Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Instant Pot Baked Ziti takes the traditional baked ziti and it is all made in the instant pot. This is one of our favorite recipes for crazy busy nights. I love that I can give my family a really tasty dinner without hardly any work at all. You might also like to try one of our other Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes.

Baked Ziti is a crowd pleaser and now you can make it in the instant pot for a fraction of the time. The flavor is just as amazing as the baked version and dinner is a breeze.

If you love ziti pasta noodles, then you will love this Baked Ziti with Chicken.

Why This Recipe Works

This meal is faster than getting take out and tastes better too. You can serve you family an amazing meal in minutes thanks to the pressure cooker.

• Quick and Easy Dinner Idea – When you forget to something out for dinner, make this baked ziti. I like to have these simple ingredients in my pantry for a quick dinner idea.
• Simple Ingredients – The ingredients are simple and can easily be changed to what you have on hand.
• Crowd Pleaser – My family loves any Italian Recipes. Cooking pasta recipes keeps my growing boys full which makes me happy.
• Great Recipe – This is just a great recipe. Plus making it in the instant pot makes it super easy.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef – You can also use ground sausage or ground turkey
• Onion – We like using fresh onion, but you can use dried chopped onion
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Italian Seasoning – Make Italian Seasoning Recipe

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

• Changing the Meat – Ground beef, ground turkey or ground Italian sausage will work in this recipe. You can use the one you prefer. I have even mixed some of these together.
• Tomato sauce –  If you prefer a thinner consistency add a can of tomato sauce to the recipe. You could also used diced tomatoes.
• Add in Vegetables –  Bell peppers add even more flavor. You can add it to the meat as it browns or just toss them in the slow cooker. We like to add in spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.
• Change the Pasta –  You don’t have to use penne pasta. Anything will work. Some ideas include: elbow, bow tie, rigatoni or whole wheat pasta.
• Use Pasta Sauce – If you have pasta sauce, use that instead of tomatoes. This cuts out a few ingredients, so it saves time and money.
• Cottage cheese is a really good substitute for ricotta in dishes like this. In fact, I often combine the 2 and they make a really creamy and delicious mixture for the pasta dish.
• Change the Cheese – You can use different types of cheese. If you want it to have a kick to the meal, use pepper jack cheese.
• Skip the Meat – This meal can be made without meat and it still is delicious.

How to Make Baked Ziti in the Instant Pot

Step 1 – Brown ground beef in the Instant Pot – On the sauté setting, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks. Make to scrape the bottom of the pot as you are cooking.

Step 2 – Combine Ingredients – Mix in crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning and beef broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients together.

Step 3 – Add in uncooked pasta – Stir in the pasta. Add the lid and set to sealing setting. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Do a quick release to release the pressure. 

Step 4 – Add Ricotta Cheese – Stir in the ricotta mixture. 

• Step 5 – Add Mozzarella Cheese – Top with the mozzarella cheese. Cover and allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes (but do not turn back on).
• Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Then the ziti is ready to serve and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Cooking Pasta – Since we are cooking pasta right in the instant pot, make sure you add broth with the sauce. And that it covers the pasta. This will prevent the burn notice appearing on your instant pot.
• Serve Immediately – Cooking pasta in the instant pot for about 3 minutes allows it to get al dente. If left in to long then the pasta continues to cook absorbing all the liquid. Cook time could vary depending on your instant pot.
• Cook on the Stovetop – If you prefer or do not have an instant pot, you can make this recipe on your stovetop. It will take a little longer but still will come out so flavorful.
• I recommend buying block mozzarella cheese and grating it by hand for this recipe. It will melt better and will not be as greasy. The cheese melts smoother and all around tastes better.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti

• Simple Side Salad – Since this meal is hearty and filling, we like to serve lighter sides. A simple side is the perfect side and allows you to get your vegetables in.
• Steamed Broccoli – Makes some easy steamed broccoli for an tasty side.
• Garlic Bread – Make some easy garlic bread and add some cheese. Salad, bread and baked ziti is the perfect meal to come home to.
• Bakery Bread – Feel free to grab a loaf of bread from the bakery. Fresh bakery bread pairs well with this recipe.

Can I Use a Different Pasta?

Yes, you can use different pasta. You can easily substitute any type of pasta you prefer or already have in your pantry. Here are some of our favorites:

• Elbow
• Bow Tie
• Rigatoni
• Whole Wheat Pasta

What to Substitute for Ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese is a really good substitute for ricotta in dishes like this. In fact, I often combine the 2 and they make a really creamy and delicious mixture for the pasta dish.

I have used Ricotta and cottage cheese can’t tell much difference. So just use what you have or you prefer. They are both great and make this meal delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions