Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
619 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Description
This dish starts by sautéing ground beef in olive oil with seasoning to develop flavor while preventing sticking. Spaghetti is broken to fit the pot, arranged over the meat, and covered with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce to ensure noodles cook evenly. The sealed Instant Pot pressure cooks the mixture for 8 minutes, melding the ingredients into a cohesive sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.
The result is tender spaghetti infused with a savory meat sauce that combines tomato acidity, herb spice, and creamy notes if cream cheese is added. The cooking technique produces a one-pot meal that balances convenience with traditional comfort food flavors.
This recipe suits busy cooks wanting a hands-off meal without sacrificing taste. It pairs well with salads and garlic bread.
Notes include alternatives for ground meat, pasta type, and cooking times, plus suggestions for a more Bolognese-style meat sauce by sautéing additional vegetables when browning the meat.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef I use 85% lean
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ pound spaghetti
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth can sub water
- 2 Tablespoons cream cheese softened (optional, but recommended!)
Instructions
- Set the instant pot to Sautee. Add the Olive oil and ground beef. Cook and crumble the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed,
- Stir in the seasonings. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any brown bits that might be stuck to the bottom of the pan. (This helps prevent the burn indicator message.)
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half. Crisscross them over the meat so that they don't stick together.
- Add the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes over the noodles. Top with marinara and ensure the noodles are submerged.
- Cover/Seal the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook for 8 minutes (Or, select the manual button and hit high pressure for 8 minutes). Note: It might sound like nothing is happening but if you put your ear up to the instant pot after a few minutes, you can hear it working.
- Turn the quick release valve to let all of the steam escape, and open the pot. (Do not let the pressure release naturally as this will overcook the pasta.)
- Stir in the cream cheese. The sauce will continue to thicken upon standing. Serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Thin spaghetti may be substituted, reducing pressure cook time to 6 minutes.
- For a Bolognese-like flavor, saute diced onions, celery, and carrots when browning the meat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 619 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 619kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 88mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 1857mg | 77% |
| Potassium | 1588mg | 34% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 1300IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 34mg | 38% |
| Calcium | 115mg | 12% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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