Delicious Lazy Taco Lasagna Recipe for Busy Days!
Attention all busy folks who still crave homemade comfort food! I am thrilled to share with you my favorite recipe for Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna. It’s a delicious twist on traditional lasagna that is easy to make, perfect for any night of the week, and requires minimal clean up!
If you’re like me, your busy schedule often leads to a lack of time and energy to cook elaborate meals. That’s why I love this recipe so much – it’s the epitome of convenience, with no hours spent hovering over the stove or complicated steps. All you need is one pot, a few affordable ingredients, and an appetite for some hearty comfort food.
This Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna Recipe is incredibly versatile and easily customizable to suit your taste buds – whether you prefer a spicier or milder flavor. Plus, it can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights or leftover lunches.
Not only is this recipe delicious and easy to prepare, but it’s also a fantastic way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get started with this simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week – Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of making the same old lasagna recipe every week? Do you want to incorporate some Mexican flavors into your classic Italian dish? Then you’ll love this Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna recipe!
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. With the help of the Instant Pot, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes on high pressure. It’s a great alternative to traditional lasagna and will definitely become a family favorite.
What makes this recipe so special? Well, it combines all the flavors of a classic taco with the layers of a traditional lasagna. The ground beef is seasoned with taco seasoning and mixed with green chilies, salsa, refried beans, and cheese. The lasagna noodles are replaced with oven-ready bow-tie pasta and layered in between the meat mixture and cheese.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it also has so much flavor! The spices from the taco seasoning and Italian seasoning perfectly complement each other, creating an explosion of taste in your mouth. Plus, the addition of olives and diced tomatoes gives it a nice crunch and freshness.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s very versatile. You can easily swap out some ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. For example, if you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. If you prefer a spicier version, add more taco seasoning or jalapenos.
In summary, if you’re looking for an easy instant pot recipe that’s a fusion between Mexican and Italian cuisines, then look no further! You’ll fall in love with this Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna recipe because it’s quick, delicious, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try tonight and thank us later!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna Recipe:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 (25 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 to 10 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or pre-cooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend or any other preferred)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, green onions
You can easily find these ingredients at any grocery stores. Make sure to gather all of them before beginning to cook.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of our ingredients assembled, it’s time to get started on making the Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna. In this section, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process so you can make this delicious dish at home.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, let’s brown the beef. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is heated up, add in 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook until browned.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Once the beef is cooked, add in 1 packet of taco seasoning and stir well to ensure that the meat is evenly coated. Then add in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and mix again.
Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in the rest of the ingredients. Pour in 2 cups of salsa, 4 cups of spaghetti sauce, 1 can of diced green chilies, and 1 cup of beef broth. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
For this recipe, we’re going to use oven-ready lasagna noodles to make things easier. Start by layering a few noodles on top of the meat mixture in your Instant Pot. Then add a layer of refried beans on top followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Keep repeating these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Now it’s time to pressure cook your lasagna. Add 1 cup of water to your Instant Pot, then secure the lid and set it to high pressure for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Natural Release and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, let your Instant Pot do a natural release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid and carefully remove the lasagna from the Instant Pot. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making instant pot lazy taco lasagna, there are a few ingredients you can substitute or add to switch things up. Here are some great substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Meat Substitutions: Instead of using ground beef, you can use ground chicken or turkey for a healthier option. If you’re a vegetarian, you can omit the meat altogether or substitute it with crumbled tofu or meatless ground beef.
– Pasta Variations: Instead of using lasagna noodles, you can use bow-tie pasta for a different texture. You could also use flour tortillas instead of lasagna noodles for a twist on classic Mexican flavors.
– Cheese Options: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese or add cream cheese to the recipe’s creamy taco pasta sauce for a richer, creamier texture. You could also try using Mexican cheese blend instead of mozzarella for added flavor.
– Salsa Selections: Use different levels of spiciness in salsa to turn it up or down based on individual preferences. Try using green salsa or pico de gallo instead of the traditional sauce for a fresh take on this already delicious dish.
– Vegetable Varieties: Add additional vegetables such as diced red peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to make it even more nutritious and flavorful. Overall these variations aim at providing new flavors that keep the dish interesting and even more customizable based on individual preferences.
Regardless of the substitutions or variations you select remember that the Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna is highly versatile when it comes to ingredients, so don’t hesitate to experiment and have some fun with this easy-to-make dish.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna is ready, it’s time to serve it up and pair it with delicious sides. This recipe is a hearty meal on its own, but you can add different sides to complement the flavors and enhance the overall experience.
One great addition to this dish is a simple salad made with fresh greens and vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. The crispness of the salad acts as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of the cheesy lasagna.
Another option is to serve cornbread or garlic bread on the side. These breads are excellent for soaking up any extra sauce and adding more texture to your meal. You can also serve rice or mashed potatoes as a side dish for added flavor and bulk.
To make things a little spicier, consider topping the lasagna with more salsa or hot sauce. Pairing this dish with jalapeños or other chili-based condiments can also add heat and tanginess to balance the richness of the cheese.
Finally, no meal is complete without something sweet at the end. For dessert, you can try serving traditional Vietnamese Che Banh Lot, which consists of tapioca pearls in sweetened coconut milk or a light fruit salad perfect recipe such as mango and lychee fruit salad, for a sweet finishing touch that won’t overpower the flavors of your Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna.
Be sure to experiment with different flavors and see what works best for you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the fantastic things about this instant pot lazy taco lasagna recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, stored, and even reheated with ease.
To make ahead, simply prepare the lasagna as usual but cover it with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook it. This way, you can have dinner prepared in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Storing leftovers is a breeze, too. You can store any remaining lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. If freezing, wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating is easy as well. Simply reheat any portions of lasagna that are already fully cooked by using a microwave or oven. To use the microwave, place one slice on a microwave-safe plate and reheat for 30 seconds to a minute until heated through. To use the oven, simply preheat to 325°F and cook for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Overall, this recipe is great for busy families looking for a quick and easy meal that can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption without compromising on flavor or quality!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making the Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna Recipe, there are a few tips that can help you achieve perfect results every time.
First off, be sure to use lean ground beef, as it will create less grease in the Instant Pot and make for a less messy clean-up. Additionally, using store-bought pre-made salsa and spaghetti sauce can save time and still produce delicious flavor.
Another key tip is to properly layer the lasagna ingredients. Rather than mixing everything together, layer the lasagna noodles, meat, cheese, and sauces in a springform pan before cooking. This will ensure even distribution of flavors throughout each bite.
When preparing the meat mixture, adding garlic powder and Italian seasoning can enhance the taco flavor profile. To make the dish even more indulgent, try mixing in some refried beans or creamy taco pasta for added texture.
Lastly, it’s important to carefully follow the recipe instructions for cooking time and pressure release. Cooking for too little or too long can affect the consistency and overall taste. Once finished cooking, allow your lasagna to rest and cool for a few minutes before cutting into it to avoid a watery result.
By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve consistent and flavorful results for your Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna every time.
FAQ
As you get ready to make this mouthwatering Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna Recipe, you may have a few lingering questions or concerns. No worries! In this section, we will be answering some frequently asked questions to ensure that your cooking process and results are flawless. Keep reading to learn more!
How many pans of lasagna do I need for 50 people?
When making a larger quantity of this dish, it’s recommended to adjust the number of pans used accordingly. For instance, if you need to serve 50 people, you should use 2 pans. Likewise, for 100 servings, it’s best to use 4 pans.
How do you make the top of lasagne crispy?
When preparing lasagne, it’s a good idea to tent it with aluminum foil for the initial 30 minutes of baking. Following that, take the foil cover off and then continue to bake for an additional 10-20 minutes, until the surface is a sunny-brown hue and the whole dish is steaming hot.
How do you reheat lasagna in an instant pot?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to reheat your delicious lasagna, the Instant Pot is definitely the way to go. To get started, remove any foil or plastic wrap from the top of the lasagna. Then, pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to cover the springform pan with a fresh layer of foil. This will ensure that your lasagna stays moist and doesn’t dry out during the reheating process. Next, place the pan on the trivet that comes with your Instant Pot.
After that, it’s time to get cooking! Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Then, set the pressure to high and cook for 6-8 minutes. This should be more than enough time to get your lasagna warmed up and ready to eat.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna Recipe is not only simple and easy to make, but it’s absolutely delicious. With all the traditional flavors of tacos and lasagna combined into one dish, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe is perfect.
So, are you ready to give it a try? Just follow the steps above and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. With its ease of preparation, versatility and mouth-watering taste, this recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
In addition, you can easily customize this recipe by making substitutions or variations to suit your personal taste. Whether you choose to add more vegetables to the mix or switch out the type of meat used, there are so many ways to make this recipe your own.
Lastly, the convenience of the Instant Pot makes this recipe even more appealing. With shorter cooking times and less cleanup, it’s no wonder why so many home cooks are turning to instant pots for their everyday cooking needs.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this delicious recipe today and take your family dinners up a notch. You won’t regret it!
Instant Pot Lazy Taco Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or package of store bought taco seasoning mix)
- 3 cups salsa
- 4 ounces green chilies
- 1/2 lb no-boil lasagna noodles (about 10 noodles broken into pieces)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups mexican blend shredded cheese, divided
Instructions
- Set instant pot to Saute function.
- Add olive oil and ground beef.
- Saute until meat is browned. Turn saute function off.
- Add taco seasoning and stir.
- Then add salsa, green chiles, and lasagna pieces.
- Add water.
- Cover, seal, and lock the lid to instant pot.
- Set to high pressure and cook for 11 minutes.
- Once finished cooking, manual release steam and unlock lid.
- Add one cup of cheese and stir.
- Add the rest of the cheese to the top and cover to melt the cheese.
- Serve hot with all your favorite toppings.