Lazy Instant Pot Lasagna without a springform pan in 30 minutes. Uncooked pasta, meat and sauce cook in a pressure cooker to make the best, easy and healthy lasagna! I don’t think I will make traditional lasagna but this until kids grow up.
My kids love any time I make Instant Pot spaghetti or spaghetti with tomato sauce. It’s all pasta. I know dinner will be eaten. And in summer, we often make low carb zucchini lasagna. So, this recipe was expectedly a hit. Enjoy!
Pressure Cooker Lasagna
Words can’t describe how good and easy this Instant Pot lasagna is. Bold flavor, tender noodles, melted cheese – all there. In one pot. Pinch me!
And without the springform pan. I have been scratching my head if making lazy lasagna in Instant Pot will work?! Will it cause the dreaded Burn?
It did not. It worked!
Instant Pot Lasagna Ingredients
Lazy Instant Pot lasagna ingredients are lazy and very versatile. I am sorry but I just can’t stop saying “easy”.
- Ground meat: Ground turkey, beef or chicken work. I used turkey. You can also make it vegetarian with tofu or cooked white beans.
- Lasagna noodles: No need to pre-cook and any kind is fine.
- Tomato sauce: I literally used the cheapest plain tomato sauce from a can. My only word of caution is if your tomato sauce is not low sodium, use less salt.
- Spinach or kale: You can skip kale or spinach if you are not a fan.
- Mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Added after cooking on top.
- Ricotta or cottage cheese + egg (optional): I do not use but many readers ask. Mix both and layer on top of meat.
How to Make Lasagna In Instant Pot
If you are new to pressure cooking, check out my Instant Pot guide for beginners. My mind is blown how it took 3 minutes of prep and 7 minutes cooking time to make very close to traditional lasagna.
I am using my 8 quart Instant Pot to make lasagne. If you are using 6 quart, your lasagna will be taller which is fine. You can also create an extra layer.
Cooking Ground Meat
- Press Saute and wait until display says Hot. Takes 3-5 mins. Don’t panic.
- Cook ground turkey with a bit of oil, breaking into small pieces.
- Midway add spices. We want ground meat seasoned well and other ingredients will absorb its flavor.
- Remove half of the meat into the bowl and press Cancel.
Layering Lasagna
The only main thing to remember when layering lasagna in Instant Pot is you want your meat on a bottom and tomato sauce on top. Other than that, it’s a free fall, friends.
Layer #1: Add water on top of half of ground turkey and break 4 noodles in half and lay on top.
Layer #2: Add half of kale and break 4 noodles in half and lay on top.
Layer #3: Add ground turkey from the bowl, remaining half of kale and pour 14 oz can tomato sauce on top.
Layer #4: Break 4 noodles in half and lay on top. Then pour remaining 14 oz can of tomato sauce.
How Long to Cook Lasagna in Pressure Cooker?
- 7 minutes and then let stand (Natural Pressure Release) for 10 minutes. Only then you can turn valve to Venting and release pressure, if any left.
- When you open the lid, lasagna will be like a casserole, a bit saucy. Not soupy or messy though. The longer lasagna sits, the more it will be like lasagna as pasta absorbs the liquids and settles.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, cover and let lasagna sit for 5 minutes or until cheese has melted. Do not cook with cheese. Instant Pot stays warm for a while, especially if you have Keep Warm on. Covered pot is enough to melt the cheese.
Serving Lasagna
Slicing: You cut through Instant Pot lasagna with a spoon, knife or spatula. It will feel like cutting butter. That’s how tender this lasagna is!
Serving: Serve hot garnished with parsley and freshly cracked pepper. Sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top.
Side dish idea: Craving greens? Make cucumber and tomato salad or a green smoothie. That’s what we would do.
How to Store and Reheat Lasagna
Keep warm: Because I’m a food blogger, our dinner is often ready at 1 PM. With Instant Pot lasagna, Keep Warm function for 10 hours is amazing. Since there is a bit of liquid on the bottom, lasagna keeps warm without burning.
Refrigerate: If there are any leftovers, I cover inner stainless steel pot with a glass or silicone Instant Pot lid, remove from the outer pot and refrigerate.
To reheat cold lasagna, I simply put inner pot back in the outer pot, cover with the lid and press Steam or Pressure Cook for 1 minute. Even Saute works. If you don’t see much liquid on the bottom, add 1/4 cup. We need a bit to create steam and warm lasagna through.
More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes
Are you tired of hearing how much I love my Instant Pot yet? I know but I truly do. Bear with me for more.
- Instant Pot mac and cheese
- Instant Pot chicken alfredo
- Instant Pot parmesan chicken pasta
- Instant Pot spaghetti
- Browse more 30 healthy dinner Instant Pot recipes.
Did you know we have entire Youtube channel dedicated to healthy Instant Pot recipes and tips? Make sure to subscribe and hit the Bell icon not to miss new videos.
I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot lasagna as much as we do. It is so seriously healthy, easy and may I say authentic?!
Would love to hear from you in the comments below!
PrintInstant Pot Lasagna {No Springform Pan}
Lazy Instant Pot Lasagna without a springform pan in 30 mins. Uncooked pasta, meat and sauce cook in one pot in a pressure cooker and make the best, easy and healthy lasagna. I don’t think I will make traditional lasagna until kids grow up.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 11 oz (12 sheets) lasagna noodles
- 2 x 14 oz cans tomato sauce, low sodium
- 3 cups kale or spinach, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 oz (1 cup) mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, optional
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- On Instant Pot, press Saute and wait until display says Hot. Takes 3-5 mins. Swirl oil to coat and add ground turkey. Start breaking into pieces with spatula.
- Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Keep cooking until brown or about 5 minutes, constantly breaking into small pieces and stirring.
- Press Cancel and remove half of ground turkey into a bowl. Time to layer lasagna.
- Layer #1: Add water and break 4 noodles in half and lay on top.
- Layer #2: Add half of kale and break 4 noodles in half and lay on top.
- Layer #3: Add ground turkey from the bowl, remaining half of kale and pour 14 oz can tomato sauce on top.
- Layer #4: Break 4 noodles in half and lay on top. Then pour remaining 14 oz can of tomato sauce.
- Pressure cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Let pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes and then turn valve to Venting.
- When you open the lid, lasagna will be like a casserole, a bit saucy. Not soup though. The longer lasagna sits, the more it will be like lasagna as pasta absorbs the liquids and settles.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, cover and let lasagna sit for 5 minutes or until cheese has melted. Do not cook with cheese. Instant Pot stays warm for a while, especially if you have Keep Warm on. Covered pot is enough to melt the cheese.
- Cut with a spoon or spatula and serve hot. Keep warm to eat later. To reheat, add 1/4 cup of water and press pressure cook for 1 minute or Steam.
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Notes
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese + 1 egg (optional): I do not use but many readers ask. Mix both and layer on top of meat.
- You can use ground chicken, beef, pork or venison.
- Instead of Italian seasoning I use 1 tsp basil +1 tsp oregano + 1 tsp thyme
- I used kamut (whole wheat) noodles. You can also use white or gluten free noodles. Even regular small shape pasta would work.
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating in the comments.
I can’t rate the original recipe ’cause I didn’t follow it, bit I think it would have been bland.
I added green pepper, kalamata olives, and manzanilla olives. But forgot onion to my chagrin. I also put lime juice, minced garlic (jarred), salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg in my chopped kale. I also used a bit of cottage cheese, plus ricotta and egg.
I somehow missed where to put the first layer of spaghetti sauce (used in lieu of the low sodium tomato sauce), so all 24 oz (instead of 28) ended up on top.
The first go ’round, my 6 qt. pot didn’t seal. So I fixed the seal, which looked a little loose, and started over. I’d already added cheese, but, it’s cheese…
The final result was soupy but extremely tasty. Unfortunately, the kale was just short of being raw, so hubby was not happy.
I used oven ready lasagna, and I think the regular type is called for. I think the thin oven ready type I have just couldn’t absorb the water.
I will definitely try this again, though. A lot quicker way to go for sure!
I cannot tell you how good and easy this is. I got a springform pan but realized just what a small amount it would make. I made this just as it says but substituted a jar of spaghetti sauce instead of using the tomato sauce and the spices. Also, I did add the ricotta cheese mixed with the egg and parmesan cheese which I put on meat in two of layers. This is genius. GOOD job.
★★★★★
That is so amazing to hear! Glad you enjoyed my recipe, Lyn.
Delicious and so simple. I made it as directed with the addition of ricotta. Paired great with salad and garlic bread for a complete dinner. Can’t wait to have the leftovers! Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
That is so amazing to hear! Glad you enjoyed my recipe.
Hi Olena,
Just made this for supper. I’ll never make lasagne the oven way again. Delicious, quick to make and easy quick clean up. How great to serve such a delicious meal with so little time in prep work. I got my Instant Pot for a Christmas gift and was a little intimidated with the pressure cooker function at first. But, it wasn’t long before I was trying new recipe after new recipe. Your Lazy instant pot lasagne is now at the top of my favourites list for suppers. Thanks!
Awe, you’re welcome Mary!
Hi Olena,
I made this tonight for my husband and I and it is hands down the best “quick” lasagna that I have ever had. I will be definitely making this again and again! It is completely no fuss, no muss and absolutely delicious. Thank you soooooo much for sharing this recipe!
★★★★★
You are so welcome Helen!
Olena,
I made your lasagna using spinach tonight for wife, first words from her was “taste just like the restaurants”
What an easy and tasty dish to make.
One question: would you put a layer of lasagna on the bottom before the first layer of hamburger?
Ok, maybe two questions: have you tried the InstaPot Air Fryer lid?
Loving your site!
It could cause Burn. I have not tried the lid. I use convection oven. Lid seems to go over a very small container – we eat a lot. Plus some reviews were saying it wasn’t that great. I can’t remember.
I just found you! I am SO happy I did! I agree with you 100% that diets are no good and that eating real food is the best way! I made your lasagna last night… WOW! I am a subscriber now and am so excited. I love your no nonsense way, and agree with your parenting philosophy! Thank you!
So happy that you are enjoying my site and recipes, Joy!
Excellent.
★★★★★
Hi! I found your recipes a couple of weeks ago when I was looking for Instant Pot recipes for the 6 qt IP I just bought. I save your recipe to my notes & was waiting for the perfect day to make this! I finally made this on Sunday using brown rice pasta & no salt tomato sauce & it was a hit! I onto of the mozzarella after it was melted by the keep warm setting, I sprinkled black pepper, the parsley, Cajun seasoning & red pepper seasoning (we love hot stuff in my household lol) on top. I’m currently about to eat some leftovers with roasted veggies & just wanted to thank you for this great recipe!!
Yay! So happy this recipe was a hit with your family Brehia!
Thank you for the recipe! I have made this several times and it’s been a huge hit! I tweaked the recipe a bit. Honestly, my version is less healthy, but my family loves it. I used Italian sausage instead of turkey. I also omitted the kale and sprinkled some mozzarella cheese instead. At the end I put mozzarella and Parmesan on top and used my instant pot air fryer lid to get the cheese melty and browned on top. Delicious!!
★★★★★
Hungry for lasagna and want to try this recipe for supper tonight!! My husband is not an Italian food fan, so I’m anxious to see what he thinks Lol. I will make my homemade garlic bread to go with it…he absolutely LOVES it Lol. However, I LOVE ricotta/cottage cheese in my lasagna 😕 Is there a way I can add that in to this recipe?? Maybe instead of the spinach?? Thank you for your time in finding and sharing healthy recipes!!
Hi Judy. I think you can layer it mixed with an egg in the middle anywhere.
This is one of the best recipes ever! So easy!!
★★★★★
Olena:
My whole family loves this and asks for it often!
★★★★★
That makes me so happy to hear Sally!
Made several times and really like it
★★★★★
Quick, easy and very tasty!
★★★★★
Made this today for mother’s day it came out delicious and it was very filling I used vegetables some mushrooms instead of meat and it was really good no leftovers
★★★★★
Should I decrease amount of water if using veggies instead of meat? Thank you happy mother’s day !!
No.
I haven’t tried it yet, but I do have a question. Under “Notes” you write “Instead of Italian Seasoning I use 1 tsp basil + 1 tsp organic + 1 tsp thyme. What do you mean in the second ingredient as “organic”? Thank you for your dedication to making it fun to use the Instant Pot! I will be trying several of your ideas!
Opps. I meant Oregano! Thank your for bringing that to my attention (it has been changed now). Hope you enjoy the lasagna!
If you cook it meatless what should be on bottom so doesn’t burn?
A layer of some veggies or cooked beans.
Could you make this without meat? Put water on bottom?
You can make lasagna vegetarian by skipping meat or using tofu or cooked white beans.
Excellent recipe, thank you. Love it’s simplicity and fairly “lite” approach. I’ve made it two times so far, I expect it to be a go-to!
First time: used fresh garlic not powdered, used more spices/herbs and less salt, definitely added a chopped onion to meat mixture. Also used crushed tomatoes in lieu of sauce (it’s all we could get). My chopping added to prep time. It was great!
This time, started with frozen dark ground turkey so I added 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to meat mixture… added onion and fresh herbs. Added layer of white mushrooms to middle. And used pizza sauce as sub for pure tomato sauce. Cooked and put whole pan in frig overnight. Will reheat then add cheese tonight. 😉
Thanks for sharing your positive feedback and additions to the recipe Nora!
Amazing recipe! Followed the directions and it came out perfect!! My husband told me he was skeptical of how it would turn out (he told me afterward that he thought it would be a big, mushy blob of noodle). However, first bite in he was like wow! This tastes like real lasagna :)! This will certainly become one of our go to recipes on a weekly basis. Thank you Olena for creating this amazing recipe!
★★★★★
You are so welcome Clarise 🙂
I have made this twice now, and my kids and I absolutely love it. Second time I did sliced mushrooms in place of greens. Thank you for this recipe!!
★★★★★
So happy to hear that your kids loved the lasagna Faith!
I was looking for a low dairy lasagna to make in my new pressure cooker. This one is DELICIOUS! I made sure to print it out so that I can cook it again and again. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
So glad you found a new favourite Kari!
Super easy! My husband gave this a thumbs up! The noodles turned out perfect!
★★★★★
That’s so great to hear Paula!
I used ground beef and Prego sauce substitute but it STILL turned out delish and all 3 kids 12 10 10 LOVED IT!! Thumbs up and added to my recipe rotation!! Thanks!
★★★★★
Woohoo! That’s the best when it is healthy and kid approved!
Thank you for sharing the recipe. I’ve used what I have in the fridge. Lols.. so I changed turkey with minced chicken. It turned out just fabulous ? it is my first time cooking lasagna with instant pot. Frankly speaking I did hesitate a bit as other recipes are suggesting for springform. Glad that I tried yours. It is step by step and very clear. In the past I cooked it with conventional oven and some parts were not properly cooked. I think this will be finished within minutes ??
★★★★★
So glad you tried the instant pot lasagna!
I made this but used pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce. I also got the Burn error. It still turned out great but curious if the burn error was from using pasta sauce??? I also made it vegan by using Beyond Meat sausage and vegan cheese. Any advise on how to not get the Burn error and still use my favorite pasta sauce? I put the 2 cups of water at the bottom per the recipe as well. Should I increase that? After wondering if it was cooking or not after about 15 minutes of the Burn error on, I finally vented it and opened it up to check it and everything was cooked perfectly. Does it still cook with the Burn error on?
★★★★★
I think that pasta sauce has added sugar that has caramelized and caused Burn. Or was it very thick? The only things I could think of. Or you have newer Instant Pot that is sensitive. Yes try add 2 1/2 cups water and see if it helps.
Yes, glad you left it on. IP is still pressurized and cooking even with Burn message so fast cooking items get cooked. I talk a lot about Burn in detail here. Hope this helps. 🙂
Thank you for the recipe. I tweaked it by using tomato and basil spaghetti sauce, no greens and a little bit more cheese. My husband really likes it.
★★★★★
You are welcome Ann! Glad you and your husband liked it!
I love how easy this is & much healthier than traditional lasagna. I used baby arugula instead of kale ? because that’s what I had. I think I like it better than regular lasagna!
★★★★★
I am so happy to hear how much you like this lasagna!
Love this recipe. It is the first and only Lasagna recipe I have tried. I use it for a base and then sometimes add different ingredients. Be used beef instead of turkey. Sometimes we add Pepperoni’s and it is delicious. I’m cooking it right now ?! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like you figured it all out. All of those are great ideas. I’m so happy to read this! Thanks for your positive feedback, Tristan!
This is a staple in our house, along with about a dozen other of your IP recipes. This turns out great every time. Thanks Olena
★★★★★
Haha yay!!! I’m so happy to read this! Thanks for your positive feedback, Christin! More coming this Friday. 🙂
We had this last night for dinner and I have to say it was fantastic!My hubby has been battling a cold for 2 weeks and hasn’t felt like eating much but eggs and toast.This was the first real food we had and boy did he love it!Thanks so much for taking the time to make such a yummy recipe,it will be our new favorite. 🙂
★★★★★
I’m so glad you and your husband enjoyed it, Marsha! Thank you for the wonderful review!
This is one of my family’s favorite recipes! I have probably made this 100 times since discovering your site! When I made it this time I put a little layer of black beans between one of the layers just to give it a little different look and feel. So easy to put together, so much flavor, great for leftovers! We never end up having enough leftovers to actually freeze 😉 This is a great cold night comfort food or just for having a great meal to sit around the table and share stories.
★★★★★
That is so amazing to hear! Glad you enjoyed my recipe, Christy, over 100 times haha. I love that time to sit and share stories and after play games maybe. Welcome to my life – I barely freeze any leftovers haha.
This was amazing! While I love lasagna I don’t usually make it but thought I would try this recipe. So easy and delicious. My husband and I loved it, definitely a favorite!
★★★★★
Yay!!! I agree. I never made lasagna until I got Instant Pot.
I was sceptical but OMG this is delicious!!! I used spinach as im not a fan of kale. I left it in the pot for a further 35 minutes after it finished and it thickened up amazing. Just the right amout of sauce to pour over. Definitely making this again, and again!
★★★★★
Yay. I know it is very intimidating but it works!!!
Do u use frozen spinach or fresh?
Fresh but you can use frozen too!
I was very skeptical but this turned out delicious! I used ground beef and drained the fat afterwards and also did 2 layers of chopped spinach and added a layer of mozzarella cheese to the middle somewhere. I also used no boil lasagna noodles which worked great. I will definitely make this again as my lasagna loving teenager inhaled it. The only negative was that there were no leftovers as I bet this tastes even better the next day. I might experiment with adding more veggies next time, like thinly sliced zucchini. I’m trying your pot roast recipe tonight.
★★★★★
Oh yay! How was the pot roast?
Can I add ricotta cheese to this?
I think so. Someone did in comments and said it was fine.
Wow! This turned out PERFECTLY! I was skeptical at first adding 2 cups of water, but it was not soupy at all! I let it sit about 10 minutes after releasing the pressure. If you follow the recipe, you shouldn’t have any problems! I even omitted the kale.
Many thanks to you Olena!
★★★★★
Right?! I was sceptical too when testing and then mind blown. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lacey! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Just made this tonight in the pioneer woman 6 quart instant pot I bought myself as an after-Christmas present. I used ground beef and added mushrooms during the browning step (and just drained the excess fat off the meat before adding it back to the pot and proceeding with the rest of the recipe as normal). This is only the second recipe I’ve tried making with the pot and it turned out wonderfully! Even my mom, who previously was a firm ‘I don’t really like lasagne’ naysayer (she doesn’t like the ‘burned’ edges of the pasta when I usually cooked it in the oven) loved it! I’m still amazed how even 4-5 layers of noodles came out tender as can be in 7-8 minutes. Definitely recommend this recipe and will make it again!
★★★★★
Oh, I haven’t heard of that IP! That’s so great! It sounds like your mom has a new favorite haha!
My family and I absolutely loved this recipe. Being lactose intolerant this was perfect. I used gluten free noodles.
★★★★★
I’m so happy your family loved the recipe, Martha. Thanks for sharing that with me!
Loved it and so easy to make!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lois! Thank you for the wonderful review!
This is a great recipe, although I didn’t follow exact measurements. I wanted to mention that I added a layer of cottage cheese with some feta…. AMAZING!! It was so moist and perfect!
Yay! So happy you mentioned that. Good to know!
Was the layer of cottage cheese instead of spinach then cooked? I want cottage cheese in mine but not sure how to do it.
On top of greens would work. Not sure how it will behave in Instant Pot but you can try. Maybe you will need to mix it with egg to prevent horrible curdling.
Can you make this with oven ready noodles
Not sure what they are but sounds like pre-cooked noodles. If so, I think you can.
Was just about to ask this because that’s what I have. Did you try and for how long did you set IP for?
so easy and delicious!
thank you for this wonderful, healthy recipe!
★★★★★
You are very welcome!
Hi…looking forward to making this tonight for my family coming over!! Question…I am doing the 2x recipe and I see the ingredients double but the steps still remain the same? Do I double the number of layers?? Or is it still splitting the meat in half and only 4 steps for the layers??
It depends what size is your IP. In 8 quart you can double the layers. In 6 quart I would do 1.5 times if it even fits. You can press on it to to fit in.
I made this and it was SO easy and really good!! The water absorbed nicely after letting it sit for about 20 minutes, so it was not too soupy. I used spinach and our company loved it too 🙂
★★★★★
Awesome!!! Happy to hear, Susan.
My husband and i absolutely loved it!!! Definitely will make it again…Thank you!!!
★★★★★
You are very welcome, Tanya!
Delicious but mine was too soupy. My nephew told me to leave the water out next
time. I may use only 1 cup of water if you think that would work.
★★★★
Your nephew shouldn’t tell you that because you will get Burn.:) I don’t think 1 cup will work either because you need to cook the noodles as they soak up the water. All you have to do is to let lasagna sit extra 10-15 minutes to absorb the liquid. It can’t be that soupy. I tested and made this recipe many times. Maybe you measured some liquids incorrectly.
excellent recipe! will be making it again:)
★★★★★
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed the recipe, Kelly!
OMG This is worth it’s name! Seriously instant ! Ok, still have to put in some work, but then it’s SO instant! I exchanged the kale and spinach with zucchini, just because it’s the season… And used canned crushed instead of sauce just because that’s what I had in hand… SO.GOOD! I’ll have to try it gluten free next time!
★★★★★
Yay, right?! So happy to hear you enjoyed my lazy lasagna. And yes I garee compared to traditional, Instant Pot lasagna is instant.
I’m curious if you or anyone that you know has tried this with gluten free lasagna noodles with success? Would love to try it if it would still work as well with GF noodles.
It will. Be softer than regular right away after cooking which is awesome.
Olena! Made this Instant Pot lasagna last night and it was amazing!!!
★★★★★
My instant pot doesn’t have a pressure cook setting & I dont know what setting to use? Help ??
Manual!