Instant Pot Taco Lasagna

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, look no further than this Instant Pot Taco Lasagna. It’s a delightful fusion of classic lasagna and zesty taco flavors, all layered together with gooey cheese and savory ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the Instant Pot makes cooking a breeze, so you can have it on the table in no time!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

– It combines the comforting elements of lasagna with the exciting flavors of tacos.
– The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while enhancing flavors.
– It’s fully customizable with your favorite toppings and ingredients.
– This dish is perfect for batch cooking and leftovers.
– It’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup for you!

What Goes In

• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup salsa (for meat mixture)
• 16 ounces refried beans
• 1 cup salsa (for layering)
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese
• 5 (6 inch) flour tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (like sour cream, avocado, or cilantro)

Before You Start: Equipment

• Instant Pot: A must-have for this recipe to cook everything quickly.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the meat mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: For cutting tortillas and toppings.
• Serving spoon: For serving your delicious taco lasagna.

Instant Pot Taco Lasagna: How It’s Done

Step 1: Sauté the Meat

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the 1 pound of lean ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and sauté until browned.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of cumin and stir well to combine. Pour in 1 cup of salsa for the meat mixture, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Layering is key for this dish. Begin by spreading 16 ounces of refried beans over the meat mixture in the Instant Pot. Then, pour 1 cup of salsa over the beans. Next, tear the 5 flour tortillas into strips and layer them on top.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle 8 ounces of cheddar cheese over the tortillas, creating a cheesy layer that will melt deliciously during cooking.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is sealed. Set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the lid and give the lasagna a gentle stir. Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

• Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas.

Steer Clear of These

While this recipe is versatile, there are a few things to avoid:

• Do not use high-fat meats as they can make the dish greasy.
• Avoid overcooking the lasagna, as it can become mushy.
• Skip low-quality cheeses that don’t melt well; choose good melting varieties for the best texture.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

This Instant Pot Taco Lasagna is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to make it ahead of time:

• Prepare the meat mixture and layer it in the Instant Pot up to a day in advance, then cook when you’re ready.
• Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Handy Q&A

Can I use different meats for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute lean ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

What can I use instead of refried beans?

If you prefer, you can use black beans or pinto beans, just mash them slightly for the right texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Serve with These

• Vegan Sour Cream
• Classic Guacamole
• Fresh Avocado Salad
• Quick Pickled Red Onions
• Easy Mexican Rice

Wrap-Up

In just a few simple steps and with minimal ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering Instant Pot Taco Lasagna that combines the best of both worlds. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it brings comfort food to a whole new level. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and sides to make it your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!