Instant Pot lazy lasagna is made with no pan, so it’s a cheater lasagna that’s super easy to make!
This Instant Pot lazy lasagna is full of tender noodles, savory sauce, chunks of beef, and lots of cheese! You don’t even need a springform pan to make it, and it comes together quickly for a tasty meal.
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Lasagna is comfort food at its finest, isn’t it?
While it isn’t the most difficult meal to make, it does require a bit of preparation and assembly, so it sometimes feels like a “labor of love.”
Not only that, but it requires at least three dishes–one to brown the beef or sausage and simmer the sauce, one to boil the noodles, and then a baking dish for layering everything together.
I do love making homemade lasagna from time to time, because it is special (and delicious!).
But sometimes, we moms just don’t have time to do all of that work, especially after a busy day.
That’s why the Instant Pot is going to be your best friend on days when you just need to whip up something quick and easy to feed your family!
You’re going to love this cheesy Instant Pot lazy lasagna casserole for a delicious meal that comes together easily!
How to Make Instant Pot Lasagna Without a Pan
Now, you certainly can make a layered lasagna in the Instant Pot, which usually requires a springform pan or other baking pan.
But because we are aiming for simple here, this recipe is for a deconstructed lasagna, sometimes known as “lazy lasagna” or “cheater lasagna!”
It’s basically a lasagna casserole of sorts.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground beef
- Radiatore pasta (or other medium pasta)
- Spaghetti sauce
- Beef broth
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
How to Make It:
(Full printable recipe is available below)
The process is actually really simple!
Cook the beef. First, you’ll start by browning some ground beef in the insert pot of the Instant Pot. Drain the grease and add the beef back to the insert pot.
Add noodles, liquids, and seasonings. Next, add some noodles on top. I used radiatore noodles, because they sort of look like rolled up miniature lasagna noodles (how cute are they?!).
You could also use mafalda pasta (or any other medium pasta shape, such as rotini or penne).
Pour some spaghetti sauce and beef broth over the noodles. Don’t stir them, but do kind of poke any rogue noodles under the liquid so they’re all mostly covered.
Sprinkle some seasonings on top and cook!
Pressure cook and add cheese afterward. Once it’s finished cooking, you’ll add in some ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella for an especially cheesy and delicious meal!
More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes:
- Instant Pot Creamy Tortellini with Sausage
- Instant Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta
- Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo with Chicken
- Instant Pot Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese
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Tips for Making Perfect Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
- The order in which you put the ingredients in the pot makes a difference. Keep the beef on the bottom and the pasta on the top.
- If you are using a different shape of pasta, my general rule of thumb for cooking pasta in the Instant Pot is to take the cook time from the box, cut it in half, then subtract one minute. The resulting number is the high pressure cook time in the Instant Pot!
- Allowing a 5-minute natural release helps to ensure that the ingredients don’t spew out of the vent.
- When you first remove the lid, the contents will appear a little soupy. That’s perfectly normal! After you add the cheeses and let it set for a few minutes, it will be just right.
- The ricotta and shredded cheese are added after cooking, because dairy can curdle or get clumpy when cooked under pressure. Adding them at the end ensures that they melt evenly.
Notes and Adaptations for Instant Pot Lasagna Casserole
- I used ground beef, but you could use ground Italian sausage if you prefer (or a mix of the two).
- If you want to add some diced onion, you certainly can–simply add it while browning the meat.
- If you can’t find radiatore or mafalda pasta, you can use a different medium-sized pasta variety, such as penne or rotini.
Recommended Equipment:
Instant Pot (I have the DUO60 model) or other electric pressure cooker
Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Casserole
Make Instant Pot lasagna the lazy way! This cheater lasagna casserole doesn't require a pan, and it's super easy, quick comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 8 oz (about 3 cups) radiatore pasta (or mafalda or other medium-sized pasta variety)
- 24-oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Add beef (or sausage) to the insert pot of the Instant Pot. Using the Saute setting, brown the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the beef and return to the insert pot.
- Add radiatore noodles on top of the ground beef.
- Pour spaghetti sauce and beef broth over the noodles, using a spoon or spatula to gently combine (don't stir--just tuck any noodles down into the liquid as needed--all noodles should be covered with liquid).
- Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasonings on top.
- Close the lid and set the vent to the sealed position. Select a cook time of 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cook time is complete, allow a 5 minute natural release, followed by a quick release of remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove lid and stir in the ricotta cheese until melted and combined.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Sprinkle remaining cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta and close the lid again. Allow the cheese to melt for a couple of minutes.
- Remove lid and serve!
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 702Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 1408mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 46g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is not guaranteed for accuracy.
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I’ve only had my Instant Pot since September and I’ve already used it more than I have used the crock pot I’ve had for ten years. This Lazy Lasagna is my family’s favorite dish and it gets requested all the time. I make it at least once a week. I work third shift and I’m pressed for time constantly so this recipe and my Instant Pot have been absolute Lifesavers! One thing I did add though was a diced green pepper and some mushrooms. It’s delicious!!! Thank you!
Hi Julie! I’m so glad your family is enjoying it! The Instant Pot is wonderful for those days when you are on a time crunch, isn’t it? Your additions of green pepper and mushrooms sound delicious–thank you for sharing!! 🙂
Can this be doubled?Nancy
Hi Nancy! I haven’t personally tried doubling this recipe. The main consideration is that you don’t want to overfill your Instant Pot, so you just want to be sure not to exceed the manufacturer’s maximum fill recommendation for starchy foods. I’m guessing you could probably double this in an 8-quart IP, but I’m not totally sure about a 6-quart IP. Sorry I can’t say with certainty!
What size instant pot do you use? Would this fit in a 3qt?
Hi Casey! I use a 6-quart Instant Pot. I haven’t tried it in a 3-quart, so I’m sorry I can’t say for sure! You may need to cut the recipe in half to make it in a 3-quart.
I made it last night and it turned out absolutely amazzing! my whole family loved it and those noodles are just adorable.
Yay!! I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! I agree, the noodles are just so fun! 🙂
I don’t have an instant pot, but love the lazy lasagna idea. Would you suggest casserole pan or crockpot, and would you change any of the recipe for that? TIA
I haven’t tried this exact method and recipe in the crockpot or casserole dish. I think if I were making it without the Instant Pot, I’d simply brown the beef in a skillet and cook the pasta in a pot of water, then combine with the sauce and ricotta in a casserole dish and top with cheese, then bake it in the oven. It would still be easier than a traditional lasagna, because assembly is easier. I hope that helps! 🙂