Name: Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound lean ground beef (or turkey); 1/2 a yellow onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup jarred spaghetti sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 1 1/4 cups chicken broth (or water); 6 ounces spaghetti noodles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you have been searching for a comforting, fuss-free meal to brighten up your dinner routine, the Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together perfectly tender spaghetti noodles, rich tomato sauce, and savory ground beef into one pot, creating a delightful harmony of flavors in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering juicy, satisfying pasta that tastes homemade and hearty without the hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface, each containing a serving of spaghetti mixed with a brown meat sauce, topped with a light sprinkle of grated cheese. Each bowl has two slices of white bread placed on the side, resting on the rim. A fork is placed inside each bowl, with their handles pointing outward. A soft beige cloth is partially visible near the bowls. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in its simple ingredient list, each chosen to build deep taste and perfect texture. With a handful of common pantry staples and fresh elements, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a meal that’s both delicious and colorful.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef for flavor depth.
Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for the sauce.
Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and aromatic complexity when sautéed.
Garlic: Brings essential warmth and pungency that brightens the sauce.
Dried basil and oregano: Classic herbs that infuse the sauce with Italian-inspired fragrance.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season perfectly to enhance all other flavors.
Jarred spaghetti sauce: Convenient and packed with tomatoey goodness.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce’s tomato flavor and adds body.
Chicken broth (or water): Provides the necessary liquid to cook the pasta under pressure.
Parmesan cheese: Added into the sauce and for serving to boost savoriness and richness.
Spaghetti noodles: The star of the dish, perfectly tender after pressure cooking.

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Onion

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the lean ground beef. Cook for about three minutes, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat to ensure even browning. Once browned, add the diced yellow onion and continue sautéing for another four minutes until soft and fragrant. This initial step builds the rich flavor foundation that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Sauce Ingredients

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with dried basil, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pour in the jarred spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all those wonderful flavors before turning off the Instant Pot. This mixture is where the sauce comes alive with deep, comforting notes.

Step 3: Layer the Spaghetti Noodles

Take the spaghetti noodles and break them in half so they fit inside the pot. Carefully layer them over the tomato mixture, making sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid. This layering technique allows the pasta to cook evenly without sticking together, ensuring every strand is perfectly tender.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Spaghetti

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘sealing.’ Press the PRESSURE COOK button, and input 8 minutes cooking time. After the timer sounds, perform a quick, careful pressure release by covering your hand with a kitchen towel and gently turning the valve to ‘venting.’ Listen for the float valve to drop before opening the lid.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

When you open the pot, the sauce might look a bit watery, but a good stir will bring everything together beautifully. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply activate the SAUTE mode again for 2-3 minutes to let some liquid reduce. Once the sauce is at your desired consistency, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, scoop into bowls, and prepare to enjoy some incredibly flavorful, comforting spaghetti.

How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe

A white bowl filled with a tangled nest of spaghetti covered in a red-brown meat sauce, sprinkled with a light dusting of grated cheese. Two thick slices of white bread sit on top of the pasta on one side of the bowl. A silver fork leans inside the bowl on the right side. In the background, another white bowl has more spaghetti and bread. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your spaghetti elevates it both visually and in flavor. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a burst of green that brightens the plate. A handful of freshly grated Parmesan on top brings that irresistible cheesy finish that everyone loves. You can even add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This robust dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads like arugula or Caesar, offering a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side soak up any extra sauce perfectly, turning your meal into a full Italian feast. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also make for healthy, colorful companions that round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the spaghetti family-style in a large, vibrant serving bowl topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan shavings. For a fun twist, transfer the spaghetti mixture to individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins and broil with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust. Presentation can transform simple comfort food into a special occasion dish effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe keep very well. Transfer any uneaten portions to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this recipe in advance or have extra portions, freezing is a fantastic option. Store the spaghetti in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep its quality for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works well too; cover your bowl with a microwave-safe lid and heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming. This quick reheating keeps the dish tasting fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. It will still absorb all the wonderful flavors of the tomato sauce and herbs, giving you a lighter, equally satisfying dish.

Do I have to break the spaghetti noodles in half?

Breaking the noodles helps them fit into the Instant Pot better and ensures even cooking. If you use shorter pasta shapes, you can skip this step, but for traditional spaghetti, snapping them in half is recommended.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can simply substitute water if you don’t have broth on hand. The jarred spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, and seasoning will still provide plenty of flavor, so no worries.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and add extra vegetables to keep it hearty and flavorful while maintaining the comforting tomato sauce base.

Is it possible to cook this recipe on a stovetop instead of an Instant Pot?

While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot’s speed and convenience, you can adapt it for the stovetop by browning the meat and onion in a pan, adding sauce and liquid, then cooking pasta separately and combining at the end. However, the one-pot magic and quick pressure cooking are what make this version special.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines simplicity, speed, and hearty, homey flavor. The Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe hits all those notes with flying colors and makes mealtime a joy rather than a chore. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to recipes for busy days or whenever you want a cozy, soul-pleasing meal on the table fast.