Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta: A Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meal

If you're looking for a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dinner, Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta is the perfect choice. This one-pot meal is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering rich flavors, tender pasta, and a savory meat sauce—all made in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stove top cooking. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and the magic of the Instant Pot, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience: No need for multiple pans—everything cooks in the Instant Pot.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25–30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families.

• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and ground beef, making it an affordable meal.

• Kid-Friendly: A delicious, comforting meal that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

• 2 cups beef broth or water

• 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penned, rotting, or shells work well)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a tablespoon of olive oil.

• Add the diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.

• Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).

• Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.

2. De glaze the Pot

• Pour in a small amount of beef broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents the dreaded “Burn” warning on your Instant Pot.

3. Add Pasta and Sauce

• Add the uncooked pasta on top of the beef mixture.

• Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the pasta.

• Pour the remaining beef broth or water over everything, ensuring the pasta is submerged but do not stir (this helps prevent burning).

4. Pressure Cook

• Lock the lid in place and set the valve to Sealing.

• Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) mode and set to high pressure for 5 minutes.

• Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to Venting.

5. Finish and Serve

• Open the lid and stir everything together.

• If you like a cheesy finish, stir in the mozzarella cheese while the pasta is still hot.

• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Choosing the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penned, rotting, or shells work best because they cook evenly under pressure.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: A leaner beef (90/10) reduces excess grease, but if using fattier beef, drain the excess fat after browning.

• Preventing the Burn Warning: Make sure to de glaze the pot thoroughly and layer the ingredients without stirring before pressure cooking.

• Adjusting the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a splash of warm water or broth and stir.

• Adding More Flavor: Boost flavor by using a mix of marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes or adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work as great substitutes for ground beef. You may need to adjust seasonings accordingly.

2. Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

3. Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

4. What’s the Best Way to Reheat?

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, or warm it on the stove top over low heat with a bit of broth to restore moisture.

5. Can I Add Vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great additions. Sauté them with the beef for extra flavor and nutrition.

6. Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?

Yes, but be cautious—gluten-free pasta tends to be more delicate. Reduce the cooking time by 1–2 minutes and do a natural release for 2 minutes before fully venting the pressure.

7. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

Yes! Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based Parmesan or vegan mozzarella.

8. What Sides Go Well With This Pasta?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta is a game-changer for busy nights when you need something fast, filling, and full of flavor. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a comforting meal that everyone in the family will love. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with extra veggies or different meats, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Give this Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Happy cooking!