Lasagna, a timeless Italian culinary masterpiece, has captivated taste buds for centuries with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Traditionally, this beloved dish requires a lengthy baking process, but this innovative pressure cooker recipe offers a convenient and efficient alternative without compromising on taste. Discover the joy of preparing a Classic Meat Lasagna in a fraction of the time, while still savoring the rich, comforting flavors you crave.
This recipe enables the preparation of classic meat lasagna using an Instant Pot, allowing for a quicker cooking time while maintaining the traditional flavors of this Italian favorite.
What are the traditional meat ingredients in a classic lasagna?
While there are variations, the most common meat ingredients in a classic lasagna are ground beef and Italian sausage. These meats are often combined with vegetables like onion, carrot, and garlic, and seasoned with tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and various spices. For a quicker option, you can use store-bought marinara sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider trying a vegetable lasagna.
How many layers does a traditional lasagna have?
A traditional lasagna usually has around 3 or 4 layers of pasta. These layers are interspersed with various fillings like sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, béchamel, and often meat such as ground beef, meatballs, or sausage. Some recipes, like our “many layer lasagna,” can have up to 12 or more layers, depending on how thin the pasta is rolled.
Is it necessary to pre-cook lasagna sheets before assembling the dish?
No, pre-cooking lasagna sheets is generally not required. To assemble the lasagna, start by preheating your oven. In a greased ovenproof dish, place a thin layer of your chosen sauce, followed by a layer of uncooked lasagna sheets. Continue alternating layers of sauce and lasagna sheets, finishing with a layer of white sauce on top.
Ingredients Classic Meat Lasagna
To create this mouthwatering lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (8 ounces) soft goat cheese
- 1½ cups marinara sauce, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 package (8 ounces) grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (6 ounces) uncooked lasagna pasta, cut into large pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions Classic Meat Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Begin by lighting your multicooker, such as an Instant Pot, and selecting the sauté function. Add the olive oil, ground beef, and salt. Cook the beef for approximately six minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula until it is thoroughly browned. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a bowl. Clean the inner pot, then return it to the multicooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Steam
Pour 1½ cups of water into the inner pot of the multicooker. Place the metal trivet inside to create a platform for your lasagna.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Arrange the lasagna pieces on the bottom of a 6-inch feather compartment. Pour 1/3 of the tomato sauce over it; Add 1/3 of the cooked meat and 1/3 of the fresh spinach. Pour half of the mozzarella over it. Repeat the layers with half of the goat cheese. Repeat this again and finish the rest with mozzarella and goat cheese.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Lasagna
Hold the top of the lasagna loosely with aluminum foil. Carefully lower yourself onto the coaster. Close and lock the cover. Select the high pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set the timer to 20 minutes. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up. Relieve the pressure with the natural release method according to the manufacturer’s instructions, 10 to 40 minutes. Unlock and remove the cover.
Step 5: Finish Under Broiler
Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Carefully transfer the lasagna pan to a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for approximately five minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Chef’s Note
If you want, you can use regular lasagna pasta instead of uncooked.
Nutritional Information Classic Meat Lasagna
Each serving of this lasagna provides:
- Carbohydrates: 46.1 g
- Protein: 50.9 g
- Calories: 756
- Total Fat: 40.5 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
- Sodium: 1600 mg
