Instant Pot Spaghetti Meat

This Instant Pot spaghetti and meat sauce is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, comforting meal without standing over the stove. It brings together tender pasta and rich, flavorful sauce in one pot, cutting down on cleanup and cooking time.

I first made this recipe on a hectic weeknight and was amazed by how easily dinner came together while tasting like it simmered for hours. It quickly became a go-to for effortless family dinners.

Ingredients You Need

• Olive Oil: to gently sauté and brown the beef, adding depth of flavor — choose extra virgin for the best taste
• Ground Beef: at 85 percent lean balances rich flavor and manageable fat content
• Garlic and Onion Powder along with Italian Seasonings: build a savory and aromatic base
• Salt and Pepper: to taste enhance the overall flavor
• Spaghetti: broken in half for quick even cooking and to prevent clumping
• Marinara Sauce: packs bold tomato flavor that simmers into the meat creating a robust sauce
• Diced Tomatoes: add texture and freshness with their juices contributing to the sauce
• Chicken Broth: provides enough liquid to cook the pasta perfectly, adding a subtle savory note
• Optional Cream Cheese: softened into the finished sauce boosts creaminess and richness

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build the Base:

Set the Instant Pot to Sautee and add olive oil. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed to avoid a greasy dish.

Add Seasonings:

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Stir and scrape the pot bottom with a silicone spatula to lift flavorful browned bits and prevent the burn alert on the Instant Pot.

Layer the Pasta:

Break the spaghetti in half and crisscross the noodles evenly over the meat to help prevent sticking and ensure they cook evenly.

Add Liquids:

Pour the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes over the spaghetti. Top with marinara sauce. Check to make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.

Pressure Cook:

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 8 minutes. This short pressure cooking time cooks pasta perfectly without getting mushy.

Quick Release:

Carefully switch the pressure valve to quick release to let all steam out immediately. Avoid natural release to prevent overcooked pasta.

Finish with Cream Cheese:

Stir in softened cream cheese to enrich and thicken the sauce. Let the sauce rest a couple minutes to develop even better texture before serving.

This recipe is a favorite because it delivers traditional spaghetti and meat sauce flavors with minimal fuss. I love using good quality marinara and freshly cracked pepper for extra punch. Once, I doubled the recipe for a casual gathering and the pot was empty before the evening ended.

Smart Storage Tips

Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers and taste even better the next day once the flavors deepen. Freeze portions for quick reheating on busy days — thaw in the fridge overnight then warm gently on the stove. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen sauce and maintain creamy consistency.

Ingredient Variations

Try ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish while keeping protein high. Add mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the sauté for extra veggies and texture. Swap chicken broth for beef broth or vegetable broth to alter flavor profile.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil for refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or focaccia soaked with herb butter are great for sopping up every bit of sauce. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato and beef richness.

This Instant Pot spaghetti and meat sauce saves time without sacrificing flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal for any busy household.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of ground beef is best for this dish?

Using 85% lean ground beef balances flavor and reduces excess grease, keeping the sauce rich without being oily.

→ Why break the spaghetti noodles before cooking?

Breaking the noodles helps prevent clumping and ensures they cook evenly when layered in the pot.

→ How can I avoid overcooked pasta with pressure cooking?

Performing a quick pressure release right after cooking stops the heat promptly, preserving the ideal pasta texture.

→ What role does cream cheese play in the sauce?

Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, thickening the sauce slightly and enhancing its smooth texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish without an Instant Pot?

While designed for the Instant Pot, a similar method can be used on the stove with careful simmering and stirring to mimic the one-pot effect.