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Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
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Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

This easy one-pot lazy lasagna delivers all the classic lasagna flavors with none of the work! Made with ground beef, pasta sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, and penne pasta, it comes together in just minutes using the Instant Pot.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Pressure/Natural Release Time:15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 8
Calories: 314kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra-virgin recommended
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar 24-26 oz traditional pasta sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 box 16 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Sauté the Meat

  • Turn on the Sauté function on the Instant Pot.
  • Add olive oil, ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook and crumble the beef until no longer pink.
  • Turn off Sauté and drain excess grease if necessary.

Add the Sauce

  • Pour in the jar of pasta sauce and stir to combine with the beef.

Add Liquid & Seasoning

  • Pour in the water, then add basil, Italian seasoning, parsley, and salt. Stir well.

Add the Pasta

  • Evenly layer the dry, uncooked penne pasta on top. Do not stir.
  • Gently press down on the pasta to ensure it's mostly submerged in liquid.

Pressure Cook

  • Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 5 minutes.
  • (The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before cooking starts.)

Natural Release

  • Let the pressure naturally release for 5-10 minutes:
  • 5 minutes for al dente pasta
  • 8 minutes for a softer texture
  • 10 minutes for very soft pasta
  • Turn the valve to Venting and release any remaining pressure.

Stir & Add Cheese

  • Open the lid and stir everything together.
  • Add the ricotta and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.

Serve

  • Enjoy immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Garlic Options: Use fresh minced garlic, jarred chopped garlic, or garlic paste.
Water vs. Broth: Water preserves the classic lasagna flavors, while broth can make the dish saltier.
Parmesan Cheese: Both pre-shredded and freshly grated Parmesan work well. Pre-shredded is the easiest option.
Pasta Sauce: Use a 24-26 oz jar of traditional pasta sauce—either size works fine.