How do you make basic spaghetti easier than the traditional method? Enter stage left-the Instant Pot spaghetti using jarred sauce! The best part is that you can walk away and do one of the five other million things you need to do while the Instant Pot makes dinner!
It begins with frozen, already-cooked ground beef. I highly recommend frying more than one pound of ground beef when you make dinner. Use one pound right away, and then pop the second pound into a freezer bag. Two cups of cooked ground beef equals one pound.
Then add spaghetti noodles, placing them crisscrossed so they are not one huge clump after you cook them. Next, pour two jars of spaghetti sauce over the noodles. Then, the water. It will seem like a ton of water, but it is needed to cook the noodles.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Meal - One Pot To Wash!
- Kid Favorite
- Gluten Free Option
What You'll Need
- Frozen Cooked Ground Beef- Prep this beforehand, or you can fry raw hamburger in the instant pot on saute mode.
- Jarred Spaghetti Sauce - two jars of your favorite sauce or marinara sauce, or if you are on a low FODMAP diet, Prego's sensitive sauce is awesome.
- Spaghetti Noodles - Use gluten free noodles if needed. I like corn rice based noodles like Barilla noodles. Regular noodles will work, too.
- Cold Water - Plain ole H2O
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions.
Selected ingredients are based on guidance on current serving sizes measured by the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App at the time of publishing. As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the cooked ground beef in the bottom of the pot liner-no need to defrost if frozen.
Step 2: Next, take the uncooked spaghetti noodles and break them in half. Lay a thin layer of noodles down in one direction, then go in a different direction, then switch again until all your noodles have been placed. By the time you are done, this will be a crisscross pattern of chaos.
Step 3: Pour the spaghetti sauce over the noodles.
Step 4: Add the water to the sides of the pot. Try not to disturb the stacked noodles and the sauce. DO NOT STIR!
Step 5: Set the cooking time for 7 minutes on high pressure. Once the Instant Pot beeps do a quick pressure release. This is important so the noodles do not overcook. Open the cover once the pin drops and give it a good stir.
Step 6: Keep stirring with a wooden spoon, and it will come together. The noodles will soak up the sauce. If needed, set the Instant Pot to keep warm for an additional five minutes, if needed.
Tips and Tricks
Use the measured water to rinse the jars of spaghetti sauce out. Gets every last drop of sauce, and the jars are ready for recycling!
Need a camping meal? This is one of our top five! It works great if it is raining. Prep the ground beef at home and freeze it until needed.
Staying in a hotel? Bring your instant pot with you! Bring everything meal prepped and use the Instant Pot for a quick dinner.
Pit Stopping at Home Before Running Again? This meal is fast enough to make on busy days when you need to run to the ball field or the gym! Easy Instant Pot meals are the solution to busy weeknights. We also love to make Instant Pot mac and cheese or Instant Pot Alfredo.
Ingredient Swaps
- Meat Options: Use ground turkey or homemade Italian sausage.
- Pasta Sauce: Use homemade spaghetti sauce made in the slow cooker.
Variations
Instant Pot Pasta: Use penne noodles instead of spaghetti noodles.
Spicy Instant Pot Spaghetti: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy option.
Topping Options
- Mozzarella Cheese - Shredded or Cubed
- Parmesan Cheese - Shaved or Grated
- Chopped Fresh Basil
- Diced Pepperoni
Storing and Reheating
Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within four days.
Reheat: Heat leftovers on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
FAQs
Yes, you sure can! It will require a bit more prep time. Place the fresh meat in the liner and use the saute function to cook the ground beef. You will want to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom; otherwise, you will get the burn notice from the browned bits.
If you have another type of electric pressure cooker, feel free to use that.
Instant Pot cooking is the easiest way to create delicious dinner options for busy weeknights. If you love mac and cheese, the Instant Pot makes a great version. Grill some chicken breasts and add a side of Instant Pot lemon rice.
What To Serve With Instant Pot Spaghetti
Serve this easy spaghetti with a lettuce salad dressed with homemade Italian dressing or homemade Caesar dressing without raw eggs. Add some grated parmesan cheese. Bake some parmesan cheese crisps, too! This is one of my favorite salty side dish options for Italian dishes.
More Loveable Pasta Recipes
Love This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating + comment. It helps so much, and we love hearing from everyone! Thank You -Venessa
Recipe
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Equipment
- 6-Quart Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen cooked ground beef (Note 1)
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles (Note 2)
- 2 23.75 ounce jars spaghetti sauce (Note 3)
- 3 ½ cups water
- Optional Toppings: Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh Basil, Pepperoni
Instructions
- In a 6-quart Instant Pot, add the frozen cooked ground beef.
- Next, take the uncooked spaghetti noodles and break them in half. Lay a thin layer of noodles down in one direction, then go in a different direction, then switch again until all your noodles have been placed. By the time you are done, this will create a criss-cross pattern of chaos, which will help prevent the noodles from clumping.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce over the noodles.
- Pour the water around the edges of the pot. DO NOT STIR.
- Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is set, and set the valve to sealing. Select high pressure/manual and dial up or down to 7 minute cook time. The Instant Pot will start on its own.
- When the cooking time is finished, quick release the pressure. Remove the lid. Stir the noodles and sauce together. The sauce may seem thin at first; let the spaghetti rest for 4-5 minutes before serving so it thickens up a bit. Serve with favorite toppings.
Clara says
Great for busy nights!
Venessa Mandelkow says
Agreed! We love using our Instant Pot for spaghetti! -Venessa