If you’re looking for a meal that captures all the comforting goodness of classic Italian flavors but comes together in a snap, this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender veggies, and a rich, savory tomato sauce, this one-pot wonder not only saves you time but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises a satisfying dinner. The beauty here is that the spaghetti cooks right alongside the meat sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors, making it a truly fuss-free family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays an essential role in building the flavor, texture, and color of your spaghetti and meat sauce. Fresh veggies add a subtle sweetness and depth, the ground beef brings hearty richness, and the broth combined with sauce ensures every strand of pasta is perfectly coated.
- Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base to sauté the vegetables and beef, adding depth to your sauce.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aroma that softens and melds beautifully with the meat.
- Diced celery: Brings a slight crunch and earthiness to balance the richness of the beef.
- Shredded carrot: Infuses natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the sauce.
- Lean ground beef: The protein star that makes this meal hearty and satisfying.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that packs classic Mediterranean herbs into every bite.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Uncooked spaghetti (broken in half): The perfect pasta that cooks perfectly under pressure, soaking up the sauce.
- Broth (beef or chicken): Adds moisture and richness, essential for pressure cooking the pasta evenly.
- Jarred spaghetti sauce: The convenient shortcut that delivers tomato goodness and balances the meat.
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional): For a salty, creamy topping that makes every bite sing.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Fresh basil or parsley add brightness and freshness to the finished dish.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables and Ground Beef
First things first, turn your Instant Pot to the “sauté” function and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in your finely chopped onion, diced celery, and shredded carrot. Cook them until the onions turn translucent and the veggies start to soften. This step develops a mellow sweetness and aroma that forms the backbone of the sauce. Next, add your lean ground beef along with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well and cook until the beef is nicely browned, making sure it crumbles evenly. Once the meat is cooked through, turn off the sauté mode—this base is now primed for the next step.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Sauce
This is where the magic of the Instant Pot really shines. Take your uncooked spaghetti, broken in half so it fits nicely inside the pot, and lay it evenly over the cooked beef and veggies. Pour in the broth—you want it to come right up to the spaghetti strands so they cook evenly—and then gently spread the jarred spaghetti sauce on top. The trick is not to stir after adding the sauce; keeping the layers intact allows perfect pressure cooking without sticking or clumping.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Dish
Seal the lid on your Instant Pot and turn the valve to “sealing.” Set the timer for 6 minutes on high pressure. After the cooking time is up, carefully quick release the pressure and open the lid. Now comes the satisfying part—stir everything together, and watch as the spaghetti twirls effortlessly in that rich, meaty tomato sauce. Serve immediately, and don’t forget the optional parmesan and fresh herbs to elevate your meal.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty layer that melts perfectly over the warm pasta. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish, giving it a touch of vibrancy both visually and on the palate. For a little extra flair, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil can make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Classic garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks are crowd-pleasers that pair wonderfully with this hearty spaghetti. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide freshness and balance the richness of the meat sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make easy, nutritious sides that complement the meal with color and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers for a playful twist, or layer the pasta in a casserole dish topped with mozzarella and bake it for a bubbly Italian bake. For a casual family dinner, spoon portions into bowls and offer an array of toppings like olives, artichoke hearts, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to let everyone customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta is cooled before sealing the container to avoid sogginess. When ready, leftovers reheat quickly without losing that fresh-cooked flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Portion the cooled spaghetti and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will maintain its best quality for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth or water before warming helps loosen the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and enjoy like it’s freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can swap in penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the shape and thickness of the pasta.
Is it necessary to break the spaghetti in half before cooking?
Breaking the spaghetti helps it fit better inside the Instant Pot and ensures even cooking. Whole strands may clump or not cook evenly, so cutting them makes a big difference in texture.
What if I don’t have broth? Can I use water instead?
You can use water in a pinch, but broth adds a depth of flavor that really enhances the sauce and pasta. If using water, consider boosting the seasoning slightly to compensate.
How do I adjust the cooking time if I prefer firmer or softer spaghetti?
For firmer pasta, stick to the 6-minute pressure cook time. If you like it softer, you can extend the cooking to about 8 or 10 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook, as pasta can become gummy quickly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly, and the Instant Pot will still work its magic cooking everything together.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple to throw together, cooks quickly, and tastes like you simmered it all day. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your weekly dinner lineup—and a love letter to busy weeknights everywhere.
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and hearty Instant Pot spaghetti and meat sauce recipe featuring lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked together for a convenient one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup shredded carrot
Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 (12-oz) box spaghetti (uncooked, broken in half)
- 2 ¼ cups broth (beef or chicken)
- 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Optional Garnishes
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs
Instructions
- Cook vegetables and ground beef: Set a 6-quart electric pressure cooker to ‘sauté’. Add olive oil, then add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook until the onion is translucent. Add lean ground beef and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well and cook until the beef is browned. Switch off the Instant Pot.
- Add pasta and sauce: Evenly place the uncooked spaghetti, broken in half, over the beef and vegetable mixture in the pot. Pour in the broth, ensuring it surrounds but does not stir the spaghetti. Spread the jarred spaghetti sauce on top without stirring to maintain layers.
- Pressure cook: Close the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Cook on high pressure for 6 to 10 minutes, adjusting time based on pasta preference (6 minutes for al dente). Perform a quick release of pressure, carefully open the lid, then stir the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture well. Serve immediately, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can use either beef or chicken broth according to preference.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pressure cooker model; adjust between 6 to 10 minutes for desired pasta texture.
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit and cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
- Do not stir the pasta after adding the sauce and broth before cooking to prevent sticking and ensure proper layering.
