Instant Pot Meaty Ziti with Beef & Sausage
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Are you new to the Instant Pot world? You’re in for a treat! Instant Pots are a game-changer, especially for making pasta dishes like this Meaty Ziti with beef and sausage. One of the best parts is that it cooks in half the time of traditional methods, and you won’t need an extra pot to cook the pasta. It’s a convenient, efficient, and delicious way to prepare meals. Be sure to explore my other Instant Pot recipes for more inspiration and tasty dishes!
This instant pot baked ziti recipe features a delightful combination of ground beef and sausage, adding a rich, savory flavor to the dish. However, if you prefer, you can customize the recipe by using just ground beef or just sausage to suit your taste. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to create a meal that perfectly fits your preferences. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of cooking with your Instant Pot!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Meaty Ziti with Beef and Sausage
- OLIVE OIL
- YELLOW ONION
- GROUND BEEF
- ITALIAN SAUSAGE
- BEEF BROTH
- GARLIC
- MARINARA SAUCE OR PASTA SAUCE
- ITALIAN SEASONING
- KOSHER SALT
- BLACK PEPPER
- ZITI
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE
- WHOLE MILK RICOTTA CHEESE
- PARMESAN CHEESE
- FRESH PARSLEY
- COTTAGE CHEESE
Instructions for Easy Instant Pot baked Ziti with Beef and Sausage
First, you will cook some onion with olive oil for 2 minutes. Then, you do need to cook the beef and sausage by sautéing it in the pot. You will want to drain off any excess grease and then mix in some garlic.
Next, you will deglaze the bottom of the pot by adding in some beef broth.
This is an important step. You need to deglaze the pan with liquid and get any bits off the bottom of the pot. Otherwise, you can get a burn warning on your Instant Pot.
To avoid a burn warning, cook the beef/sausage in a pan. Afterward, transfer it to your Instant Pot along with the beef broth.
Next, you will add some garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. However, you just add it in and DO NO STIR.
Then, you will add in the ziti. Again no stirring, but you will push the pasta down in the pot so the broth and/or sauce is covering it. At this point, you will secure the lid and cook it on high pressure for 7 minutes. When the cooking is complete, you will need to do a quick release of the pressure cooker.
Mix mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, parsley, and cottage cheese in a bowl while the pasta cooks. Once you finish cooking the pasta, you will mix this cheese mixture into the pot with the pasta. Now it’s time to serve up this Instant Pot Meaty Ziti. I like to add a little spoonful of ricotta on top, along with a little fresh parsley when serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Instant Pot ziti recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti works best for its size and texture, you can substitute it with rigatoni, fusilli, or even penne pasta. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different kinds of pasta have varying cooking times.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Meaty Ziti?
Classic sides like garlic bread, garlic parmesan rosettes, Caesar salad, or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus wonderfully complement Meaty Ziti.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
- Healthy Instant Pot Spaghetti
- Instant Pot Creamy Ziti
- Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Meaty Ziti
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion diced
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 ½ cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 jar 24oz marinara sauce (your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz ziti uncooked
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup cottage cheese
- additional ricotta cheese and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add olive oil and diced onions to the Instant Pot. Turn on to saute mode and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef and mild Italian sausage. Cook and brown until done. When browned, turn Instant Pot off and mix in the garlic. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add beef broth to the pot and DEGLAZE the bottom of the pot by scraping all the bits and pieces stuck to the pot. This will prevent from getting the burn notice.
- Add in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. DO NOT STIR.
- Pour in uncooked Ziti noodles. Do NOT stir. Press the noodles gently until they are submerged in the sauce, but not stirred.
- Secure lid and set to cook on high “Pressure Cook” for 7 minutes. Once complete do a quick pressure release.
- While the pasta is cooking, add the mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, parsley, and cottage cheese to a bowl. Stir to combine. Set aside.
- Once the pressure is released, open lid. Spoon in the cheese mixture into the pot, stir until fully combined. Top with additional ricotta and parsley for garnish is desired. Serves 6.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Shugary Sweets.
