian: Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty veggie version—my friends love this switch!
• Use Different Cheeses: Try substituting ricotta with cottage cheese or mixing mozzarella with provolone for a twist in melty texture.
• Spice it Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like your food with a little kick—I discovered this gives the lasagna more personality.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: I’ve had success using gluten-free short pasta; just be mindful of cook times and liquid adjustments.

How to Make Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté and Build Your Flavor Base

First, hit the Sauté button on your Instant Pot and wait for it to say “hot.” Toss in the lean ground beef (or sausage) and season with salt and pepper. As it cooks, break it up with your spatula so it browns evenly. When the meat is nearly cooked, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. I love the aroma that fills the kitchen at this point—pure comfort! Keep cooking until the onion softens and the meat is nicely browned. If you notice excess grease, gently soak it up with a paper towel held by tongs to avoid messy draining.

Step 2: Deglaze and Layer the Sauces

Turn off the Sauté mode, then pour a small splash of chicken broth into the pot. Use a flat-bottomed spatula to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure flavor! Next, add the remaining broth, then spoon in the marinara sauce, canned diced tomatoes, and sprinkle in your dried basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Give the pot a gentle swirl to combine, but don’t stir too much—trust me, you don’t want the pasta stuck to the bottom.

Step 3: Layer the Pasta and Pressure Cook

Now, add your mini lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Use your spatula to gently push the noodles down into the liquid—they don’t need to be fully submerged; just make sure they’re touching the sauce to cook properly. Seal your Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Program it to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on high pressure for 4 minutes. It will take around 15 minutes to come up to pressure, so use that time to tidy up or prepare your toppings!

Step 4: Quick Release and Add the Cheeses

When the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a controlled quick release by letting the pressure out a little at a time to avoid splatter. Open the lid and stir everything gently to combine the layers. Then dollop the ricotta cheese throughout and sprinkle the grated mozzarella on top. You can place the lid slightly ajar and let it sit for a few minutes—this warmth will melt the cheese beautifully, sealing in that gooey, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, scoop out generous portions onto plates. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little parmesan on top really elevates the dish and adds a pop of color. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive right in!

How to Serve Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my servings with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese—both add a fresh, bright finish that contrasts the creamy, cheesy layers. Sometimes a dusting of crushed red pepper brings a little zip, especially if I omitted the flakes in the sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but for a complete meal, I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to soak up extra sauce. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans also balance out the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this lazy lasagna in individual ramekins right from the pot, which makes plating extra fun and feels a bit fancy. Layering with some fresh basil leaves on top adds a pop of color, too. It’s a lovely way to make a casual weeknight dinner feel more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them. This lasagna keeps well for up to 4 days, and I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

I often freeze portions of this lasagna in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and it reheats wonderfully without losing texture—perfect for busy weeks or meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet on low heat to keep the cheese melty and the noodles tender. If it feels a bit dry, stir in a splash of broth or marinara sauce before heating to revive that fresh-cooked taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna with Cheese Recipe has truly become a lifesaver in my kitchen—fast, delicious, and straightforward. I remember the first time I made it, my family couldn’t believe it came together so quickly and without all the usual layers and oven time. If you want to enjoy lasagna without the stress or the long wait, give this recipe a try. I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites for busy days, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with minimal effort.

Print