Solo Dining Success: Instant Pot Baked Ziti for One
Craving the comfort of baked ziti but cooking for just yourself? This scaled-down version of Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe is perfect for solo diners who still want a delicious, home-cooked meal without a week’s worth of leftovers.
Let’s Do This!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pd ground beef
- 3/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 pd penne pasta
- 3/4 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Steps
Sauté ground beef in Instant Pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes, then drain fat.
Pour in water and deglaze bottom of pot, scraping up any browned bits. Turn Instant Pot off.
Add pasta and top with pasta sauce.
Mix well.
Close lid and set pressure release to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” on Normal and set timer for 6 minutes. When timer beeps, quick-release pressure, then unlock and remove lid.
Stir in Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
Serve your baked ziti hot for best enjoyment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot wonder: Less cleanup and maximum flavor as everything cooks together
- Quick cooking time: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect texture: The pasta comes out perfectly al dente every time
- Triple cheese blend: A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the ultimate cheesy experience
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the deglazing step after browning the meat – this prevents the dreaded “burn” notice on your Instant Pot. Make sure to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Smart Storage Solutions
While this recipe is portioned for one meal, you can still save any leftovers for lunch the next day. The flavors often develop even more overnight, making for a delicious second meal.
Perfect for:
- Singles living alone
- Students in dorm rooms with access to an Instant Pot
- Meal prep when your partner is away
- Testing new variations without committing to a large batch
Remember, cooking for one doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. This perfectly portioned recipe proves that comfort food can be just as enjoyable when made for a party of one!
I’d love to hear what you think of the delicious diner for one!
If you enjoyed this yummy dish give these a try.
Instant Pot Yumminess
Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Creamy, hearty and flavorful meal-sized soup for one (or two). Yukon gold potatoes, bacon and cheese give a flavorful, yummy taste!
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
A quick and filling dish that tastes just like it came from a restaurant.
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Recipe Heads Up
I just want to remind you that I’ve tested and verified the recipes in this post. I do my best to make sure the supply list is complete and the instructions are correct. However, I can’t guarantee that you’ll have the same results. There are certain factors that can affect the outcome of a recipe, such as altitude, oven temperature, and ingredient quality.
I also want to let you know that I cannot be held responsible for any allergic reactions or other adverse effects caused by consuming these recipes. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, please be careful when preparing and consuming these dishes.
I hope you enjoy using these recipes! By using them, you agree to hold the me harmless for any injuries, damages, or other negative effects that may arise from their use.
Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Baked Ziti for One
Craving the comfort of baked ziti but cooking for just yourself? This scaled-down version of our popular Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe is perfect for solo diners who still want a delicious, home-cooked meal without a week's worth of leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pd ground beef
- 3/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 pd penne pasta
- 3/4 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté ground beef in Instant Pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes, then drain fat.
- Pour in water and deglaze bottom of pot, scraping up any browned bits. Turn Instant Pot off.
- Add pasta and top with pasta sauce. Mix well.
- Close lid and set pressure release to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” on Normal and set timer for 6 minutes. When timer beeps, quick-release pressure, then unlock and remove lid.
- Stir in Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the deglazing step after browning the meat – this prevents the dreaded “burn” notice on your Instant Pot. Make sure to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Smart Storage Solutions
While this recipe is portioned for one meal, you can still save any leftovers for lunch the next day. The flavors often develop even more overnight, making for a delicious second meal.
