Instant Pot Baked Ziti

Step 1

Turn your Instant Pot (mine is the 6 quart with bluetooth) to saute. When the screen reads "hot", lightly spray with non stick spray and add the ground beef, onion and red pepper. Cook until beef is browned all the way through.

Step 2

Add the salt, garlic, parsley, basil, pepper and pepper flakes. Cook and stir 1 minute.

Step 3

Add the broth or water and stir, scraping the bottom until you have removed any brown bits stuck on the bottom -- this will help to prevent the "burn" message.

Step 4

Stir in the spinach.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes on top of the beef mixture and spread into an even layer but do not stir.

Step 6

Add the pasta on top and press down until it is mostly submerged -- not stirring should help to eliminate the "burn" message.

Step 7

Top with pasta sauce and spread in an even layer to cover the pasta as much as possible.

Step 8

Place the lid on the Instant Pot, seal and turn the valve to sealing.

Step 9

Press "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" and use the arrows to set a 2 minute cook time. It will take about 10-15 minutes to reach pressure and start counting down.

Step 10

When the cook time has finished, turn the Instant Pot off and allow pressure to release naturally for just a couple minutes. Then hold the valve open slightly to slowly release the remaining pressure (a controlled release). When the pin drops, open the valve and remove the lid.

Step 11

Stir well, as most of the liquid is still at the bottom of the pot.

Step 12

Top with the cheese, replace the lid and let sit 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve.