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Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe: Simple & Delicious Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe: Simple & Delicious

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Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe: Simple & Delicious

Written by: Lucas Johnson

This Instant Pot Baked Ziti is my go-to comfort food. It's hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious dinner.

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Craving comfort food but short on time? This instant pot baked ziti recipe's become my go-to lifesaver. Combining classic Italian flavors with modern convenience, it's a game-changer for busy weeknights. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of perfectly cooked pasta, gooey cheese, savory ground beef, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. Best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes. Trust me, this dish will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Let's dive into making this crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Ziti

  • Ziti pasta: Pasta holds the dish together, providing a hearty base for the sauce and cheese to meld with.
  • Ground beef: Adds savory flavor and protein to the dish, creating a satisfying and filling meal.
  • Onion: Brings a sweet and aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.
  • Garlic: Infuses a rich and pungent flavor into the dish, adding depth and complexity to the sauce.
  • Marinara sauce: Provides a robust tomato base with herbs and spices, creating a flavorful sauce for the pasta.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a gooey, stretchy texture and a creamy, mild flavor to the dish.
  • Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp and salty kick, enhancing the overall cheesiness and depth of flavor in the dish.
  • Fresh basil: Adds a pop of freshness and herbaceous aroma, elevating the dish with a burst of flavor.

Essential Tools for Making Baked Ziti in the Instant Pot

  • Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking time by using high pressure to cook the pasta and sauce together.
  • Sauté mode: Allows browning of ground beef, onion, and garlic directly in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.
  • Cheese grater: Essential for grating fresh parmesan cheese to add a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
instant-pot-baked-ziti-recipe-simple-delicious

Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe: Simple & Delicious

This Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a simple and delicious recipe that takes only 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal for the whole family.
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients:  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can marinara sauce 24 oz
  • 2 cups water 475ml
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 200g
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 50g
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions: 

  • Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic.
  • Add the marinara sauce, water, and ziti pasta to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
  • Once done, do a quick release and stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let it melt.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes:

Notes go here.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 4mg

Keywords:

Keyword baked ziti, Instant Pot
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Preparing Baked Ziti Ahead of Time or Freezing

Make Ahead Instructions

  • Prepare the baked ziti as directed but do not bake it.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Freezing Instructions

  • Prepare the baked ziti but do not bake it.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze.
  • When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the marinara sauce in this instant pot baked ziti recipe can give it a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that will surprise your taste buds.

Common Questions About This Instant Pot Pasta Dish

FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef or replace it with plant-based meat alternatives.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can customize the cheese blend to your liking. Try using cheddar, provolone, or a mix of different cheeses for a unique twist.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish up to the point before adding the cheese topping. Refrigerate it and then bake it with the cheese when you're ready to serve.

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