What is Instant Pot Baked Ziti? Is this the kind of thing you crave after a long day? What is the smell of Remember those nights when Mom would pull a casserole dish out of the oven? Is cheese all melty and browned? This recipe gives you all that cozy nostalgia, but in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of baking. What is the Instant Pot? If you’re a fan of lasagna but sometimes just don’t have the energy for all those layers, this is for you. Instant Pot Baked Ziti is about to become your new best friend. What a game changer!
What is Instant Pot Baked Ziti?
Think of it as a deconstructed lasagna that’s been streamlined for maximum deliciousness and minimal waste. It’s essentially a pasta casserole, but instead of painstakingly layering everything in the baking pan. If you’re tossing it all together in your Instant Pot, you can use it! The “baked” part comes from the texture – that wonderful, slightly chewy pasta, the rich tomato sauce. What are some of the best cheeses on top? What is the comfort of baked ziti? What’s essentially a hearty, satisfying pasta dish that’s become an absolute staple in our house. When the weather starts to cool down, it can be a problem.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do I love Instant Pot Baked Ziti? What is that classic Italian comfort food taste like? Gooey mozzarella Is this recipe easy to make? Is it possible to dump everything in the Instant Pot and walk away? No pre-cooking pasta, no layering. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. What are some things you already have in your pantry? What are some of the best recipes that are endlessly adaptable? Is it safe to add Ground Beef, sausage, veggies, whatever you want? What I love the most is how forgiving it is. Even if you’re not a confident cook, you can still nail this recipe. Is it better than lasagna?
How do I make Instant Pot Baked Ziti?
Quick Overview
How do I make Instant Pot Baked Ziti? How do I brown meat in the Instant Pot? Then, you’ll add the pasta, sauce, cheeses, water. Pressure cook it for a few minutes, then do ‘a quick release’. What is the best way to make cheese if you stir everything together? Is it safe to pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to get that perfectly browned, bubbly top? Is it faster and easier than traditional baking?
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
* 1 pound ziti pasta (I prefer the ridged kind; the sauce clings better!)
* 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, but highly recommended)
* 1 can crushed tomatoes (go for good quality; it makes a difference!)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (15 ounce) can ricotta cheese (full-fat is best for creaminess)
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* ½ teaspoon dried basil
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
* 2 cups water or beef broth (broth adds more flavor)
Optional Toppings
* Fresh basil, chopped
* Red pepper flakes
* Extra Parmesan cheese
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Meat (Optional)
If you’re using ground beef or sausage, turn your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. What is the best way to drain off grease? I always do this, even when I’m short on time.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until tender. Softened and fragrant. Don’t skip this step! It really builds the flavor base for the whole dish. When will your kitchen smell amazing?
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. This is the heart of the dish! Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes I add a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Water
Pour in the ziti pasta and water (or beef broth). Make sure pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Gently press the pasta down if needed. Is it important to add water at this stage to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan? What is the bottom of the pot?
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” ” Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 4 minutes. The Instant Pot takes a little while to come to pressure; it usually takes around 10 minutes or so.
Step 6: Quick Release
Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting. “Be careful of the steam! I usually use a kitchen towel to protect my hand.
Step 7: Stir in Cheese
In an instant pot, stir together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir well. What should I stir until everything is melted and creamy. It should be gloriously cheesy! Where does magic happen?
Step 8: Broil (Optional)
For an extra-cheesy, browned top, transfer the Instant Pot insert (if oven-safe) to the broiler. Is it safe to broil cheese for 2-3 minutes? I always keep a close eye on it during this stage.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the Instant Pot Baked Ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy! If you have leftovers the next day, it’s even better to eat it the following day!
What should I serve it with?
Instant Pot Baked Ziti is pretty satisfying on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple recipes. For a classic Italian meal, serve it with garlic bread or green salad. What is vinai If you’re feeling fancy, you could add a Caesar salad or some roasted vegetables. When I have company, I like to serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping up all that extra extra. What is a good drink to drink with red wine or sparkling water? For a cozy night in, I often pair it with steamed greens. My family loves garlic knots!
How do you make Instant Pot Baked Ziti?
Pasta Choice:If you prefer a pasta shape like penne or rigatoni, you can also use other pasta shapes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve even used gluten-free pasta with great results, though it tends to cook a bit faster.Meat Options: Feel free to experiment with different meats like ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken. You can also make it vegetarian by adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. If you do add extra veggies, don’t forget to increase seasonings accordingly.
Cheese Variations: Don’t be afraid to mix up the cheeses! Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of goat cheese can add a unique flavor. The possibilities are endless! I once added some smoked gouda, and it was amazing.
Sauce Boost: For an extra-rich sauce, add a spoonful of tomato paste or a splash of red wine while sautéing the aromatics. This will deepen the flavor and add complexity.
Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your Instant Pot. If the pasta is too firm, add a minute or two to the cooking time. If it’s too soft, reduce the cooking time slightly next time.
Broiling Tips: Keep a close eye on the ziti while it’s under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning. You can also tent it with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
Layering: Although it’s not necessary to layer the ingredients in the Instant Pot, you can if you prefer. Simply layer the sauce, pasta, and cheese in the pot before pressure cooking. I find that it cooks just as well without layering, though!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti is great for making ahead of time or for enjoying leftovers. To store, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave it in individual portions or bake it in the oven until heated through. If you’re reheating it in the oven, add a little bit of water or broth to keep it from drying out. To prevent drying out the baked ziti, I always drizzle a bit of olive oil before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Instant Pot Baked Ziti! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. I hope you give it a try and share it with your friends and family. Trust me, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! And if you’re looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Instant Pot Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti pasta
- 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook ziti according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked ziti and crushed tomatoes to the cheese mixture; stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Carefully release any remaining pressure. Top with extra cheese and broil for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
