30-Minute Lazy Lasagna In An Instant Pot
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Lazy lasagna is the dinner shortcut you need on busy weeknights. You get all the cozy, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna but without all the work. Plus, this recipe uses cabbage instead of noodles, making a healthier, more wholesome version of the classic. Throw everything together in your Instant Pot and you’ll have a hearty dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Some nights, you just need a quick and comforting dinner that doesn’t ask for much effort. My go-to is spaghetti aglio e olio, but the kids’ new favorite is Instant Pot lasagna. In just half an hour, I can have a bubbling, cheesy, comfort dish on the table. Great for busy weeknights and chill weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 5-minute prep
- Uses everyday ingredients
- Healthy twist on a classic: Swapping pasta for cabbage keeps it light and veggie-packed without losing that comforting lasagna flavor.
- One-pot meal: Everything cooks right in the Instant Pot. No boiling noodles, no juggling pans, and barely any cleanup.
- Meal prep friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully.
How to Make Lazy Lasagna
Lazy lasagna is a great way to add veggies to your family meals, especially if your kids are not big on greens. Just prep, add the ingredients to your Instant Pot, let it cook, then serve!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Ground beef: I recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 ratio for the right balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Italian seasoning
- Mushrooms: Cremini, baby bella, or shiitake mushrooms work best for lasagna since they hold up well and add a meaty texture.
- Crushed tomatoes: Canned for convenience.
- Napa cabbage: Light, tender, and slightly sweet, Napa cabbage layers beautifully like pasta without overpowering the dish. Chinese cabbage is also a good option.
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Cottage cheese
- Cheese: Pick your favorite variety of shredded cheese. Mozzarella, provolone, or an Italian blend work best for melt and flavor.
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Fresh basil
Step-By-Step Instructions
To make lazy lasagna, simply saute the ground beef, add the veggies, cook on soup mode, mix in the cheeses and seasonings, then it’s ready to enjoy! This comfort dish is best served warm with a garnish of fresh basil.
Step 1: Cook the ground beef
Cook the ground beef on saute mode, and add Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Add the other ingredients
When the beef is mostly cooked, move it to one side of the Instant Pot pan and add the onions and mushrooms. Cook them in fat from the beef.
Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add the stewed tomatoes, then add the cabbage.
Step 3: Cook on soup mode
Close the sealing valve and cook on soup mode for 3 minutes. It will take 15 minutes total, because time is needed to build up the pressure. Manually release the steam.
Step 4: Add cheeses and seasonings
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1 cup of cottage cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Serve warm, garnished with optional fresh basil.
Substitutions
- Italian seasoning: Substitute with a homemade mix of dried oregano, basil, and parsley in equal parts.
- Napa cabbage: Regular green cabbage works too, but will have a firmer bite.
- Cottage cheese: Swap out with Ricotta cheese.
Expert Tips
- Go for full flavor: Use a mix of mushrooms for more complexity and umami depth.
- Customize your layers: Substitute some ground beef with Italian sausage or add spinach for an extra veggie boost without changing texture.
How to Store This Recipe
Let the lazy lasagna cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month. Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the Instant Pot on saute mode.
How to Serve Lazy Lasagna
Serve your Instant Pot lasagna warm, fresh from the pot or after a short rest to let the layers set and the flavors meld together. It’s hearty and filling on its own, but pairs beautifully with a simple side like Italian salad. Add a slice of garlic bread and a glass of red wine to round it out perfectly.
More Comforting Mains To Try
- Slow cooker marry me chicken
- Chicken pot pie
- Honey garlic pork chops
- Air fryer stuffed chicken breast
- Slow cooker Italian beef
Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mushrooms minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups napa cabbage cut into 2-inch square
- ½ cup yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese pick your favorite variety
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- fresh basil for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef on saute mode, and add Italian seasoning.
- When the beef is mostly cooked, move it to one side of the Instant Pot pan and add the onions and mushrooms. Cook them in fat from the beef.
- Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add the stewed tomatoes, then add the cabbage.
- Close the sealing valve and cook on soup mode for 3 minutes. It will take 15 minutes total, because time is needed to build up the pressure. Manually release the steam.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1 cup of cottage cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with optional fresh basil.
Notes
- Use a mix of mushrooms to give the dish more complexity and a deeper umami flavor.
- Swap some ground beef for Italian sausage or mix in spinach for extra flavor and veggies without changing the texture.
