Introduction
When it comes to quick and hearty meals, few things beat the convenience and flavor of a well-prepared spaghetti dish. This recipe utilizes an Instant Pot, making it incredibly simple to whip up a comforting meal in no time. With just a handful of ingredients, you can serve a delicious spaghetti and meat sauce that the whole family will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Olive oil
– 1 yellow onion, chopped
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
– 1¾ cups water, divided
– 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half
– Parmesan cheese for serving
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes (plus time for pressure to build and release)
Total Time
Approximately 30 minutes
Yield
4 servings
This recipe is a seamless way to incorporate a comforting Italian classic into your dinner rotation, and it’s equally suitable for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy the delightful flavors and satisfying textures of this spaghetti dish, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and once the oil is hot, add the chopped yellow onion. Cook the onion until it becomes translucent, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture and break up the meat as it cooks until it is browned and cooked through. If there’s any excess grease, carefully drain it from the pot.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Turn off the Instant Pot. Pour in ¾ cup of water and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot. This helps deglaze the pot and removes any stuck-on bits from browning the meat.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Sauce
Into the pot, add the undrained can of diced tomatoes and the jar of marinara sauce. Along with these, add 1 cup of water. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Prepare the Spaghetti
Take the 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles and break them in half. Add the broken noodles to the pot, spreading them apart and crisscrossing them to help prevent sticking together.
Step 6: Submerge the Noodles
Gently press the spaghetti noodles into the sauce mixture until they are fully submerged. If you notice that some of the noodles are still sticking out, add a little more water to ensure they are covered.
Step 7: Cook Under Pressure
Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure to set the valve to the sealing position. Cook the mixture on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Step 8: Release the Pressure and Stir
Once the cooking time is done, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the lid, and then stir the spaghetti to mix it well with the sauce. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the spaghetti hot, topping each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese as desired.
Notes
Storage
Leftover spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Alternatives
Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for different dietary preferences. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, olive oil is heated in the Instant Pot, and chopped onion is added until it becomes translucent. This method enhances the flavor of the food by caramelizing the natural sugars.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a pan to help loosen and dissolve food particles that are stuck to the bottom. After browning the ground beef, water is added to the pot to scrape any browned bits, which adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking uses high pressure to cook food quickly. In this recipe, the cooked ingredients are combined with water and spaghetti, and then the Instant Pot is sealed and set to high pressure. This method allows the spaghetti to cook evenly while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Quick Release
Quick release is a method used to release steam from the pressure cooker rapidly. Once the cooking cycle is complete, the valve is flipped to release the pressure, allowing for immediate access to the cooked meal without waiting for natural release.
Resting
Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. This technique ensures a more balanced taste and better texture for the spaghetti before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta, but cooking times may vary. Check the package instructions for cooking recommendations, as thinner pastas may cook quicker.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives can be used as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water to prevent drying out.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use additional vegetables or a meat substitute along with the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and noodles.
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot spaghetti dish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce creates a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the spaghetti. Topped with Parmesan cheese, this dish will surely become a family favorite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Italian Sausage and Peppers
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage and add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms for a flavorful twist.
Vegetable Spaghetti
Replace ground beef with a mix of sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots for a vegetarian version packed with nutrients.
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Use homemade or store-bought meatballs in place of ground beef to create a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish.
Spicy Arrabbiata Spaghetti
Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for some heat and a classic Arrabbiata variation.
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti
After cooking, mix in mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly for a deliciously cheesy version.
Pesto Spaghetti
Add store-bought or homemade pesto after cooking for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Seafood Spaghetti
Switch up the proteins by adding shrimp and scallops for a delightful seafood spaghetti variation.
