This Instant Pot Ground Beef Lazy Lasagna is a game-changer for busy nights, delivering all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in just 34 minutes. Tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce meld together under a blanket of gooey, melted cheese for a dish that’s hearty and satisfying. The Instant Pot works its magic, infusing every bite with deep, layered flavors while keeping prep time to a breezy 10 minutes.
With its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and meaty textures, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet surprisingly wholesome. Each forkful offers a burst of tangy tomato, savory beef, and a hint of sweetness, all topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. It’s comfort food made easy, without sacrificing flavor or quality—ideal for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Ground Beef Lazy Lasagna
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (also known as farfalle)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 26 ounces spaghetti sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh chopped basil (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Press the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot. Once heated, add the ground beef, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if desired.
- Add the pasta: Dump the uncooked bow tie pasta on top of the cooked beef and spread it evenly.
- Pour in liquids: Pour the beef broth over the pasta, ensuring it covers as much of the pasta as possible. Then, pour the spaghetti sauce on top. Do not stir—leave it as is.
- Pressure cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to SEALING (not venting). Press MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOK) and set the timer for 4 minutes.
- Release pressure: Once cooking is complete, perform a QUICK RELEASE of the pressure. If foam or bubbles start to spew out, move the valve back to venting and wait a minute or two before fully releasing the pressure.
- Stir in creamy ingredients: Remove the lid and stir in the sour cream and shredded Mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Dish out the lasagna and top with optional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Switch up the flavor profile by using marinara sauce with roasted garlic or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick. For toppings, try adding crumbled feta or ricotta cheese for a creamy twist. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also brighten up the dish.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Serve this lazy lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish.
Storing and Reheating Made Easy
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water or broth over the pasta to keep it moist, then microwave in 30-second intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat.
Quick Recipe Variations
Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option. Use penne or rotini pasta if bow ties aren’t on hand. For a cheesy upgrade, mix in some ricotta or cream cheese with the sour cream.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Pre-measure your ingredients the night before to cut down on prep time. If you’re in a rush, use pre-shredded cheese and jarred spaghetti sauce to streamline the process. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, so you can multitask while it cooks!
Instant Pot Ground Beef Lazy Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef can also use Italian sausage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 26 ounces spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese optional topping
- Fresh Chopped basil optional topping
Instructions
- Press the SAUTE button and when it has heated up, add ground beef, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until ground beef is no longer pink.
- Drain grease if desired.
- Dump uncooked bow tie pasta on top of meat and spread evenly.
- Pour beef broth on top of the pasta, covering as much (if not all) of the pasta as possible.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce on top of the pasta. Do not mix – just leave as is.
- Place lid on top of Instant Pot and turn valve to SEALING (not venting).
- Press MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOK) and set timer for 4 minutes.
- Once it’s done cooking, do a QUICK RELEASE of the pressure (if foam and bubbles start spewing out, move the valve back to venting and wait a minute or two for some of the pressure to die down before opening the valve back up).
- Remove the lid.
- Stir in the sour cream and mozzarella cheese and mix until sour cream and cheese are completely melted and smooth.
- Dish and serve topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.