Description
This Instant Pot “Baked” Ziti recipe is a delicious, easy one-pot pasta dish that combines ground beef, ziti pasta, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses. Using the Instant Pot for cooking means you get perfectly cooked pasta with rich flavors in just a fraction of the time of traditional baking, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Balsamic vinegar
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 oz dry ziti pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese (a mix of mozzarella and parmesan recommended, or more to taste)
Instructions
- Brown beef: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add the oil. Once hot, add the lean ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped yellow onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar. Cook while stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to combine all flavors.
- Deglaze: Pour the low sodium beef broth into the pot, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to prevent the burn warning on the Instant Pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and then add the dry ziti pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to pressure cook on high for 3 minutes if your pasta’s package indicates a regular cooking time less than 9 minutes; for pasta requiring more than 9 minutes, cook for 4 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release to release pressure. Open the lid carefully, then stir in the shredded cheese. Close the lid again and let the dish sit for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely. Serve immediately for a creamy, comforting meal.
Notes
- Be sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly to avoid the burn warning on the Instant Pot.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner version.
- Feel free to increase the cheese quantity or use your favorite cheese blend for extra creaminess.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
- This recipe can be easily doubled if you have a larger Instant Pot.
