Instant Pot Spaghetti & Meat Sauce

$- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce - 2 cups beef broth - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and black pepper to taste - 8 ounces spaghetti (uncooked) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) To make Instant Pot spaghetti and meat sauce, you need these simple ingredients. I like to use ground beef for a classic taste, but turkey works well too. Aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, and bell pepper add depth to the sauce. Canned tomatoes are essential. I use crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce for rich flavor. Beef broth gives moisture and enhances the taste. Italian seasoning and dried basil bring that Italian flair, while salt and pepper balance everything. For the pasta, you will need uncooked spaghetti. This is the key to a quick cook in the Instant Pot. Once you serve it, don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. They make every bowl pop with flavor and color! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by turning on your Instant Pot. Set it to sauté mode. Add one pound of ground beef to the pot. Cook the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces. If there is extra fat, carefully drain it to keep the dish light. Now, add in the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onions to turn translucent and smell great. This step builds a strong flavor base for your sauce. Next, mix in one can of crushed tomatoes, one can of tomato sauce, and two cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in two teaspoons of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of dried basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to make sure all the flavors mix nicely. Take 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti and break it in half. Nestle the spaghetti pieces gently into the sauce. Make sure they are mostly covered. Do not stir them. This helps prevent sticking during cooking. Close the Instant Pot lid tightly. Set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. Ensure the steam valve is in the sealing position. This step lets the spaghetti cook perfectly in the sauce. When the time is up, carefully do a quick release by turning the steam valve to venting. Be careful, as hot steam will escape. Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid safely. Stir the spaghetti and sauce together until mixed well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth and mix again. To brown the meat well, use medium heat. Stir it often to break it up. This helps the meat cook evenly and adds flavor. If you use turkey, keep an eye on the cooking time. It cooks faster than beef. For the spaghetti, break it in half before adding it to the pot. This helps it fit better. Make sure the pieces are mostly submerged in the sauce. Do not stir once you add it. This way, the spaghetti cooks evenly and does not stick together. Serve your spaghetti with fresh garlic bread. A light salad also makes a great side. For garnishing, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. This makes your dish look nice and taste even better. Do not overcook the spaghetti. It can turn mushy and lose its texture. Follow the cooking time closely for the best result. Make sure to seal the Instant Pot properly before cooking. If it is not sealed, pressure won’t build up. This will lead to undercooked pasta and sauce. Always check the steam valve is in the sealing position. Pro Tips Perfect Meat Browning: Make sure to let the ground beef brown properly before adding the vegetables. This step enhances the flavor of your meat sauce. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely to ensure even cooking. Spaghetti Cooking Tips: Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pot and ensures even cooking. Be careful not to stir too much before pressure cooking to avoid clumping. Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve with a side of garlic bread and a light salad. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick! {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish. Ground turkey works well instead of beef. It gives a lighter taste while still being hearty. You can also use plant-based meat. These options cater to different diets. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed. If you want a vegetarian meal, skip the meat. Add more vegetables instead. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a rich texture. You can still use the same sauce and seasonings. This will keep the dish flavorful and satisfying. Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of red wine while cooking. This adds depth to your sauce. You can also increase the spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. More Italian seasoning or herbs can enhance the taste. Experiment and find what you enjoy most! To keep your Instant Pot spaghetti and meat sauce fresh, follow these tips: - Cool Down: Let the dish cool for about 30 minutes. - Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftovers into clean, airtight containers. - Label: Write the date on the container for easy tracking. - Refrigerate: Store in the fridge at 40°F or lower. This way, you maintain flavor and texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option: - Cool Completely: Ensure the sauce is fully cooled before freezing. - Portion: Divide into smaller portions for easy reheating. - Use Freezer Bags: Place the sauce in freezer bags for space-saving. - Remove Air: Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. How long can you keep leftovers? Here’s a quick guide: - In the Fridge: Leftovers last for up to 3-4 days. - In the Freezer: They can last for 2-3 months. For the best taste, try to eat them sooner rather than later. Yes, you can. You can cook this recipe on the stovetop. 1. Start by browning the meat in a large pot. 2. Then, add the vegetables and sauté them. 3. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, sauce, and broth. 4. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. 5. Cover and cook on low heat until the spaghetti is tender, stirring occasionally. This method takes a bit longer but works well! You can check for doneness by tasting a piece. It should be al dente, meaning it’s firm but not hard. If you want a more precise check, look for the pasta to be slightly soft but still have a bite. You can also follow the cooking time. For this recipe, 8 minutes in the Instant Pot usually does the trick. There are many great options to serve with spaghetti. Here are some ideas: - Fresh garlic bread for a crunchy side. - A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette. - Roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition. These sides will complement your meal and make it more filling! This blog post covered how to make a delicious spaghetti dish. We started with key ingredients like ground meat, vegetables, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips to avoid common mistakes. You can also explore variations and storage methods. By using these simple steps, you can create your own tasty meal. Remember to adjust flavors to match your taste. Enjoy cooking and eating your spaghetti, knowing you made it just right!$

Instant Pot Spaghetti & Meat Sauce

A quick and easy spaghetti dish made with ground beef and a flavorful meat sauce, all cooked in the Instant Pot.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper diced
15 oz crushed tomatoes
8 oz tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
for serving grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. Once the pot is hot, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it.
Incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper into the pot. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to ensure it's evenly mixed.
Take the uncooked spaghetti and break it in half. Gently nestle the pieces into the sauce mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged without stirring to prevent sticking.
Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. Make sure the steam valve is in the sealing position.
When the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the steam valve to venting. Use caution as hot steam will escape.
Once the pressure is fully released and the lid opens safely, stir the spaghetti and sauce together until thoroughly combined. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of beef broth and mix again.
Spoon the delicious spaghetti and meat sauce into bowls. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

Serve with fresh garlic bread on the side and a light salad for a complete meal.

Keyword Instant Pot, meat sauce, quick meal, spaghetti