Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce: A Hearty One-Pot Dinner

Let’s be real—sometimes you just need dinner on the table fast without it tasting like a rushed job. That’s exactly why I swear by my Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce recipe. It’s hearty, comforting, and the best part? The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that rich flavor. No juggling multiple pots, no sink full of dishes—just a cozy meal in one pot.

Honestly, this has become my go-to when I want homemade comfort food but don’t have an hour to stand over the stove. My kids call it “spaghetti night magic,” and honestly, I’ll take that win.

Why Make Spaghetti in the Instant Pot?

Okay, so maybe you’re wondering—why not just boil pasta and heat up sauce separately like usual? Fair question. But here’s the thing:

• Fewer dishes – No giant pasta pot, no colander, no extra pan for the sauce. It’s literally all in one.
• Flavor boost – The spaghetti cooks in the sauce, not just water, which means it soaks up those tomato and garlic flavors beautifully.
• Time saver – We’re talking 30 minutes start to finish, with barely any hands-on time.

It’s a weeknight dinner dream, especially when you’re juggling work, homework, and maybe even laundry you forgot in the dryer (just me?).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this Instant Pot spaghetti recipe. Nothing fancy, just pantry and fridge staples:

• Olive oil – a little drizzle to sauté the onion and beef.
• Onion – half an onion, chopped, for that base flavor.
• Ground beef – 1 pound, but you could swap in turkey or sausage if that’s your thing.
• Garlic powder & minced garlic – double the garlic because we’re not messing around.
• Italian seasoning – adds that classic herby flavor.
• Salt and pepper – to taste, of course.
• Pasta sauce – grab your favorite jar, doesn’t need to be fancy.
• Water – about 3 cups, to help cook the pasta.
• Spaghetti – a whole pound, broken in half so it fits in the pot.
• Diced tomatoes – one can, juice and all, for extra flavor and texture.

Tip: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the beef. Game-changer.

Step-By-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Cooking spaghetti in the Instant Pot is easier than you think. Here’s the rundown:

1. Sauté the Meat and Onions

Turn on the sauté function and add olive oil. Toss in the onion and let it soften a bit, then add the ground beef, garlic powder, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned. Drain any extra fat and set the meat mixture aside.

(Pro tip: If you want richer flavor, don’t skip the onion—it makes a big difference.)

2. Layer the Ingredients

Turn off sauté mode. Pour half the water into the pot. Break the spaghetti in half (sorry, Nonna) and layer it crisscross-style in the pot so it doesn’t clump.

3. Add Sauce and Tomatoes

Pour the jar of pasta sauce, the can of diced tomatoes, and the rest of the water over the pasta. Use a spoon to gently press the noodles down so they’re fully submerged.

4. Pressure Cook

Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. That’s it!

5. Quick Release

Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully move the valve to venting.

6. Stir It All Together

Return the cooked meat mixture to the pot and stir well. Everything comes together into a thick, rich, and super comforting spaghetti dinner.

Sprinkle some Parmesan on top and maybe throw in garlic bread on the side (because carbs on carbs is never a bad idea).

My Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Spaghetti

• Don’t stir the pasta before cooking. Just layer and press it down gently—stirring can cause it to clump or stick.
• Adjust thickness. If the sauce feels a little thin right after cooking, let it sit for a few minutes with the lid off—it thickens as it cools.
• Make it your own. Swap beef for Italian sausage, add mushrooms, or toss in spinach at the end for extra veggies.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Nights

We all have those nights where dinner feels impossible. This recipe is a lifesaver because it:

• Takes 30 minutes or less
• Makes enough to feed a family (with leftovers!)
• Tastes like it’s been simmering for hours

It’s also super kid-friendly. I swear, even picky eaters who side-eye veggies will gobble this up.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Spaghetti

If you want to turn spaghetti night into a full-on Italian-inspired dinner, here are some sides that pair perfectly:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Caesar salad
• Roasted veggies (zucchini, broccoli, or green beans work great)
• A simple caprese salad in summer

And yes, a glass of red wine for the grown-ups never hurts. 🍷

Leftovers and Storage

This spaghetti actually tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or extra sauce so the pasta doesn’t dry out.

Freezer tip: The sauce and beef freeze beautifully on their own, but I don’t recommend freezing the pasta—it tends to get mushy.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a quick Instant Pot spaghetti recipe, this one’s a keeper. It’s hearty, comforting, and saves you from the stovetop juggle of boiling pasta and simmering sauce separately. Plus, it’s family-friendly and budget-friendly—two wins in my book.

So next time spaghetti night rolls around, skip the extra pots and pans and pull out your Instant Pot. Trust me, once you try it this way, you’ll wonder why you ever made it differently.