Discover the ultimate guide to making classic lasagna right in your pressure cooker! This Instant Pot lasagna recipe is a true game-changer, delivering a deliciously rich and comforting meal in under an hour, all without ever needing to turn on your oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want that homemade taste with minimal effort.
Unlocking the Magic of Instant Pot Lasagna
For years, the thought of making lasagna from scratch has conjured images of extensive prep work, multiple pots, and hours simmering in the oven. That’s why discovering the Instant Pot version of this beloved Italian classic has been nothing short of revolutionary for home cooks everywhere!
Having previously mastered Instant Pot spaghetti and Instant Pot chicken Alfredo, my confidence in pressure cooker pasta recipes soared. It was only a matter of time before I tackled lasagna, and the results have truly exceeded expectations. The Instant Pot transforms a traditionally time-consuming dish into a quick, convenient, and incredibly flavorful meal.
Say goodbye to slaving over a hot stove and mountains of dirty dishes. This one-pot, pot-in-pot (PIP) Instant Pot lasagna recipe simplifies the entire process, making that comforting, cheesy, meaty lasagna a regular fixture on your dinner table. It’s perfect for feeding a family of four, and the best part? You don’t even need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles!
Imagine serving up a piping hot, perfectly layered lasagna alongside some crispy Texas toast garlic bread and a refreshing Panzanella salad. This combination creates a complete, satisfying weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but comes together with surprising ease. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simplified, yet incredibly delicious, Instant Pot Lasagna.
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Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Lasagna
Crafting this quick and flavorful Instant Pot lasagna requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with tips for variations:
- Proteins: We combine the rich flavors of ground Italian sausage and ground beef for a truly traditional taste. The sausage adds a fantastic herbaceous depth, while the beef provides that classic lasagna heartiness. For a lighter alternative, consider using turkey sausage and leaner ground beef (90/10), or even ground chicken or turkey for a healthier twist.
- Seasonings: A harmonious blend of onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Kosher salt elevates the flavor of both the meat sauce and the ricotta mixture. These pantry staples ensure every layer bursts with aromatic deliciousness.
- Marinara Sauce: The foundation of any great lasagna! Use your favorite high-quality jarred marinara sauce for convenience, or if you have a cherished family recipe, feel free to whip up your own homemade version. The choice is yours, but remember that the sauce greatly influences the overall flavor profile.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: We highly recommend using whole milk ricotta for its creamy texture and rich flavor, which contributes significantly to the decadent mouthfeel of the lasagna. If you prefer, lower-fat ricotta options can be used, but they may result in a slightly less creamy consistency.
- Large Egg: An egg is crucial for binding the ricotta cheese mixture. It helps prevent the ricotta from becoming watery or oozing out during cooking, ensuring a cohesive and beautifully structured cheese layer. It also adds a touch of moisture, preventing the cheese from becoming too dry.
- No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These are the secret weapon for quick lasagna! No-boil noodles absorb moisture directly from the sauce during pressure cooking, eliminating the need for a separate boiling step. While you could attempt to parboil regular noodles for a few minutes, no-boil noodles are significantly easier and more reliable for this recipe.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible, gooey, melty top, mozzarella is a must. You can opt for freshly shredded mozzarella for superior melt and flavor, or use pre-shredded mozzarella for added convenience.
- Water: Essential for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure. It creates the steam environment necessary for cooking the lasagna evenly and thoroughly using the pot-in-pot method.
New to the world of Instant Pot cooking? Before you begin, be sure to read our comprehensive beginner’s guide on “How to Use an Instant Pot” to familiarize yourself with its functions and safety features!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Instant Pot Lasagna
Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping Instant Pot lasagna that will become a family favorite:
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Blend.
In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout your dish.
Step 2: Brown the Meat Mixture.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the ground Italian sausage and ground beef. Sprinkle 3 ½ teaspoons of your prepared seasoning mix over the meat. Cook the mixture for approximately 7 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. Break up any large pieces of meat as it cooks.
Step 3: Simmer the Marinara Sauce.
After the meat is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Return the browned meat to the same skillet. Add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the meat and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and melded with the meat. This forms your flavorful meat sauce layer.
Step 4: Combine Ricotta, Egg, and Remaining Seasoning.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, one large egg, and the remaining seasoning mix. Stir these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring your ricotta layer stays intact during cooking.
Step 5: Prepare Your Pan and Noodles.
To prevent sticking and make serving easier, line your Instant Pot 7.5-inch springform pan with either aluminum foil or parchment paper. Ensure the lining extends up the sides of the pan. Next, take your no-boil lasagna noodles and break them into pieces that fit neatly within the springform pan. You will generally need about two and a half noodles for each layer.
Step 6: Layer the Lasagna to Perfection.
Now comes the fun part – assembling your lasagna layers! Follow this sequence for a perfectly balanced dish:
- Layer 1 (Bottom): Begin by spooning ¼ cup of marinara sauce onto the bottom of your lined springform pan. This prevents the noodles from sticking and adds moisture. Arrange a layer of broken pasta pieces evenly over the marinara. Next, spoon 1 cup of your rich meat sauce over the pasta, ensuring all noodles are completely covered. Spread ½ cup of the ricotta mixture over the meat sauce. Finally, top with 2 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Layer 2 (Middle): Place another layer of broken lasagna noodles directly on top of the mozzarella. Follow this with another cup of meat sauce, ensuring good coverage, and then spread another ½ cup of the creamy ricotta mixture.
- Layer 3 (Top): For your final layer, lay the remaining broken pasta pieces over the ricotta. Spoon the remaining ¼ cup of marinara sauce over the pasta, ensuring all noodles are covered (add a little more if needed). Crown this with the remaining 2 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Pressure Cook Your Lasagna.
Once layered, loosely cover the springform pan with aluminum foil. Create a slight dome or pocket between the foil and the cheese layer to prevent it from sticking. Place a trivet at the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot, then carefully place the covered springform pan on top of the trivet. Securely lock the Instant Pot lid in place and ensure the sealing valve is set to the “SEALING” position. Set your Instant Pot to cook on HIGH pressure for 25 minutes.
Step 8: Release Pressure and Remove.
After the cooking cycle is complete and the timer goes off, allow the Instant Pot to natural pressure release (NPR) for 15 minutes. This crucial step helps the lasagna set and continues the cooking process gently. After 15 minutes, carefully move the sealing valve to the “VENTING” position to quick release any remaining pressure. Once the floating pin drops, it is safe to unlock and remove the lid. Carefully lift the hot lasagna out of the Instant Pot using the trivet handles or a sling (if using). Remove the foil cover. You can either let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving, or proceed to step 9 for a perfectly browned top.
Step 9 (Optional): Achieve a Golden, Bubbly Top.
For that classic golden-brown, bubbly cheese crust, preheat your oven broiler to high. Place the lasagna, still in its springform pan, onto a baking sheet. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is beautifully browned and bubbling. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as broilers can vary in intensity. Remove from the oven.
While your amazing Instant Pot lasagna cooks, consider preparing some cheese twists or additional Texas toast garlic bread to complement your meal!
Recommended Equipment for Instant Pot Lasagna Success
To effortlessly prepare this delicious lasagna, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. Many of these are common Instant Pot accessories, making this recipe accessible to most pressure cooker enthusiasts:
- 6 Quart Instant Pot: This versatile pressure cooker is the heart of our recipe. Its multiple functions, including pressure cooking, sautéing, steaming, and warming, make it an indispensable kitchen tool. The 6-quart size is ideal for this pot-in-pot lasagna recipe, fitting the 7-inch springform pan perfectly. We use ours almost daily for everything from soups and stews to perfectly cooked pasta and roasts, making it one of the most valuable investments for quick and healthy meal preparation.
- Trivet: Your Instant Pot typically comes with a standard metal trivet. This accessory is essential for the pot-in-pot method, as it elevates your lasagna pan above the water at the bottom of the Instant Pot, allowing for even steaming and preventing the lasagna from getting soggy. You can also use additional trivets for stacking different foods or keeping delicate items separate.
- OR
- Trivet Sling: A trivet sling is an upgrade from the basic trivet, featuring silicone handles that extend upwards. This design makes it incredibly easy and safe to lift hot pans, like your layered lasagna, out of the Instant Pot without burning your hands or risking spills. It’s particularly useful for delicate dishes.
- 7-inch Springform Pan: This specialized pan is perfectly sized to fit inside a 6-quart Instant Pot. Its spring-release mechanism is a huge advantage for lasagna, allowing you to effortlessly remove the sides of the pan once the lasagna has cooled slightly, ensuring perfect slices every time.
- OR
- 7-inch Round Pan: If you don’t have a springform pan, any oven-safe 7-inch round pan will work. Just be sure to line it thoroughly with aluminum foil, extending the foil up and over the edges to create “handles.” This will make it much easier to lift the cooked lasagna out of the pan once it has cooled, as it won’t have the spring-release feature.
Understanding the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) Cooking Method
The pot-in-pot (PIP) method is a fundamental technique for using your Instant Pot, and it’s absolutely crucial for recipes like this Instant Pot Lasagna. It refers to a cooking approach where you place a smaller, oven-safe metal pot or pan (like our springform pan) onto a trivet inside the Instant Pot’s main cooking pot. The food is contained within this inner pot, rather than directly in the Instant Pot’s liquid.
This method is incredibly helpful for several reasons:
- Prevents Submerging: It allows you to cook dishes that shouldn’t be submerged in liquid, such as cakes, casseroles, or, in this case, a layered lasagna. The food cooks indirectly through the steam generated by the water in the main pot.
- Even Cooking: The steam environment created by the pressure cooker ensures very even and gentle cooking, which is perfect for delicate dishes or those prone to burning at the bottom.
- Versatility: It expands the range of recipes you can prepare in your Instant Pot. For example, it’s a popular method for steaming rice perfectly, where the rice is placed in a PIP and steams without becoming gummy.
- Less Direct Contact with Heating Element: This indirect cooking method prevents food from scorching on the bottom, a common concern with direct heat cooking.
For this Instant Pot lasagna, the PIP method ensures that your noodles cook perfectly through steam and the internal moisture of the sauce, without becoming waterlogged. It’s also how we create our delicious Instant Pot meatloaf and mashed potatoes, showcasing its versatility for complete meals.
Preparing Instant Pot Lasagna Ahead of Time and Storage Tips
One of the many conveniences of this Instant Pot lasagna recipe is its adaptability for make-ahead preparation and freezing. Planning ahead can save you valuable time on busy days while still enjoying a hearty, homemade meal.
Refrigerating Your Lasagna:
If you plan to enjoy your lasagna within a few days, follow all the cooking instructions completely, then allow the lasagna to cool down entirely. Once cooled, transfer the lasagna (either whole or in individual slices) into an airtight, sealed container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat (Oven): Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the refrigerated lasagna in an oven-safe dish and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until it is thoroughly warmed through and bubbling.
- To Reheat (Microwave): For individual slices, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for about 2 minutes per slice, or until warmed through. Adjust heating time as needed for your microwave.
Freezing Your Lasagna:
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Cook the lasagna according to the recipe, then let it cool completely. Once cooled, wrap the entire lasagna (still in its pan, if desired, or carefully removed and wrapped) tightly with several layers of plastic wrap. For added protection against freezer burn, place the tightly wrapped lasagna into a gallon-sized freezer bag or another airtight freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat (from Frozen): For best results, allow the frozen lasagna to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating.
- To Reheat (Oven after thawing): Once thawed, place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- To Reheat (Microwave after thawing): For individual slices, microwave for about 2 minutes per slice until warmed through.
Having a pre-made Instant Pot lasagna in your freezer means a delicious, comforting meal is just a thaw and reheat away, making meal prep a breeze!
Explore More Instant Pot Culinary Adventures!
If you’ve enjoyed the ease and flavor of this Instant Pot Lasagna, you’ll be thrilled to discover the vast possibilities of pressure cooker cooking. The Instant Pot can revolutionize your kitchen, making complex meals simple and quick. Here are some more of our favorite Instant Pot recipes to inspire your next culinary creation:
- Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers: A hearty and healthy meal, quickly prepared.
- Instant Pot Pork Roast and Gravy: Tender, juicy pork with rich gravy, ready in a fraction of the time.
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos: Shredded chicken tacos made effortlessly for taco night.
- Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice: A comforting and creamy one-pot meal.
- Instant Pot Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone ribs that taste like they’ve been slow-cooked all day.
- Instant Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy: Flavorful pork chops smothered in a savory gravy.
- Instant Pot Jambalaya: A vibrant, spicy, and satisfying Cajun classic in one pot.
- More Instant Pot Recipes…: Dive into our full collection for endless meal ideas!
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6
15 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
Instant Pot Lasagna
Kat Jeter & Melinda Machado
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ pound Ground Italian sausage
- ½ pound Ground beef
- 1.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1.5 cups Marinara, divided
- 1 cup Whole milk ricotta
- 1 large Egg
- 8 No boil lasagna noodles
- 4 ounces Mozzarella
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
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In a small bowl combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir until well combined.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Sprinkle with 3 ½ teaspoons of the seasoning mix. Cook for approximately 7 minutes or until cooked through, breaking up the meat.
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When meat has finished cooking, drain the excess grease and place meat back in the pan. Add 1 cup of marinara sauce and continue cooking over medium heat until warmed through.
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In a medium bowl combine the ricotta, egg, and remaining seasoning mix. Stir together until well combined.
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Line your Instant Pot 7.5 inch springform pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Break your lasagna noodles so that they fit in the bottom of the springform pan. Approximately 2.5 lasagna noodles are needed for each layer.
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Layer 1: Spoon ¼ cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of your lined springform pan. Place 1 layer of broken pasta over the bottom of your pan. Spoon 1 cup of meat sauce over the pasta, ensuring it covers all of the pasta. Spread ½ cup of the ricotta mixture over the meat sauce. Top the ricotta with 2 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
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Layer 2: Begin your second layer by placing broken lasagna noodles on top of the mozzarella cheese. Top with another cup of meat sauce followed by ½ cup of ricotta mixture.
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Layer 3: Do a final layer of broken lasagna noodles on top of the ricotta. Top with remaining ¼ cup of marinara sauce and 2 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
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Cover the lasagna with foil, making sure there is a gap between the foil and the cheese.
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Place a trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of water. Place the springform pan on top of the trivet.
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Lock the lid in place and set the valve to SEALING. Set to HIGH pressure for 25 minutes.
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When the timer goes off, allow a 15-minute natural release. Then, carefully turn the valve to VENTING to release any remaining steam. When the pin drops, unlock the lid and open it.
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Carefully remove the lasagna from the pot and remove the foil from on top.
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Optional: To brown the cheese, place the lasagna in its pan on a baking sheet. Set your oven broiler to high and place in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Remove from the oven.
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Let the lasagna cool in the springform pan for 10 minutes. Then release and remove the springform pan. Gently peel away the aluminum foil. Use a spatula to lift the lasagna off of the bottom of the pan and place on a large serving plate.
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Cut into 6 equal pieces and serve.
Nutrition
Main
American
