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Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat

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instant pot spaghetti, instant pot spaghetti recipe, instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce

This delicious Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat recipe is a classic Italian dish that will please the whole family. It’s easy to make and is ready in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stovetop.

The Instant Pot allows you to cook the spaghetti and the ground beef together, making it a one-pot meal that is both delicious and convenient. The spaghetti is cooked with a rich tomato sauce that is loaded with flavor from a combination of garlic, onion, oregano, and basil. The ground beef is added to the sauce and simmered until it is tender and flavorful. The spaghetti is cooked perfectly al dente, and the beef is juicy and tender. The entire dish is topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese which adds a delicious cheesy flavor to the dish.

instant pot spaghetti, instant pot spaghetti recipe, instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce

This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. This dish is perfect for weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare a meal as it comes together quickly and easily in the Instant Pot. All you need to do is add the spaghetti, tomato sauce, ground beef, and seasonings to the pot and let the Instant Pot do the work. In no time you’ll have a delicious Italian dinner that is sure to satisfy the whole family.

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Serve it up with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that is sure to please. Enjoy my Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat recipe!

instant pot spaghetti, instant pot spaghetti recipe, instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why do I Iove this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat recipe?

  • Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce recipe is an easy and delicious meal that can be prepared in no time.
  • It is a one-pot meal which means less mess and hassle in the kitchen.
  • The Instant Pot cooks the spaghetti and meat sauce together, resulting in a delicious and flavorful meal.
  • The Instant Pot locks in all the juices and flavors of the ingredients, making the dish even more delicious.
  • The Instant Pot reduces cooking time, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in just a few minutes.
  • A great way to make a healthier version of a classic Italian dish.
  • A great way to use up leftovers and make a delicious meal.
  • A great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
  • A great way to feed a large family or group of friends.
  • A great way to make a flavorful and filling meal that is easy to prepare.
instant pot spaghetti, instant pot spaghetti recipe, instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce

What type of pasta is best for this recipe? 

You simply need regular spaghetti that has been broken in half. You could swap it for any of your favorite pasta, though. Penne, rigatoni, or regular macaroni would all be great options.

instant pot spaghetti, instant pot spaghetti recipe, instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce

Ingredients:

  • Yellow onion
  • Olive oil
  • Lean ground beef
  • Italian seasoning
  • Sea salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Ground black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Minced garlic
  • Spaghetti
  • Marinara sauce, 24 oz
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Water

How to make Instant Pot Spaghetti:

Step 1. Turn Instant Pot to saute,

Step 2. When it reads HOT, add the olive oil and onion.

Step 3. Continue to cook the onions until slightly soft

Step 4. Add the meat, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.

Add the meat, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.

Step 5. Cook the meat until no pink remains, stirring frequently

Step 6. Hit cancel.

Step 7. Add a little water used to deglaze the bottom of the pot.

Add a little water used to deglaze the bottom of the pot.

Step 8. Break spaghetti strands in half.

Step 9. Layer the spaghetti strands on top of meat in a criss-cross pattern.

Layer the spaghetti strands on top of meat in a criss-cross pattern.

Step 10. Pour marinara sauce over pasta.

Step 11. Pour diced tomatoes over the sauce.

Pour diced tomatoes over the sauce.

Step 12. Pour water around the sides and on top of the tomatoes.

Step 13. Push down lightly with the spatula to make sure water gets through layers and all pasta is covered.

Step 14. Cover with lid.

Step 15. Turn the valve to sealing, and press pressure cook (or Manual on some models).

Step 16. Set cook time to 5 minutes

Step 17. When cooking is done, let pressure do a natural release for 5 minutes,

Step 18. Hit cancel.

Step 19. Do a quick release until the pin drops.

Step 20. Open the lid, and stir spaghetti and meat sauce together well before serving

instant pot spaghetti, instant pot spaghetti recipe, instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce

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Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10
This delicious Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat recipe is a classic Italian dish that will please the whole family. It's easy to make and is ready in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stovetop.
4.41 from 5 votes

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 TBSP Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 TBSP red pepper flakes
  • 1 TBSP minced garlic
  • 1 package spaghetti, 16 oz (uncooked and broken in half)
  • 1 jar marinara sauce, 24 oz
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 3 C water

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Instructions

  • Turn Instant Pot to saute,
  • When it reads HOT, add the olive oil and onion.
  • Continue to cook the onions until slightly soft
  • Add the meat, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, pepper, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
  • Cook the meat until no pink remains, stirring frequently
  • Hit CANCEL.
  • Add a little water used to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
  • Break spaghetti strands in half.
  • Layer the spaghetti strands on top of meat in a criss-cross pattern.
  • Pour marinara sauce over pasta.
  • Pour diced tomatoes over sauce.
  • Pour water around sides and on top of tomatoes.
  • Push down lightly with the spatula to make sure water gets through layers and all pasta is covered.
  • Cover with lid.
  • Turn valve to SEALING, press PRESSURE COOK (or Manual on some models).
  • Set cook time to 5 minutes
  • When cooking is done, let pressure do a natural release for 5 minutes,
  • Hit CANCEL.
  • Do a quick release until pin drops
  • Open lid, and stir spaghetti and meat sauce together well before serving

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 762mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g
Author: Laura

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Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Tips

The key to making the perfect Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is all in the prep work.

  • To get the most out of your instant pot, make sure to pre-measure and prepare all of your ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you can easily throw everything into the instant pot without any extra fuss or mess!
  • Also, be sure to use good-quality spaghetti for this recipe. Cheap pasta won’t cook correctly in the instant pot and will not give you that perfectly al dente texture that we all look for when it comes to homemade spaghetti dishes.
  • Finally, don’t forget to season your sauce with salt and pepper before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley also makes a delicious garnish that is sure to impress your dinner guests.

Now, it’s time to get cooking! With this instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce recipe, you can have a home-cooked meal on the table in no time. Bon appetit!

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix up your instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce, there are plenty of delicious variations that you can try out!

  • For a creamy twist, add some cream cheese or ricotta for added richness. Another popular variation is to use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
  • For vegetarians, swap out the beef for mushrooms and omit the Parmesan cheese. Throw in some bell peppers, spinach, or kale for extra texture and flavor. You can even turn this into a one-pot meal by adding cooked chicken or shrimp.
  • Finally, replace the tomato sauce with pesto for an Italian favorite that everyone will love!

No matter which way you choose to make your instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce, it’s sure to be a hit. So grab your instant pot and get cooking!

What are some variations of the sauce? 

  • Add some mushrooms to make it heartier and more filling.
  • Chop up some onions or bell peppers into small pieces and toss them into the sauce. Yum!
  • Sprinkle in some fresh herbs to enhance the sauce. Chopped parsley or oregano are both great.
  • Love cheese? Sprinkle in some freshly grated parmesan or mozzarella.

How long does it take to cook the spaghetti and meat sauce? 

From start to finish, it will be ready in 25–30 minutes. It takes less than 10 minutes for the instant pot to reach pressure. Plus, you’ll need to do a natural release for 5 minutes.

What is the best way to store leftovers? 

Refrigerate in a tightly sealed (preferably glass) container. The leftovers will last up to 4 days.

What is the recommended temperature for the Instant Pot? 

You don’t need to worry about setting the temperature of your instant pot. It takes care of that for you. An instant pot typically heats to 239°F-244°F, but it does it automatically.

How much liquid is needed for the recipe? 

You’ll need 3 cups of water and 24 ounces of your favorite marinara sauce. You don’t need a lot of liquid because you don’t have to drain it off like you do regular spaghetti.

What other ingredients can be added to the sauce? 

Peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms are all good additions to the sauce. Or, if you prefer more tomato flavor, go ahead and add extra. Play around with the ratios of the ingredients and add herbs to your liking.

Are there any special instructions or tips for making this recipe?

  • When cooking the ground beef, cook until it’s not pink. Be sure not to overcook it, so it’s not dry.
  • Breaking the spaghetti in half will allow it to fit into the instant pot better. Don’t put it on the bottom of the pot, or it will burn.

What type of meat do you recommend for this dish?

We prefer to serve this instant pot spaghetti with ground beef; however, you could use any of your favorite meat. Ground pork, ground chicken, sausage, or ground turkey are all delicious options.

Can this recipe be easily doubled or tripled?

No, due to it being cooked in the instant pot, you can’t double or triple it because it will overfill the device. Overfilling can lead to liquid spewing and spraying out the top, which can lead to burns and damage to your kitchen. It’s best to make one batch at a time.

How would you recommend serving the Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce?

Serve with a nice Italian salad or Caesar salad, breadsticks or garlic bread, and some roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Are there any side dishes that would go well with this recipe?

  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Sauteed Mushrooms
  • Bruschetta
  • Ratatouille
  • Caesar Salad
  • Garden Salad
  • Breadsticks
  • Garlic Bread
  • Bruschetta
instant pot spaghetti, instant pot spaghetti recipe, instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce

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