Homemade Spaghetti is a classic, comforting dish that has been a staple in households around the world for generations. This recipe combines lean ground beef, savory seasonings, and your favorite spaghetti sauce, all cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot. The result is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
I have fond memories of enjoying homemade spaghetti at family gatherings. The aroma of onions and garlic sautéing in olive oil would fill the kitchen, signaling that a delicious meal was on its way. Over the years, I’ve adapted the traditional stovetop method to the Instant Pot, making it quicker and easier while still maintaining all the wonderful flavors. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 pound lean ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
3 cups water
1 jar Spaghetti Sauce (about 24 ounces)
1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
16 ounces spaghetti noodles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Set Up the Instant Pot:
Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes. This setting will help you to cook the onions and beef before pressure cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Beef
Add Olive Oil and Onions:
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the heated Instant Pot. Once the oil is hot, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the onions. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small pieces. Cook the beef until it is browned all over. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Meat:
Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of freshly minced garlic to the beef. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Remove the Meat:
Carefully remove the cooked meat and onions from the Instant Pot and set aside. This step ensures that the meat does not overcook and gives you a chance to deglaze the pot.
Add Water:
Pour 3 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, removing any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial to avoid the Burn warning when pressure cooking.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Add Spaghetti Noodles:
Break the 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pot. Arrange the noodles in a crisscross pattern to prevent them from clumping together as they cook.
Add Spaghetti Sauce:
Pour one jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce over the noodles. Spread it out evenly with a spoon.
Add Diced Tomatoes:
If you like, add one can of diced tomatoes on top of the sauce. This adds extra texture and flavor to the dish.
Add Water:
Pour the remaining 3 cups of water around the edges of the pot and over the top of the tomatoes. Gently push down on the noodles with a spoon to ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot:
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the sealing position.
Set Pressure Cook Time:
Press the Pressure Cook button and set the time for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to build up pressure before the cooking time starts.
Step 6: Release Pressure
Natural Release:
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. This helps to finish cooking the noodles without overcooking them.
Quick Release:
After the 5 minutes of natural release, carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure quickly. Wait until the pin drops before opening the lid.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Stir the Spaghetti:
Open the lid and stir the spaghetti, sauce, tomatoes, and meat together until everything is well combined.
Serve:
Serve the spaghetti hot, directly from the Instant Pot. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh dinner salad and garlic cheese toast.
Variations and Substitutions
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat spaghetti noodles for a healthier option.
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade Spaghetti is a timeless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This Instant Pot version makes it incredibly easy to prepare, cutting down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor. The rich, savory sauce combined with perfectly cooked noodles and seasoned ground beef creates a hearty and delicious meal that everyone will love.
The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you prefer a vegetarian version or want to add a bit of spice. Pair it with a fresh salad and garlic toast, and you have a complete, comforting meal ready to enjoy.
Making this dish in the Instant Pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and savor the delightful taste of homemade spaghetti.
