This Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna recipe has all the classic Italian flavors of traditional lasagna but comes together in just 30 minutes! Made with cottage cheese for extra protein and creaminess, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
If you love this Instant Pot lasagna recipe, try my Smoked Lasagna, Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese, or Rigatoni Al Forno next!
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Editor's Note: This post was originally published on January 9, 2022. I recently updated it on January 20, 2025, with more information, helpful tips, and updated photos, but the recipe remains the same (except I added an extra 2 minutes to the cooking time).
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Why I love this Instant Pot deconstructed lasagna
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep - perfect for busy nights!
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together in your Instant Pot, meaning less cleanup.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients and cottage cheese instead of pricier ricotta.
- Family favorite: All the comfort of traditional lasagna without hours of work.
Recipe ingredients
All ingredients for this pressure cooker recipe are shown in the pic below and special notes are made in this bulleted list to assist you.
- Ground Beef. Use lean ground beef for less grease. Ground turkey, ground venison, or Italian sausage work great too!
- Pasta sauce. Your favorite jarred pasta sauce or marinara sauce saves time, or use my Homemade Spaghetti Sauce.
- Pasta. Mafalda noodles look like mini lasagna noodles, but you can substitute any pasta, such as bow-tie or fusilli. I usually use broken-up lasagna noodles because Mafalda noodles can be hard to find.
- Cottage Cheese. Creates a creamy, protein-rich sauce. Full-fat gives the best texture.
- Beef broth. I used beef broth, but you can substitute it with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or plain water.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities and a complete list of ingredients.
How to make Instant Pot lazy lasagna
- Step 1: Press Sauté on your Instant Pot and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 1.5 pounds ground beef, stirring frequently until almost cooked through. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent. Drain excess grease and press Cancel.
- Step 2: Pour in one jar (880mL) pasta sauce, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon oregano, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot thoroughly to prevent any stuck-on bits.
- Step 3: Layer 4 cups dry Mafalda noodles (or pasta of choice) on top of the meat sauce. DO NOT STIR. Pour 3 cups of beef broth on top of the noodles, pressing down any noodles above the liquid line. Note: All noodles must be submerged to cook properly.
- Step 4: Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Pressure cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. When done, carefully quick release the pressure. Note: Steam will be very hot!
- Step 5: Once the pin drops, remove the lid and stir in 1 cup cottage cheese until well combined. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese over top. Replace the lid (no pressure needed) and let it sit for 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Step 6: After 3 minutes, remove the lid and serve immediately with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Top tips
- Scrape that pot: Always deglaze and scrape the bottom after browning meat to prevent the dreaded burn notice.
- Don't stir the noodles: Layering them on top and keeping them submerged in liquid is key for perfect cooking.
- Watch the liquid: Different pasta shapes may need more or less broth - make sure all noodles are covered.
- Trust the timing: Six minutes seems short, but pressure cooking works fast!
What to serve with lazy lasagna
Here are the perfect pairings for this quick comfort meal:
- Fresh and light: Serve with Caesar salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad, or Panera Tomato Cucumber Salad.
- Bread basket: Add No Knead Sourdough Bread, Homemade Air Buns, or garlic bread.
- Extra veggies: Pair with Air Fryer Green Beans.
Variations
- Make it meaty: Use Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of beef.
- Extra veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Cheese choices: Switch cottage cheese for ricotta, or try different melting cheeses on top. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or Italian hot sausage for heat.
- Different pasta: Any short pasta works - bowties, rotini, or broken lasagna noodles.
Storage instructions
- Make Ahead: Brown the meat and prep ingredients up to 24 hours ahead.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Break them into smaller pieces before adding. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly so they're fully covered.
I used an 8-quart Instant Pot, and there wasn't enough room to double it. You could make two batches if needed.
If it's too liquid after cooking, thicken the sauce by turning on the 'Saute' button and let it cook with the lid off until thickened. You can also combine one tablespoon each of cold water and cornstarch and add it to thicken.
This usually happens if you stirred the noodles or didn't scrape the bottom well after browning the meat. Follow the layering instructions carefully, and always deglaze the pot.
This recipe works best in a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot. For a 3-quart pot, halve the recipe.
More easy Instant Pot recipes
If you love this Lazy Lasagna recipe, try these other Instant Pot favorites next:
- Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks - Quick weeknight dinner
- Instant Pot Salmon Chowder - Creamy comfort food
- Instant Pot Venison Stew - Hearty and delicious
- Instant Pot Hamburger Soup - Rich and hearty
- Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup - Better than Olive Garden!
- Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup - Perfect comfort food
- Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham - Creamy and delicious
- Frozen Pork Ribs in Instant Pot - From frozen to tender
Did you LOVE This Recipe?
Then please leave a 5-star rating and review below!
Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 jar pasta sauce about 880 mL or 3¾ cups
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups Mafalda noodles or broken up lasagna noodles or noodles of your choice
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Press Sauté on your Instant Pot and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 1.5 pounds of ground beef to the pot, breaking it up and stirring frequently until almost no pink remains. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften. Drain excess grease and press Cancel.
- Add 1 jar pasta sauce, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon oregano, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom thoroughly to prevent any stuck bits.
- Layer 4 cups of Mafalda noodles or broken-up lasagna noodles evenly over the meat sauce. Do not stir. Pour 3 cups of beef broth over the noodles, pressing down any noodles that stick above the liquid. All noodles must be submerged.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing position. Pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. When done, perform a quick release. Be careful of the hot steam.
- Once the pin drops, remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of cottage cheese until well combined. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella over top. Replace the lid (unsealed) and let sit for 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove the lid and serve immediately while hot and creamy. Enjoy!
Video
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Notes
- Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease.
- Don't stir after adding noodles - layering is key.
- Make sure all noodles are covered with liquid.
- Saute the sauce for 5 minutes after cooking if it seems thin.
- Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
This recipe was originally published on January 9, 2022. It was completely updated on January 20, 2025.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
Kelley says
What would you adjust the cooking time to if using gluten free pasta?
Jeri says
Hi Kelley. I have never made this recipe with gluten-free pasta. If you want to try it, you could try adding an extra 1/2 cup of liquid to the ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes, then do a natural release of 10-12 minutes, then do the quick release method for any remaining pressure. However, as gluten-free pasta is more starchy, I am concerned that it might get gummy. To be on the safe side, I would leave the pasta out of the ingredients in the instant pot, just cook everything else in the instant pot for 2 minutes, cook the pasta separately how you would normally cook it, then rinse it and add it to the rest of the ingredients in the instant pot. Mix everything up and stir it together then serve. Let me know how it turns out! 🙂
nancy says
this lazy meal was just I needed for a busy weeknight meal!
Jeannie says
Lasagna reminds me so much of my mom, never tried using an insta pot to make them, great idea
Janelle says
This is just what I needed
Jerika says
We love lasagna!:) Can't wait to try this awesome and tasteful Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe!:) I'm craving for it already, yum! Thanks.:)
Jeri says
I hope you like it! It is one of our favorites! 🙂