The aroma of bubbling cheese, savory ground meat, and rich tomato sauce wafts through the air, creating an irresistible invitation to the dinner table. Picture this: layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella coming together in perfect harmony. That’s right; I’m talking about instant pot lasagna, a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also turns any ordinary evening into an extraordinary culinary experience.
I remember the first time I attempted to make this delightful dish. My family gathered around with eager anticipation, eyes sparkling like kids on Christmas morning. The first bite was met with delighted murmurs and enthusiastic thumbs up all around the table. It’s moments like these that remind me why cooking is such a joy—especially when it’s as easy as using an instant pot!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This instant pot lasagna is a breeze to prepare, making weeknight dinners feel special without the hassle
- The flavor profile is rich and comforting, delivering layers of cheesy goodness in every bite
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences or last-minute ingredient swaps!
When I served this dish at a family gathering last year, everyone begged for seconds and thirds—my cousin even tried to claim the leftovers before they made it home.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Lasagna Noodles: Use regular or no-boil noodles; either works well in the instant pot.
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Ground Beef or Sausage: Choose lean meat for a healthier option; turkey works great too.
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Ricotta Cheese: Look for fresh ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess.
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Tomato Sauce: A good quality marinara will elevate your dish immensely.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth; avoid those dusty pre-grated options.
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Eggs: They help bind the cheese mixture and provide richness; use large eggs.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings everything together beautifully; make your own for extra flair.
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Onion and Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves and finely chopped onions enhance flavor significantly.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté the onion and garlic to perfection.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by selecting your trusty instant pot. Set it to sauté mode and drizzle in some olive oil. Once hot, toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they’re translucent and fragrant.
Add the Meat: Next up, throw in your ground beef or sausage. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks until browned completely—about 5-7 minutes will do! Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Create Your Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth—this will be your creamy layer that brings joy with every bite!
Layer It Up!: Now comes the fun part! Layer half of your meat mixture at the bottom of the instant pot followed by lasagna noodles broken into manageable pieces. Spread half of your cheese mixture over this layer then add half of your marinara sauce on top.
Add More Layers!: Repeat this layering process: more noodles, remaining meat mixture, another layer of cheese mix, followed by more marinara sauce until you’ve used all ingredients—it’s like building a delicious skyscraper!
Pressure Cook!: Securely close the lid on your instant pot and set it to pressure cook for 25 minutes. Allow natural release (about 10 minutes) before carefully releasing any remaining steam.
Serve warm and watch as everyone dives into their plates eagerly! Enjoy every cheesy layer while reveling in compliments from loved ones at your table.
Now that you’re armed with all these details about making scrumptious instant pot lasagna, gather those ingredients and get ready for a culinary adventure that will have everyone coming back for more!
You Must Know
- This instant pot lasagna is a game changer for busy weeknights!
- It captures the classic flavors but cooks in a fraction of the time
- The layers meld together beautifully, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love
- Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat before adding the sauce and layering with noodles and cheese. This order ensures optimal flavor infusion and streamlined cooking.

Add Your Touch
Consider swapping ground beef for turkey or adding spinach for an extra nutrient boost. Personalizing your lasagna makes it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your noodles are fully submerged to avoid sticking
- Let the lasagna rest after cooking; this helps it set beautifully
- Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella for unique flavors
Sometimes, I make this dish for family gatherings, and the compliments keep pouring in—it warms my heart every time!

FAQ
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just layer them directly without pre-cooking, making it super easy.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being too watery?
Use less sauce or let it simmer longer to thicken before layering.
What can I serve with instant pot lasagna?
A simple side salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly and adds freshness.
Instant Pot Lasagna
Instant Pot Lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic dish that will transform your weeknight dinners into memorable feasts. This recipe combines layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, savory ground meat, and rich tomato sauce, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you can enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends, leaving them craving seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 15 oz fresh ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent.
- Add ground beef or turkey; break apart with a spatula and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer half of the meat mixture in the pot followed by broken lasagna noodles. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over noodles and top with half of the marinara sauce.
- Repeat layering: remaining noodles, meat mixture, ricotta mixture, and marinara until ingredients are used up.
- Close the lid and set to pressure cook for 25 minutes. Allow natural release for about 10 minutes before releasing any remaining steam.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg


