Instant Pot Lasagna

Introduction

You can enjoy all the layers of classic lasagna in a fraction of the time with this Instant Pot method. It delivers the same rich, comforting flavors with minimal hands-on effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, homemade meal.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 24 oz jar pasta sauce
• 9 No-boil lasagna noodles ( depends on the size)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, make the cheese filling by mixing together the ricotta cheese, eggs, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, dried basil, oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir the entire jar of pasta sauce into the cooked meat mixture. Turn off the “Sauté” function.
4. Carefully remove the meat sauce from the pot and set it aside. Rinse the inner pot and place it back into the Instant Pot.
5. Pour the 1 1/2 cups of water into the bottom of the clean inner pot.
6. Begin assembling the lasagna directly in a 7-inch springform pan or a pan that fits inside your Instant Pot. Start with a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of no-boil noodles (break them to fit as needed), then a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers—meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce.
7. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the pan tightly with foil. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and lower the pan onto the trivet.
9. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes.
10. When the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
11. Carefully remove the pan, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes, then remove the springform ring, slice, and serve.

Variations

• Create a “pinwheel” lasagna by layering ingredients in small, oven-safe mason jars for individual portions before cooking.
• For a more textured dish, use a meat masher to leave some larger chunks of ground beef in your sauce.
• Transform leftovers by slicing the cooled lasagna and pan-frying the pieces in a little olive oil for a crispy exterior.
• Instead of layering in a pan, try the “lasagna soup” method: break the noodles into small pieces and cook all ingredients together in the pot with extra water or broth.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your no-boil noodles are fully covered by sauce in each layer to ensure they cook through properly.
• Letting the lasagna rest for a full 10 minutes after cooking is crucial; it will firm up and be much easier to slice.
• If you don’t have a springform pan, a sturdy, well-greased cake pan that fits in your pot will work.
• For a cleaner top cheese layer, add the final 1/2 cup of mozzarella after pressure cooking, then cover the dish for a few minutes to let it melt.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 60-second intervals until warmed through, or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use regular lasagna noodles?

Yes, but only use “no-boil” or “oven-ready” lasagna noodles. Traditional noodles require boiling first and will not cook correctly in this method.

Do I have to use a springform pan?

While it makes removal very easy, you can use any heat-safe dish that fits inside your Instant Pot, such as a 7-inch cake pan or a casserole dish. You may need to assemble and serve it directly from that dish.

Why do I have to remove the meat sauce and clean the pot?

This step prevents the “Burn” error. The water in the bottom of the clean pot is necessary for the Instant Pot to build pressure and steam the lasagna.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can use an equal amount of ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor.

My lasagna is a bit watery when I cut it. What happened?

This is common. It will firm up as it rests. Also, ensure you are using no-boil noodles and letting the pressure release naturally for the full 10 minutes, as a quick release can introduce more moisture.

Can I double this recipe?

No, this recipe is designed for a standard 6-quart Instant Pot. Doubling it will likely not fit. For a larger crowd, you will need to cook two separate batches.