Introduction
This delicious one-pot spaghetti dish offers a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and a rich pasta sauce makes this dish exceedingly satisfying. Utilizing the Instant Pot not only simplifies the cooking process but also reduces cleanup time. Let’s dive into the details of preparing this delightful meal!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Olive oil – a drizzle for sautéing
– ½ onion, chopped
– 1 pound ground beef
– Garlic powder
– Minced garlic
– Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar pasta sauce
– 3 cups water
– 1 pound spaghetti, broken in half
– 1 can diced tomatoes, including juice
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly dinner or a quick meal for yourself, this Instant Pot spaghetti dish is sure to impress. With minimal effort, you can create a comforting and delicious meal that will please all palates!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté the Meat and Onions
Activate the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the chopped onion; cook until softened. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat and set the meat mixture aside.
Layer the Ingredients
Turn off the sauté mode. Pour half of the water into the pot. Break the spaghetti in half and layer it in a crisscross pattern to prevent sticking.
Add Sauce and Tomatoes
Pour the jar of pasta sauce, the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), and the remaining water over the pasta. Gently press the noodles down to ensure they are fully submerged.
Pressure Cook
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Quick Release
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully move the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Combine and Serve
Return the cooked meat mixture to the pot and stir well to combine. Serve hot, optionally garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Onion Flavor
If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can sauté the onion until translucent before adding the beef.
Italian Seasoning
Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning based on your flavor preference; you can add more for a stronger herb taste.
Pasta Cooking
Ensure the spaghetti is submerged in the sauce to cook evenly and prevent sticking.
Garnishing
Adding fresh basil or parsley can enhance the dish’s appearance and flavor when serving.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the pasta seems dry.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method where ingredients are cooked quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, olive oil is used to sauté onions and ground beef, enhancing their flavors and ensuring they are cooked properly before combining with other ingredients.
Layering
Layering involves arranging ingredients in a particular order to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. In this dish, spaghetti is arranged in a crisscross pattern, and sauces are added on top to prevent the pasta from clumping together during cooking.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking uses steam pressure to cook food quickly. In this recipe, the Instant Pot is utilized to pressure cook the ingredients, which helps lock in flavors and moisture, resulting in a deliciously cooked meal in a short amount of time.
Natural Release
Natural release is a technique where the pressure is allowed to release on its own after cooking. This method is beneficial for maintaining the texture of certain dishes, ensuring that the pasta and sauce do not become overcooked or mushy.
Combining Ingredients
Combining ingredients at the end of cooking ensures that flavors meld together, creating a unified dish. In this recipe, the cooked meat mixture is stirred back into the pasta, allowing the flavors to blend before serving.
FAQ
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives based on your dietary preferences.
What can I use instead of pasta sauce?
If you do not have pasta sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree as an alternative, adding additional herbs and spices for flavor.
Is it necessary to break the spaghetti?
Breaking the spaghetti helps it fit better in the Instant Pot and ensures even cooking. However, if you prefer to use whole spaghetti, you can do so if it fits in your pot.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the sautéing process or layer them with the spaghetti for added nutritional benefits.
What type of pasta can I use besides spaghetti?
You can use other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, adjusting the cooking time as necessary according to the type of pasta used.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot spaghetti with ground beef is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. The flavors of the Italian seasoning, combined with the richness of the meat and the tang of the tomatoes, create a satisfying dish that the whole family will love. It’s easy to prepare with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those who want a hearty dinner without hassle.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Spaghetti
Replace ground beef with 1 pound of lentils and add bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty meatless option.
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
Substitute ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for a kick of flavor and pair it with a spicy marinara sauce.
One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
Use chicken breasts instead of ground beef and a jar of Alfredo sauce instead of pasta sauce for a creamy pasta dish.
Seafood Pasta
Add shrimp or scallops, and replace ground beef with seafood for a delicious, light variation.
Cheesy Pasta Bake
After cooking, stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake in the oven until bubbly and golden for a cheesy twist.
