This Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe is delicious, simple to make, super fast and loaded with flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food for a weeknight meal.
(Originally posted January 31, 2021)
You all know how much I love my Instant Pot. Being able to throw dinner together and have it done sometimes in under 30 minutes is kind of a dream come true, if you ask me.
My boys love any and all pasta and they go crazy over this Instant Pot Baked Ziti. I serve it with a green salad and either homemade breadsticks or my homemade french bread (yes, store bought is also just fine). Seriously, it’s a win win all around.
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti is going to make your life so much easier. This stuff is definitely comfort food bliss. If you’re looking for dinners to make dinnertime more manageable and less stressful, then this pasta is going to be a game changer for you.

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT BAKED ZITI:
- BROWN THE GROUND BEEF. Turn your Instant Pot to the “Saute” setting and add the oil and diced onions. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the ground beef and continue to cook until the ground beef is browned.
- ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS. Add the, garlic powder, basil oregano, salt, red pepper flakes and pepper and cook for about 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly. Pour the beef broth into the pot, making sure you scrape any bits off the bottom of the inner pot. Stir in the tomatoes and dry pasta.
- COOKING. Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing position. Select Manual, high pressure and cook for 4 minutes, then quick release the pressure and open the pot. Stir in the cheeses, cover with the lid and let sit for 3-5 minutes or until cheese has melted. Sprinkle fresh basil on top along with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
IF I DON’T HAVE ZITI, CAN I USE ANOTHER PASTA?
Yes, you can use penne, rotini or any other small tubular pasta.

A FEW MORE THINGS . . .
- You can substitute Italian sausage, ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you’d like. You can also leave the meat out if you’d like.
- Feel free to change up the cheeses and use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or use more Parmesan and less Mozzarella. . .you catching on here?
- Make sure after adding the broth that you scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot to avoid triggering the burn warning.
ENJOY!
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Instant Pot Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/3 cup chopped onion (white or yellow)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-oz) can Italian diced tomatoes
- 16 oz dry ziti pasta
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to the “Saute” setting and add the oil and diced onions. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Add ground beef and continue to cook until the ground beef is browned. Add the, garlic powder, basil oregano, salt, red pepper flakes and pepper and cook for about 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Pour the beef broth into the pot, making sure you scrape any bits off the bottom of the inner pot. Stir in the tomatoes and dry pasta.
- Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing position. Select Manual, high pressure and cook for 4 minutes, then quick release the pressure and open the pot. Stir in the cheeses, cover with the lid and let sit for 3-5 minutes or until cheese has melted. Sprinkle fresh basil on top along with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
Recipe Source: Adapted from Savory Nothings
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