If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly and tastes like it simmered for hours, then this Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Tomato Sauce, and Fresh Basil Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It brilliantly combines hearty ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and fragrant fresh basil into a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Plus, since everything cooks in the Instant Pot, you get perfectly tender pasta infused with robust flavors in a fraction of the time it usually takes. Trust me, this recipe will make weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that you can find in almost any kitchen, yet each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, hearty texture, and vibrant color in this dish.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides rich, savory protein and juicy texture.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- Drizzle of olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onions beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch to the sauce that builds depth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding richness and color.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that gives the sauce its comforting Mediterranean flair.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor in perfect harmony with the fresh cloves.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes: The base of the sauce; crush them for fresh texture.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds velvety tomato goodness to the mix.
- 1 pound thick spaghetti: The star of the dish, absorbent and hearty enough to stand up to the sauce.
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or water): Cooks the pasta perfectly while infusing extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning for balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Melts into the pasta for creamy, tangy richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds a bright, fresh pop that brings the whole dish to life.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread, for serving (optional): Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Tomato Sauce, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by pressing the “sauté” button on your Instant Pot and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the lean ground beef and diced onion, letting them brown together until the beef is nicely caramelized and the onions turn translucent. This step builds the savory backbone of your dish and fills the kitchen with that irresistible aroma that makes everyone hungry.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for about a minute—just enough for the spices to bloom and the garlic to become fragrant, deepening the sauce’s complexity. Then press “cancel” on the sauté function to pause the cooking process.
Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes, Layer Spaghetti, and Add Broth
Add the canned whole tomatoes and tomato sauce right into the pot. Use a potato masher to crush the tomatoes gently, giving your sauce a pleasant texture that’s not too chunky or too smooth. Break the spaghetti in half and layer it crosswise over the tomato mixture—this helps the noodles cook evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, then give everything a quick stir, making sure to scrape the bottom well to avoid any sticking or burning during pressure cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Spaghetti
Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to “sealing.” Pressure cook on high for exactly 8 minutes. When the timer dings, do a manual release of the pressure to keep the pasta perfectly al dente. This step is where the magic happens—pasta, beef, and tomato sauce all melding together into one harmonious dish in no time at all.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Fresh Basil
Open the lid and gently use a pasta fork or tongs to break up any stubborn clumps of spaghetti. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil until everything is velvety, fragrant, and perfectly seasoned. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving immediately. Pair it with crusty or garlic bread for a meal that feels both effortless and indulgent.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Tomato Sauce, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving by sprinkling extra grated Parmesan cheese on top, adding a few fresh basil leaves, or even a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a fun kick if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is always a hit for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the spaghetti in individual bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp or nestle the pasta around a small dollop of ricotta for extra creaminess. You could even transform the leftovers into a baked spaghetti casserole with mozzarella on top for a comforting second act.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Tomato Sauce, and Fresh Basil Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much to keep that perfect, saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly during the sauté step to build flavor.
Do I need to break the spaghetti before adding it?
Breaking the spaghetti helps it fit inside the Instant Pot and cook evenly, avoiding clumps. It also makes serving and eating much easier.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta that cooks well in the Instant Pot, such as brown rice or quinoa-based noodles.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?
Be sure to stir well after adding the broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits before pressure cooking. This helps keep the pasta from sticking and prevents the dreaded “burn” warning.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
You can! Diced peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions. Add heartier veggies like peppers or mushrooms during the sauté step, and softer greens like spinach right after cooking, stirring them in until wilted.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Tomato Sauce, and Fresh Basil Recipe perfectly blends convenience with classic Italian flavors in a way that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s fast, flavorful, and so satisfying that you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try the next time you want a delicious dinner with minimal fuss and maximum love.
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Tomato Sauce, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy classic spaghetti with a rich, savory tomato and beef sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines lean ground beef, aromatic spices, and a flavorful tomato base, all cooked together with pasta in one pot for a fuss-free meal that serves 8 hearty portions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Drizzle of olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 pound thick spaghetti
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Optional Serving
- Crusty bread or garlic bread, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: Press the “sauté” button on the Instant Pot. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pot and then add the lean ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add spices and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to develop the flavors. Then press “cancel” to stop the sauté function.
- Add tomatoes, sauce, and pasta: Pour in the canned whole tomatoes and tomato sauce. Use a potato masher to crush the whole tomatoes inside the pot. Break the spaghetti in half and layer it crosswise over the sauce mixture. Add the chicken broth to the pot, and gently stir everything together, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent any burning or sticking.
- Pressure cook the spaghetti: Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to “sealing.” Select the pressure cook (manual) function on high pressure and set the timer for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a manual release of the pressure carefully.
- Finish and serve: Open the pot and use a pasta fork to break up any clumps of spaghetti. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the spaghetti hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread or garlic bread.
Notes
- If preferred, use water instead of chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
- Breaking spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pot and cook evenly.
- Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot after adding liquids to avoid the burn warning on the Instant Pot.
- Manual pressure release after cooking prevents overcooking the pasta.
- Fresh basil adds brightness but can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- Adding Parmesan cheese at the end gives a creamy, cheesy flavor to the dish.
- Adjust salt and pepper after cooking for best seasoning.
