The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
If you’re looking for the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, Instant Pot spaghetti is the answer. This simple recipe brings together pasta, meat, and sauce in one pot — with minimal cleanup and maximum taste. With just a handful of pantry staples and a pressure cooker, you can have a hearty, comforting meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Why Make Spaghetti in an Instant Pot?
Cooking spaghetti in a traditional pot can be time-consuming, often requiring multiple pans for the meat, sauce, and pasta. The Instant Pot simplifies this process by allowing you to cook everything — from browning the beef to simmering the sauce and boiling the noodles — all in one device.
Benefits of Instant Pot Spaghetti:
- One-pot convenience: Less mess and fewer dishes.
- Faster cooking time: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Consistent results: Perfectly cooked pasta every time.
- Kid-friendly and customizable: A family favorite that you can tweak to your liking.
Key Ingredients
To make classic Instant Pot spaghetti, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups water, divided
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives, and use your favorite store-bought or homemade pasta sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Ground Beef
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and ground beef, seasoning it with salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Break the beef into small pieces and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
Tip: After browning, add ½ cup water and scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly. This prevents a BURN warning during pressure cooking.
2. Add Sauce and Water
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well with the beef mixture. Break the dry spaghetti in half and layer it over the meat and sauce. Do not stir after adding the pasta.
3. Add Remaining Water
Fill the now-empty sauce jar with 1½ cups of water, shake gently, and pour the liquid over the dry pasta. This step helps rinse out the jar and adds necessary moisture for cooking.
Important: Resist the urge to stir once the pasta is in. Stirring can cause the noodles to clump or stick.
4. Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. It may take about 10–12 minutes for the pot to come to pressure.
5. Quick Release and Stir
Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release by opening the pressure release valve. Carefully stir the pasta, ensuring all noodles are coated in sauce. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Spaghetti
- Scrape the pot after browning meat to avoid the BURN error.
- Layer ingredients properly: Sauce beneath and water over the pasta helps cook it evenly.
- Don’t stir the pasta in: This ensures it cooks in layers and doesn’t stick together.
- Let it rest before serving: Pasta continues to absorb flavor and thicken the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Instant Pot spaghetti stores beautifully. Simply place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra sauce to refresh the texture.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot spaghetti is a game-changer for busy families and home cooks alike. It transforms a classic dish into a modern, easy-to-make meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just need a quick dinner solution, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Try it tonight, and don’t forget the Parmesan!
