One-Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Method

1. Add the meat to the Ninja Combi pan and place it into the Ninja Combi on the lower level. Turn on the Ninja Combi and flip the switch on the top of the appliance down. Select Sear/Sauté and set the temperature to high. *The door stays slightly open on this function.
2. Brown the meat for about 5 minutes and then break it up into large chunks, add the seasoning blend, onions, and garlic. Continue to sauté on high for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat into the size you want in the final dish.
3. While the meat is browning, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, seasonings, and Italian blend cheese and mix or whisk to combine well. Set aside.
4. After the meat is about 75% cooked, which takes about 10 minutes or so, remove the pan from the Ninja Combi. Add the beef broth and the penne pasta. Push the past under the liquid as much as possible. It will not all be covered and that is fine.

   Our tip With 80/20 beef and sausage, tip the pan and spoon off most of the fat before the broth goes in, or the finished ziti can turn greasy.

5. Spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta, but do not stir in it. Cover the ricotta mixture with the marinara sauce, but do not stir.
6. Cover the pan with heavy duty aluminum foil or another oven safe cover and place the pan back into the Ninja Combi on the lower level. Flip the switch on the top of the appliance up and close the door. Select COMBI BAKE and set the temperature to 200°C400°F and the time for 10 minutes. Hit start and the Combi will heat from the bottom to create steam which cooks the pasta. You will see dashes on the display during the steam time which is about 20 minutes.
7. Once the Ninja Combi switches over to bake mode and the display starts counting down from 10 minutes, wait until there is 5 minutes left and open the door. Remove and uncover the pan. Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients and top with the shredded cheese.

   Our tip Peel the foil back from the far side so the steam escapes away from you.

8. Place the pan, uncovered, back into the Ninja Combi on the lower level and close the door. The countdown will resume and this last 5 minutes will melt and brown the cheese.
9. When the time is up, open the door and remove the pan. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips from The Salted Pepper

Stove Top & Oven Directions

In a large skillet or dutch oven that will hold at least 2.84 l12 cups and is oven safe, add the meat and sauté on medium high to start to brown it. Add the seasonings, onions, garlic and sauté for about 10 minutes or until the meat is at least 75% cooked.

Add the beef broth and the ziti noodles and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the noodles for about 6 minutes and turn the heat off.

Layer with the ricotta cheese mixture and then the marinara on top. Cover with aluminum foil or a lid and place the skillet into the oven at 190°C375°F and bake for about 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Stir and top with cheese.

Place the skillet uncovered back into the oven and increase the temperature to 200°C400°F and bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Ninja Speedi Instructions

Cut all of the ingredients in half. Use the Sear/Sauté function on the Speedi to sauté the meat, onions, garlic, and seasonings.

Add the beef broth and ziti pasta noodles. Layer with the ricotta cheese and marinara sauce, but do not stir.

Select the Steam Bake function on 205°C400°F for 10 minutes. When there is 5 minutes left open the lid and stir everything together. Add the cheese on top and close the lid for another 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Ninja Foodi with Smart Lid Instructions

Use the sear/sauté function on high to brown the meat and sauté the onions, garlic and seasonings. Add the beef broth and ziti noodles.

Layer with the ricotta cheese and marinara sauce, but do not stir. Close the lid and select the Steam/Bake function. Set the temperature to 200°C400°F and the time for 15 minutes.

When there is 10 minutes left on the timer, open the lid and stir everything together. Add the remaining shredded cheese and close the lid. Check on the cheese every few minutes and it is done when the cheese is golden brown and melted. Let sit in the pot for 10 minutes before serving.