Description
A quick and flavorful Instant Pot spaghetti recipe featuring browned ground beef, Italian-seasoned sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles all in one pot. Finished with butter and Parmesan for a creamy, comforting meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (chicken base)
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
Finishing
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Parsley or basil, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, optional garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Turn on the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add olive oil, ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, minced garlic (if using), and kosher salt. Sauté the mixture until the meat is browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Add Sauce and Spaghetti: Pour in the jar of pasta sauce, water, and Better Than Bouillon chicken base. Add the broken spaghetti, making sure to tuck the noodles underneath the liquid so they cook evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, seal the Instant Pot, and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick Release Steam: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully place a towel over the vent to prevent splatters and quickly release the steam to avoid overcooking the noodles.
- Rest the Spaghetti: After opening the lid, use tongs to gently stir the spaghetti and sauce to combine evenly. Let the pot sit uncovered for 10 minutes so the noodles can absorb the sauce and thicken the dish.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the butter until melted and creamy. Plate the spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese, parsley or basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the Instant Pot and cook evenly.
- Quick releasing the steam helps prevent the noodles from turning mushy.
- Resting the pasta with the lid off allows the sauce to thicken and coat the noodles perfectly.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté step for added nutrition.