Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna, plus meatballs

Whip up this dump and go Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna for dinner any night of the week. This meatball lasagna is for nights you don’t want to fuss with dinner. Italian meatballs, pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, and more all in one dish.

This lazy lasagna is one of our go-to meals for using frozen meatballs in Instant Pot. No cooking ground beef or Italian sausage. A true lazy man lasagna!

Now, you can use homemade meatballs or buy store-bought meatballs that you enjoy. Kirkland meatballs and Sam’s choice meatballs are two popular ones. Or try our Instant Pot buffalo meatballs.

All the flavors of a classic lasagna but without all the prep and layering! An Instant Pot Bowtie Pasta dinner that is full of Italian flavor.

Why Make This Lazy Day Lasagna...

• 5-minute prep
• 4 minute cook time
• Use any short pasta you like
• Grab frozen meatballs for quick prep
• All the flavors of classic lasagna without the prep and hassle
• Family-friendly
• Kid-approved
• Make into a freezer meal (instructions in the printable recipe card)

Ingredients Needed

• Italian Meatballs
• Farfalle pasta or any other small pasta
• Pasta Sauce
• Italian Seasoning
• Mozzarella cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded Parmesan Basil (optional)

How to Make

Step 1: The first thing to do is add your water into the pressure cooker, then meatballs on top.

Step 2: Now add on your pasta and pasta sauce. Make sure the pasta is covered by the pasta sauce.

Step 4: Sprinkle on your Italian seasoning, and don’t stir. Place the lid on the Instant pot and turn the valve to sealing.

Step 5: Do manual high pressure and cook for 4 minutes, and then let the pot sit for 5 minutes, and then do a quick release.

Step 6: Open the lid, give your pasta and meatballs a toss, stir in the cheese and basil, and serve!

Can This Be Made In The Ninja Foodi

Yes you can for sure make this in the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker. reach for the pressure cooker lid.

It will cook up the same way as it would in the Instant Pot. Ninja Foodi Lazy Lasagna is a wonderfully dinner idea.

Serve it with

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks
• Salad
• Broccoli Corn, or any other veggie that sounds good.
• Etc

Expert Tips

• Place the pasta in before the sauce. You want to ensure the pasta is completely covered or it will not cook up perfectly.
• Use any of your favorite sauce for this recipe, or opt for a homemade pasta sauce as well.
• Place your meatballs in from frozen if you would like.

Swaps

• You can swap meatballs with ground beef or Italian sausage if you want. cook the meat on the saute mode and then move on to the next steps. scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck-on meat.
• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese if you want.
• Skip the basil if you prefer.
• Penne, rigatoni, are all great pasta swaps if you prefer something besides bowtie pasta.
• You can double the recipe if your Instant Pot is larger in size and you do not go over the max fill line.

Storage Of Leftovers

If you have leftover Instant Pot pasta store it in the fridge for up to three days. Then you can reheat in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner.

The leftovers are great for quick lunches or dinners when you need something fast. This cheater lasagna is so good, you will enjoy it down to the last drop.

Recipe FAQs

Can we make this into a skillet lasagna with bowtie pasta on stove?

Yes, cook your pasta as directed on the box in a pot on the stove. In another pot, add your meatballs, and pour in the sauce and 1/2 cup water. Then mix in the Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer. Add in your cooked pasta, and stir in the cheeses and serve once fully warmed.

What is lazy lasagna?

Lazy lasagna is a fun name that gives you a dish that tastes like lasagna, but is all mixed up. You have short pasta that is smothered in sauce and cheese with meatballs!

Can we use cottage cheese to replace ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese can be used to replace the ricotta cheese. swap them out and enjoy a cheesy pasta!

How to Make This Lazy Lasagna Into A Freezer Meal?

Craving More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes

• Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
• Instant Pot Tortellini
• Instant Pot Goulash

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

• 1 ¾ cups water
• 20-26 frozen Italian-style meatballs
• 8 oz uncooked farfalle, bowtie pasta
• 1 jar, 26 oz jar pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 1/3 cup mozzarella
• ½ cup ricotta
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons cup chopped fresh basil, optional

Method

1. Start by adding your water and meatballs into the Instant Pot. On top you will add your dry pasta.
2. Pour the pasta sauce evenly over the pasta, covering it. Then add on the Italian seasoning. DO NOT stir.
3. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Do manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the mixture is done cooking let it natural release for 4 minutes. Release the remaining pressure off the Instant Pot.
4. Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Stir in the basil if you chose to use some.
5. Serve your Instant Pot lazy lasagna with garlic bread, veggies, salad, or any other of your favorite sides.

Kitchen notes

How to Make This Lazy Lasagna Into A Freezer Meal