It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You need a warm, filling meal that does not require many dishes. This Instant Pot Spaghetti is the perfect answer for those chilly winter evenings.
This recipe delivers a classic, comforting taste in half the time. You will love how the noodles cook right in the sauce. It is a total game-changer for your kitchen routine.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a lifesaver for busy fall and winter weeknights. Everything happens in one single pot which means less cleanup for you. Your kids will love the tender noodles and savory beef sauce.
It uses simple pantry staples you likely have right now. You can go from prep to table in under 40 minutes. It is budget-friendly and feeds a family of four easily.
Simple Method
Making Instant Pot Spaghetti is surprisingly easy for beginners. You simply brown the meat and layer the ingredients carefully. The pressure cooker does all the hard work for you.
The secret is in the layering of the noodles. Do not stir them into the sauce before cooking. This ensures perfectly cooked pasta every single time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These pantry staples come together to create a rich and hearty meal.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 3 cups water
Step-by-Step
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Add 0.5 cup of the water and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up all browned bits.
- Turn off Sauté mode.
- Layer the broken spaghetti noodles over the beef in a crisscross pattern to prevent clumping.
- Pour the marinara sauce and the remaining 2.5 cups of water over the noodles without stirring.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to the Sealing position.
- Select Manual/High Pressure and set the timer for 8 minutes.
- Perform a Quick Release of the pressure once the cook cycle is complete.
- Carefully open the lid and stir the contents thoroughly to combine.
- Allow the spaghetti to rest for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this golden and steaming pasta in large bowls. Top it with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Add a side of crispy garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
A simple green garden salad balances the rich sauce perfectly. Set the table and enjoy a stress-free family dinner tonight. It is pure comfort in every single bite.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. Reheat your spaghetti in the microwave with a splash of water.
This helps loosen the sauce and keeps the noodles tender. You can also freeze this meal for a quick future lunch. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Best Results
- Always deglaze the pot to avoid the dreaded burn notice.
- Do not skip the crisscross pattern when adding your noodles.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best overall flavor.
- Wait the full five minutes for the sauce to thicken properly.
- For a winter twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Ensure the pasta is completely covered by the liquid before sealing.
- Wipe the rim of the pot to ensure a perfect seal.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner meal.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to accommodate dietary needs for your family.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach at the very end.
- Stir in a dollop of ricotta for a creamier texture.
Quick Answers
Why did my noodles stick together?
This usually happens if the noodles were not crisscrossed. Make sure to scatter them in different directions. This allows the liquid to reach every strand.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, you can use penne or rotini instead. You may need to adjust the cook time slightly. Generally, cook for half the time listed on the box.
How do I know it is done?
The noodles should be tender but not mushy. If the sauce looks thin, just keep stirring. It will thicken beautifully as it rests for five minutes.
I hope this cozy meal makes your busy winter nights much easier. Give it a try and enjoy more time with your family. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sal t
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 3 cups wate r
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Add 0.5 cup of the water and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up all browned bits.
- Turn off Sauté mode.
- Layer the broken spaghetti noodles over the beef in a crisscross pattern to prevent clumping.
- Pour the marinara sauce and the remaining 2.5 cups of water over the noodles without stirring.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to the Sealing position.
- Select Manual/High Pressure and set the timer for 8 minutes.
- Perform a Quick Release of the pressure once the cook cycle is complete.
- Carefully open the lid and stir the contents thoroughly to combine.
- Allow the spaghetti to rest for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.
