Instant Pot Lasagna

As everyone already knows, I am a huge pasta fan. It can be any kind of pasta, doesn't matter what kind but I am a fan. One of the best pasta meals has got to be lasagna. Now lately everyone in my house has been on a bean kick so I thought why not combine these two lovely foods into one big delicious meal. Bean lasagna is a delicious vegetarian option and every bit as good as its meaty counterpart. Beans are an excellent way to pack a hearty punch of protein and fiber into your meal and is very cost effective.

The beans used in this recipe were precooked, also using the Instant Pot. Using the Instant Pot to cook the beans is a huge time saver as it doesn't require that they soak overnight and only takes half an hour. I used a mixture of beans including pinto beans, navy beans, and red chili bean but of course any kind can be used depending on your preference. To cook the beans in the Instant Pot, this can easily be achieved by adding two cups of beans and eight cups of water, seal and cook for 25 minutes. Remember to strain the beans before using them.

I also find that any type of cheese can be used for this recipe and will also depend on preference.

To add a kick of flavor to your meal, feel free to throw in different veggies or spices to the mix. I only used what I had on hand that I thought would go well with the recipe.

This is one of those quick and easy meals as far as preparation and clean up goes. Yet another reason to love the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles
• Two cups of shredded cheese (I used a mixture of Havarti, Monterrey Jack, and Marble)
• Pasta sauce
• Beans (I used a mixture of beans but any type can be used, black beans is a very common addition to lasagna)
• One tablespoon of olive oil
• One and a half cups of water

Directions

1. Coat the bottom of the Instant Pot with the olive oil, try to get an even spread so the noodles do not burn at the bottom of the pan.
2. Put a layer of pasta sauce in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
3. Place a layer of lasagna noodles at the bottom of the Instant Pot. These do not have to be pre-boiled or soaked, add them as they are. Break the noodles to fit the roundness of the Instant Pot.
4. Add a layer of pasta sauce on top of the noodles.
5. Add a layer of cheese on top of the pasta sauce.
6. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the cheese.
7. Add a layer of pasta sauce on top of the noodles.
8. Add a layer of beans on top of the noodles (remember these beans are precooked, please don't use raw beans and expect them to work in the lasagna).
9. Alternate these layers until amount of lasagna desired is reached, ending with a top layer of cheese, please make sure to stay below the max fill line.
10. Add the water to the Instant Pot.
11. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, remember to ensure that the pressure valve is sealed.
12. When the lasagna is done cooking have the Instant Pot naturally release the steam.
13. When the pressure is done naturally releasing from the Instant Pot, the lasagna will be very hot. Please allow some time for it to cool down and for the sauce to thicken before eating the meal.
14. Enjoy.