Name: Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups water, divided; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce; 8 ounces dry spaghetti; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Introduction

This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort. Ground beef, tomato sauce, and spaghetti come together perfectly in one pot for a flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s simple, hearty, and ready in no time.

A white bowl filled with a single layer of spaghetti pasta coated in thick, red tomato meat sauce with small chunks of browned ground meat mixed throughout. The sauce has a rich texture with visible pieces of tomato and meat. Light sprinkles of finely grated white cheese are scattered over the top, adding a slight contrast against the reddish sauce. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a silver fork placed nearby and a dark red drink in a white cup partially visible at the top corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups water, divided
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce
8 ounces dry spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Turn the electric pressure cooker to the sauté setting. Once heated, add olive oil and ground beef. Break the beef into large pieces with a wooden spoon, then season with salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring and breaking the beef into smaller pieces, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Turn off the sauté function and add 1/2 cup of water to the pot. Scrape the bottom to release any browned bits. Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine well.
Step 3: Break the spaghetti strands in half and layer them over the beef mixture without stirring.
Step 4: Rinse the empty sauce jar with the remaining 1 1/2 cups water, then pour this over the pasta. Do not stir.
Step 5: Seal the pressure cooker lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. It will take 10 to 12 minutes for the cooker to reach pressure.
Step 6: When cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure valve. Open the lid and stir the spaghetti into the sauce until combined. Turn off the cooker, remove the insert, and serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

For added depth, sauté diced onions and bell peppers with the ground beef before adding the sauce.
Use turkey or plant-based ground meat for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce to give the dish a kick.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check your sauce label for gluten ingredients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of cooked pasta.

How to Serve

This image shows a pot filled with spaghetti mixed with a rich red tomato sauce. The sauce has visible chunks of browned ground meat spread throughout and is topped with a light sprinkle of grated cheese. The spaghetti strands are evenly coated in the sauce, creating a textured mix of noodles and meat. The shiny metal pot contains the dish and rests on a white marbled surface, adding a clean background contrast. The scene is brightly lit with natural colors and details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pasta instead of dry spaghetti?

Fresh pasta cooks much faster and can become mushy in a pressure cooker. It’s best to use dry pasta for this recipe to ensure proper texture.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Browning the ground beef enhances the flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly less rich.