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The Best Instant Pot Spaghetti

A quick, one-pot Instant Pot spaghetti with browned beef and a simple tomato sauce.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Total Time9 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped finely
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 lb ground beef lean (as used)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 3 1/2 cups water divided (use 1/2 cup to deglaze, then add remaining)
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes with liquid
  • 24 oz crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce

Instructions

  • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and heat 1 tablespoon olive oil until shimmering.
  • Add the chopped garlic, onion powder, and Italian seasoning; sauté, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned; season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Drain excess grease if desired.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of the water into the pot and scrape any browned bits from the bottom to deglaze the pot.
  • Break the spaghetti noodles in half and arrange them in a criss-cross pattern on top of the meat in handfuls so they sit evenly.
  • Add the remaining water over the noodles, then pour the diced tomatoes (with their liquid) and the crushed tomatoes or pasta sauce over the center of the noodles, keeping liquid away from the pot edges as much as possible.
  • Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on HIGH pressure for 7 minutes (the pot will take ~10 minutes to come to pressure).
  • When the timer finishes, wait 1 minute, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure by switching the valve to venting.
  • Open the lid away from your face. Stir the pasta well several times; let it sit 5–10 minutes to thicken before serving.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef.
  • If using Italian sausage, reduce the seasoning by half.
  • Use about half a medium fresh onion in place of onion powder if preferred.
  • If using fresh onion, sauté it with the garlic.