The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (2024)

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Instant Pot Lasagna is the easiest lasagna recipe! It tastes delicious, and you can customize it to your taste, adding any of your favorite ingredients!. Did you know it is very easy to make lasagna in the Instant Pot? You don't have to boil the noodles first, so that's a win in my book! If you are in the mood for some tasty Italian pasta, make this pressure cooker lasagna recipe.

The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (1)
Originally published Jan 19, 2018

Instant Pot Lasagna

This pressure cooker lasagna recipe is one of my most popular recipes! Often copied by others, but this is the original version of this recipe. The favorite Instant Pot lasagna recipe of thousands who have made it! Thank you all for your wonderful feedback and comments!

My husband, Paul makes a fantastic lasagna! He adds spinach, mushrooms, and other good stuff to it. His recipe makes a huge pan of it, and it lasts us for days! I wanted to make some in my Instant Pot electric Pressure Cooker, and see if it would turn out as good as his. And would it be any faster?

Well, he doesn't cook his noodles, so I didn't want to cook mine, either. I found some no-boil noodles that work perfectly (regular lasagna noodles worked as well, but the results were best when I soaked them first in very hot water for 15 minutes.).

He does a lot of chopping, and I wanted an Instant Pot Lasagna recipe where I could get good flavor without so much chopping. I turned to my pantry for some seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, and a few others did the trick! Saved some time there.

I decided to use my favorite jarred marinara sauce in this pressure cooker lasagna. When I have it, I use my homemade Instant Pot Marinara Sauce. Perfect! The Instant Pot Lasagna was coming together nicely! Here's a summary of how I made it:

How To Make Lasagna in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

  1. Spray a 7"x3" springform pan with cooking spray.
  2. Layer uncooked noodles in the bottom.
  3. Layer sauce, meat, and cheese mixture.
  4. Repeat layers two more times.
  5. Cover with a piece of sprayed foil, set on a trivet with handles (or use a sling) and put it in the pot.
  6. Pressure cook and let it naturally release for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Broil the top of your Instant Pot Lasagna to brown the cheese.

• Gather all of the ingredients and kitchen tools you will need.
•Cook the Meat with some seasonings so it isn't bland.
•Prepare the cheese mixture.
The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (2)

•In a 7"x3" springform or push pan, start the layering with the no-boil noodles, which you will need to break apart to fit the shape of the pan.
•Next, layer ⅓ of the sauce, ½ of the meat, then ½ of the cheese mixture, and the spinach (optional).
•Start again with another layer of noodles, ⅓ sauce, ½ of the meat, ½ cheese mixture.
•Then noodles, sauce, and top cheese layer.
The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (3)

The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (4)

•Cover with a piece of sprayed foil, set on a trivet with handles (or use a sling) and put it in the pot.Set the cook time and let it naturally release for 10-15 minutes after pressure cooking.
•Broil the top of your Instant Pot Lasagna to brown the cheese*.
The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (5)
*Broiling is an optional step, and you can brown the cheese as much as you like.

The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (6)
This is what a foil sling looks like, if you need to use one. Take a 24 inch length of foil and fold it over 3 times the long way. You will have a sling that is 3"x24".

The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (7)

The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (8)
Instant Pot Easy Lasagna Soup
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Instant Pot Marinara Fresh Tomato Sauce
Instant Pot Cheesy Meaty Shells
Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana (Sausage Potato Soup)

If you make this delicious Lasagna in the Instant Pot, please let me know. Just leave a comment with a star rating below. I'd like to know how it worked for you.

The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (9)

Instant Pot Lasagna

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

24 mins

Total Time

1 hr 4 mins

Instant Pot Lasagna is delicious and hearty. No need to pre-cook the pasta if you use no-boil noodles. Pressure cooker lasagna is easy to make.

Course:Dinner

Cuisine:Italian

Keyword:pressure cooker lasagna

Servings: 4 - 5

Calories: 427 kcal

Author: Sandy Clifton

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

  • ½lbLean Ground Beef(85% to 90% lean) You can use all ground beef
  • ½lbGround Italian Sausage(you can use all sausage)
  • ½teaspoonCoarse Salt(¼ tsp table salt)
  • ¼teaspoonPepper
  • ½teaspoonOnion Powder
  • ½teaspoonGarlic Powder
  • ½teaspoonItalian Seasoning

Cheese Mixture

  • 1cupRicotta Cheese(or Cottage Cheese)
  • 1Egg
  • ½cupMozzarella Cheese,shredded
  • ½cupParmesan Cheese,grated
  • 1 ½teaspoonGarlic Powder
  • 1 ¼teaspoonOnion Powder
  • 1 ¼teaspoonItalian Seasoning
  • ½teaspoonOregano
  • ½teaspoonSalt(if your pasta sauce is salty, decrease to ¼ tsp)
  • ½teaspoonPepper
  • ¼cupChopped Fresh Parsley

Remaining Layers

  • 1(24 oz) jarPasta Sauce (about 3 cups)(I prefer marinara, or use your favorite brand)
  • ½cupChopped Spinach Leaves, optional(fresh, or frozen, thawed)
  • 5-6No Boil Lasagna Noodles(or regular uncooked lasagna noodles that have been soaked in very hot water for 15 minutes)
  • ½cupMozzarella Cheese,shredded
  • ½cupParmesan Cheese,grated

Instructions

Cook Meat

  1. Set pot to Sauté and add the beef, sausage, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring, until the meat is cooked.

  2. Remove meat, drain, and set aside. Clean out pot and add 1 ½ cups water to it.

Mix the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Use a fork to mix thoroughly. Set aside.

Make the Lasagna

  1. In a 7"x3" or 6"x3" springform or push pan, make a layer of the no-boil noodles by breaking them and fitting them like a mosaic to cover the bottom of the pan.

  2. Spread ⅓ of the pasta sauce over the noodles, covering them all.

  3. Spread ½ of the meat mixture over the sauce evenly.

  4. Spread ½ of the cheese mixture evenly over the meat.

  5. Sprinkle the spinach (if using) over the cheese mixture evenly.

  6. Add another layer of noodles, press down on them a little.

  7. Add another layer of ⅓ of the sauce.

  8. Add the second half of the meat.

  9. Add the second half of the cheese mixture.

  10. Add another layer of noodles, the last ⅓ of sauce, ½ cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of parmesan.

  11. Spray a piece of foil with nonstick spray and lightly cover the pan with the foil, enough that water can't get in.

  12. Set the pan on a trivet with handles and lift them into the inner pot that has 1 ½ cups of water in it. You can also use a sling to set the pan on the trivet in the pot.

  13. Close the lid and lock in place. Turn the steam release knob to the Sealing position.

  14. Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button (or dial) and choose 24 minutes. High Pressure. It will take about 5 minutes or so for the pot to come to pressure.

  15. When the cook cycle has ended, let the pot sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes (10-15 minute Natural Release). Then, turn the knob to the Venting position to release any remaining steam.

  16. When the pin in the lid drops down, open the lid. Use silicone mitts, sling, or good pot holders that can get wet to lift the rack with the hot pan out of the pot to a cooling rack. Be VERY careful as it could slip off the rack.

  17. Carefully remove the foil. Turn on your broiler to 450° with the oven rack in the middle to top ⅓ position in the oven.

  18. Set the pan on the oven rack and let the cheese on top brown to your desired amount. Watch it closely as it doesn't take very long. Every oven is different!

  19. Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before releasing from the pan. This will help it maintain its shape and cool down just a bit.

  20. Carefully (pan and lasagna very hot) release the lasagna from the springform pan while it is on a plate.

  21. If you used a push pan, set a large can of soup or veggies on a plate and set the push pan on top of the can. gently, and carefully push the sides of the pan straight down. Wear oven mitts or some kind of hand protection. The pan and the lasagna will be very hot.

    Then slide another plate under the lasagna. You might need to use a spatula to help slide it over.

  22. Serve with salad and some crusty bread!

Recipe Notes

This recipe works best in a 7"x3" springform or push pan. It will not fit in a 2" deep pan.

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The Best Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe - Simply Happy Foodie (2024)

FAQs

How many levels should lasagna be? ›

Some people swear by this ricotta mixture. How many layers do you need for lasagna? This will vary depending on your ingredients and your tray, but the minimum is usually around three.

Why is lasagna a comfort food? ›

In my eyes, lasagna hits all those comfort food pleasure points that we all look for in a satisfying meal: pasta, a rich, meaty tomato sauce, gooey, melty cheese, and that crispy cheese on top after it gets broiled.

Why is my lasagna so juicy? ›

The sauce could be too watery. The noodles can be holding on to water. The vegetables are releasing excess moisture. If you are using ricotta be careful of the moisture it can add.

How does Ina Garten cook lasagna noodles? ›

Garten advises soaking the noodles in hot water instead of boiling them.

How many layers does authentic lasagna have? ›

Generally, lasagna has about 3 or 4 layers of pasta, with sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, béchamel, and sometimes meat or even meatballs or sausage between those layers. Our many layer lasagna has around 12 layers of pasta, or even more depending on how thin you end up rolling the dough.

Should the last layer of lasagna be noodles or sauce? ›

Begin Layering

After the initial sauce layer, add a layer of pasta sheets, ricotta mixture (or bechamel), sauce, and cheese. Then repeat the layers. Top the last layer of your lasagna with sauce and cheese.

Why put toothpick in lasagna? ›

Poke 9-12 toothpicks over the surface of your lasagna (to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese). Cover with foil and bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes.

Why does leftover lasagna taste better? ›

Our seasoned experts agree

Have you noticed if you cut your lasagne as soon as it comes out of the oven, it can be sloppy, falls apart easily and the sauce runs to the bottom of the dish? When you have it the next day, the sauce has had time to firm up and create an even richer tomato taste,” she says.

Is lasagna good for you? ›

With some tweaks to reduce the saturated fat, home-made lasagne can be a healthy balanced meal. Choose extra-lean minced beef, reduced-fat cheese, and make a white sauce with unsaturated spread instead of butter.

What not to do when making lasagna? ›

A well-made lasagna can be a delicious and satisfying meal, just as long as it's cooked correctly.
  1. Not cooking the noodles correctly. ...
  2. Not having all the ingredients ready. ...
  3. Not browning the meat. ...
  4. Using the wrong cheese. ...
  5. Skipping the dairy sauce. ...
  6. Skimping on the amount of marinara. ...
  7. Improperly layering the noodles.
Feb 21, 2023

Why is my ricotta cheese watery in lasagna? ›

Ricotta cheese, with its creamy texture and mild flavor, is a quintessential ingredient in many lasagna recipes. However, it can also introduce excess moisture if not handled properly. To avoid a runny mess, it's crucial to pat dry the ricotta before incorporating it into your lasagna.

Can you put too much sauce in lasagna? ›

The number one reason lasagna turns out soupy is, quite simply, too much sauce.

Is it better to make lasagna a day ahead? ›

Lasagna is the kind of food that can keep a family fed for many nights in a row, happily. But it has other perks, too: namely, that you can prepare the whole thing in advance, and store it in the fridge overnight—ready to pop in the oven an hour or so before dinner (just before the kids start to whine).

What should the last layer of lasagna be? ›

Finish off your lasagne either with a layer of tomato-based sauce or with your white sauce – whichever you have left – and then grate over plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano. A common extra topping is torn mozzarella, which makes a lovely, melted cheesy layer on top.

Should the top layer of lasagna be noodles? ›

Once your pan is completely layered, finish the lasagna with a final layer of noodles and cheese. Think of this as the lasagna's lid. Use the same number of noodles you used in the base layers, and then sprinkle the rest of your cheese on top.

How do you level up your lasagna? ›

  1. Up the texture with chunky meat. Lasagne has evolved into a mince-based dish, but it can also be made using shredded, slow-cooked meat. ...
  2. Add pancetta or bacon. ...
  3. Don't be shy with the wine. ...
  4. Try a wild mushroom white sauce for added luxury. ...
  5. Use three types of cheese. ...
  6. Choose egg pasta sheets. ...
  7. Stop the slop (add less sauce)

Should lasagna be at 350 or 400? ›

Bake the Lasagna

Turn the oven on to 350ºF so it can preheat while you're assembling the lasagna. Once the lasagna is ready, cover the pan with a layer of aluminum foil. Place the pan in the oven and allow it to bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil so the cheese can brown.

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