Healthy Instant Pot Baked Ziti
Save time and make this Healthy Instant Pot Baked Ziti whenever you are craving a bowl of warm and cheesy comfort food! Gluten-free with a dairy-free option, as well!
Save time and make this Healthy Instant Pot Baked Ziti whenever you are craving a bowl of warm and cheesy comfort food! Gluten-free with a dairy-free option, as well!
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- olive oil cooking spray
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 â¼ lean ground beef or italian poultry sausage removed from casing
- â½ onion diced
- himalayan salt
- â½ cup water (to scrape off any burned bits)
- 2 cups of gluten free pasta - i used banza penne
- 2 tablespoon sil (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 cups of chopped spinach
- â¾ cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of freshly shredded or cubed mozzarella
- â…“ cup of pecorino romano or high quality parmesan
- Carbohydrate 8.45803956198667 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.18709755230667 g
- Fiber 2.06318872406344 g
- Protein 1.87292257178667 g
- Saturated Fat 0.166841078903819 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (107g)
- Sodium 137.667060655988 mg
- Sugar 6.39485083792323 g
- Trans Fat 0.116195099189085 g
- Calories 45 calories
Step-by-step
- Set Instant Pot to saute and coat with olive oil cooking spray.
- Add in meat and brown until almost cooked through. Add in diced onions and cook until onions begin to get tender.
- Drain meat if necessary, then add in olive oil and garlic. Stir and cook until garlic is fragrant. Sprinkle meat mixture with salt.
- Add water to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape off any brown bits at the bottom of the pot, so you don’t trigger a burn notice.
- Then layer uncooked pasta over meat mixture.
- Mix basil and oregano into the crushed tomatoes and then layer that over the pasta. Do not stir!
- Place lid on your Instant Pot and set on manual/pressure cook for three minutes if you are using Banza pasta, for regular gluten-free (brown rice or corn based), set it for two minutes
- After cook time, do a quick release.
- When it’s safe and all air has been released, carefully open lid.
- Give everything a stir, then add in chopped spinach. Allow spinach to wilt for a moment before stirring in ricotta and parmesan cheese.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and place lid on IP so cheese will melt. Alternatively, you can place the pasta mixture in a broiler-safe dish, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes watching carefully until cheese is brown and bubbly.
- Enjoy with additional parmesan cheese, if desired!
My Easy Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. My kids are incredibly picky, so pleasing their palates while still sticking to my healthy eating goals requires creativity and efficiency. That’s where this Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe comes in – a lifesaver on those chaotic weeknights!
Forget spending hours slaving over a hot oven. This recipe leverages the magic of the Instant Pot to deliver a comforting and satisfying baked ziti in a fraction of the time. I discovered this amazing shortcut a few months ago when I was completely swamped with deadlines and work travel. Now, it's a regular staple in my meal rotation, and I’m constantly amazed at how well it tastes, especially considering the speed at which it comes together.
What makes this recipe even better? It’s incredibly versatile. I often swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage (removed from its casing, of course!), adding a richer, more flavorful kick. For a lighter version, ground turkey or even a vegetarian alternative works perfectly. And if my kids are feeling extra adventurous, we’ll even add some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for a burst of unexpected flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can customize it to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
The gluten-free aspect is another huge plus. My youngest has some sensitivities, so finding gluten-free options that don't compromise on taste is a must. This recipe uses gluten-free pasta (I prefer Banza penne), and the results are unbelievably delicious. Nobody ever guesses it's gluten-free, which is a big win in my book. It also features a dairy-free option for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. Substituting the ricotta with a dairy-free alternative is a simple swap that preserves the creamy texture without sacrificing the overall taste.
Beyond the ease and adaptability, this recipe is also a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies. The spinach, subtly incorporated into the sauce, adds a nutrient boost that my kids barely notice. I've even experimented with adding finely chopped zucchini or carrots, and they blend seamlessly into the creamy, cheesy goodness.
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe is more than just a meal; it's a time-saver, a flavor enhancer, and a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is also packed with nutrients, perfect for busy weeknights or even a relaxed weekend lunch. It's become a family favorite, and I hope it becomes one of yours, too!
Ingredients to Gather:
This section will list all the required ingredients, their quantities, and any potential substitutions. Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability, so feel free to experiment!
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: 1 ¼ lbs. (Or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative)
- Onion: ½ cup, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can
- Olive Oil: 2 teaspoons
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon (dried)
- Basil: 2 tablespoons (fresh, or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt: To taste (Himalayan pink salt is preferred for its mineral content)
- Water: ½ cup (used to deglaze the pot and prevent burning)
- Gluten-Free Pasta: 2 cups (I love Banza penne!)
- Spinach: 2 cups, chopped
- Ricotta Cheese: ¾ cup (Dairy-free alternative can be substituted)
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano: ¼ cup, grated
Instructions and Tips for Success: This part will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare the dish, offering helpful tips and tricks along the way. Remember to always prioritize safety when using pressure cookers.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot Baked Ziti!
