Easy Instant Pot Lasagna
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
563 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Easy Instant Pot Lasagna
Description
Easy Instant Pot Lasagna assembles layers starting with broken no-boil noodles, followed by pasta sauce, cooked ground beef combined with onion and garlic, and a richly mixed cheese blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan combined with Italian herbs and spices. The meat is first sautéed in olive oil directly in the Instant Pot to build flavor and soften aromatics. After deglazing, the layered ingredients cook under pressure, softening noodles and melding flavors.
This method yields tender noodles that soak up sauce and seasoning, along with a creamy, cheesy filling accented by the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a touch of red pepper flakes. The result is a flavorful and hearty casserole with the convenience of reduced cooking time compared to traditional oven baking.
The lasagna is suitable as a main meal for family or guests, offering a comforting dish with familiar Italian flavors. The cheese and meat layers contribute moistness and texture, balanced by the tomato sauce moisture. Serving suggestions include a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Ingredients
Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg large
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
Meat Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken or ground Italian sausage meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 onion diced, small
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
Sauce and Pasta Layers:
- 1 24 oz pasta sauce or marinara sauce, jarred
- 9 lasagna noodles depends on the size, no-boil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
For Cooking:
- 1 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Cheese Layer:
- In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients listed in the "Cheese Layer" section. Stir to combine and set aside.
Meat Layer:
- Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot, once it reads hot, add olive oil to the inner pot.
- Add meat, and cook unmoved for 1-2 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, break the beef and cook until no longer pink.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Saute stirring occasionally for 1-2 minutes, until the onion is soft.
- Scoop the mixture from the Instant Pot and add it to a bowl.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the pot and deglaze it. Turn off the pressure cooker.
Assembling:
- In a 7x3 springform pan or push pan, start layering the ingredients in the following order.
- First layer: break about 3-4 no-boil noodles and arrange them to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Second layer: Spread about 3/4 - 1 cup of the pasta sauce over the noodles, smooth the sauce using the back of a spoon, and ensure the noodles are well covered.
- Third layer: Spread 1/2 of the meat mixture evenly on top of the sauce layer. Press slightly.
- Fourth layer: Spread 1/2 of the cheese mixture evenly on top of the meat layer. Press slightly.
- Repeat 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th layer. Press slightly.
- Add a final layer of no-boil lasagna noodles. Press slightly. Cover with sauce and sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Spray a sheet of foil with nonstick spray and cover the pan, the foil should not touch the cheese, aim for it to be 1 inch from the top lasagna layer.
Cooking:
- Assuming that you have not discarded the 1 1/2 cup of water from the Instant Pot, if you did, then add 1 1/2 cup of water to the pot.
- Place the covered lasagna pan on a trivet with handles and add it to the inner pot.
- Close and lock the lid. Point the steam knob to the Sealing position. Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button and input 22 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle has ended, follow with a 15-minute Natural Release. Then, turn the knob to the Venting position to release any remaining steam.
- Open the pressure cooker and transfer the lasagna pan to a cooling rack.
- Turn on the oven broiler to 450 degrees F and place an oven rack in the middle of the oven.
- Remove the foil cover, sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and carefully, wearing oven mittens, transfer the lasagna pan to the oven. Broil for just a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch it closely to not burn it!
Removing From Pan:
- Remove the lasagna from the oven, and let it rest on a cooling rack for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain its shape when you try to remove it from the pan.
- Release the lasagna from the springform pan and slide it onto a plate.
- To release the lasagna from a push pan, wear oven mittens, lift the pan, and place it on a large aluminum or stainless steel can (anything canned!) while still holding the pan. Carefully and slowly press down by the sides of the pan. The bottom of the push pan with the lasagna will remain on top of the can, quickly slide another plate under the lasagna.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 563 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 563kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 112mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 1260mg | 53% |
| Potassium | 806mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 960IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 10.1mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 523mg | 52% |
| Iron | 4.3mg | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.