Lasagna, with its layers of pasta, rich sauce, and bubbling cheese, is a beloved Italian classic that’s hard to resist. While the traditional method of making lasagna involves baking it in the oven, the Instant Pot offers a faster and more convenient way to enjoy this comfort food. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making a scrumptious Instant Pot Lasagna that’s ready in no time.
What Is Lasagna?
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish known for its rich and hearty layers of pasta, cheese, sauce, and often meat or vegetables. It’s a beloved comfort food that has gained popularity worldwide. The key components of traditional lasagna include:
Lasagna Noodles: These are wide, flat sheets of pasta, typically made from durum wheat semolina. In traditional recipes, the noodles are boiled before being layered into the dish, but modern versions often use oven-ready or no-boil noodles, making preparation easier.
Sauce: A savory tomato-based sauce, often referred to as a marinara or Bolognese sauce, is a fundamental component of lasagna. The sauce is usually made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, and it’s sometimes combined with ground beef, pork, or sausage for added flavor.
Cheese: Lasagna features layers of cheese, including ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess, mozzarella brings gooeyness and stretchiness, and Parmesan provides a nutty, savory flavor.
Seasonings: Lasagna is seasoned with herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, and sometimes red pepper flakes, to enhance its flavor.
Layering: The dish is assembled by layering the ingredients, typically in a specific order. This layering includes noodles, sauce, cheese, and sometimes additional ingredients like sautéed vegetables, spinach, or sliced mushrooms.
Baking: After layering, the lasagna is baked in an oven until the noodles are tender, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the flavors have melded together.
Lasagna variations abound, allowing for creative adaptations and regional preferences. For instance, vegetarian lasagna skips the meat and may include more vegetables, while seafood lasagna incorporates seafood such as shrimp and crab. Lasagna is also adaptable to dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
How to Make the Best Instant Pot Lasagna
Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe
Course: Main, DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Moderate4-6
servings20
minutes25
minutes400
kcalThis Instant Pot recipe is filled with all the lasagna flavors you love! Layers of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs come together in this super easy dish!
Ingredients
9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or no-boil noodles work best)
1 pound of ground beef (or ground Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (24 ounces) of pasta sauce
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil for greasing the Instant Pot
1 cup of water
Directions
- Sauté the Ground Beef:
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. - Add Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until they become soft and fragrant. - Layer the Lasagna:
Grease the inner pot of your Instant Pot with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Start with a layer of lasagna noodles, breaking them if necessary to fit the pot’s shape.
Add a portion of the cooked meat and onion mixture.
Follow with a layer of pasta sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, and a dash of dried basil and oregano.
Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, ensuring you finish with a layer of cheese on top. - Pressure Cook:
Pour 1 cup of water over the lasagna layers. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 20-25 minutes, depending on your Instant Pot model. - Natural Release:
After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes before using the quick release to release any remaining pressure. - Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully open the Instant Pot and marvel at the beautifully cooked lasagna. Cut and serve, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Instant Pot Lasagna Cooking Tips
Use Oven-Ready Noodles: Oven-ready or no-boil lasagna noodles are ideal for the Instant Pot. They require no pre-cooking and will cook perfectly in the pressure cooker.
Proper Layering: Layering is key to a well-cooked and flavorful lasagna. Ensure that each layer consists of noodles, sauce, cheese, and seasonings. Be generous with the cheese—it’s what makes lasagna so delicious.
Grease the Pot: Greasing the inner pot of your Instant Pot prevents the lasagna from sticking and makes it easier to serve.
Event Coverage: Ensure that the pasta sauce covers the noodles evenly to prevent them from becoming dry or undercooked. A good distribution of cheese and seasonings between the layers also enhances flavor.
Secure the Lid: Make sure the Instant Pot lid is securely in place before starting the pressure cooking process. The steam valve should be set to the sealing position.
Pressure Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your Instant Pot model. Start with 20-25 minutes for high pressure. Check your Instant Pot’s manual for more specific guidance on cooking times.
Natural Release: Allowing for a 10-minute natural release after the cooking cycle ensures that the lasagna settles and avoids any excessive pressure release. This contributes to a moist and perfectly cooked lasagna.
Garnish and Rest: After opening the Instant Pot, let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations, herbs, and spices to create a personalized version of your favorite lasagna.
Pairing: Serve your Instant Pot lasagna with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully.