What is Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta Recipes?
Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, one-pot meal that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, all cooked together in a pressure cooker. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep, cooks in under 30 minutes, and leaves you with very little cleanup. Plus, it’s creamy, cheesy, and made with pantry staples, making it a go-to comfort food recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta
- One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, reducing dishes and cleanup time.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute dinners.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Kid-Approved – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a hit with the whole family.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
How to Make Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta
Quick Overview:
- Sauté the ground beef with seasonings.
- Add broth, marinara sauce, and pasta.
- Pressure cook for 8 minutes and quick release.
- Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot with garnishes of choice.
Key Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta (penne, macaroni, or shells work best)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups beef broth or water + bouillon cube
Seasonings & Enhancements:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Cheese & Garnishes:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a drizzle of oil.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Once browned, remove excess grease if necessary and turn off Sauté mode.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta
- Pour in the beef broth (or water + bouillon) and marinara sauce.
- Stir to combine, ensuring no beef is stuck to the bottom.
- Add the pasta on top but do not stir—this prevents it from sticking or burning.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing.
- Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once done, quick release the pressure to prevent overcooked pasta.
Step 4: Mix & Melt
- Stir everything together to combine the sauce and pasta.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Final Touches & Serving
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
What to Serve With Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta
- Garlic Bread – A classic pairing to soak up the rich sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle extra Parmesan for an added cheesy kick.
Top Tips for Perfecting Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta
Best Pasta Types:
- Short noodles like penne, macaroni, or shells work best.
- Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it may clump together.
Prevent Soggy Pasta:
- Always quick release the pressure to stop the cooking process.
- Avoid stirring the pasta before pressure cooking.
No Beef Broth? No Problem:
- Use water with a bouillon cube for added flavor.
- Vegetable broth works as a great substitute.
Make It Creamier:
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Freezing:
- Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Customization & Variations
Protein Swaps:
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
Make it Spicy:
- Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
Vegetarian Version:
- Swap ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or beans.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Sauce Swaps:
- Try Alfredo, pesto, or a Mexican-inspired version with taco seasoning and cheddar cheese.
Extra Add-Ins:
- Stir in spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
More Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipes
- Shaved Beef Stir Fry Recipe – A quick and flavorful stir-fry with tender shaved beef and crisp vegetables.
- Best and Easy Oven Beef Back Ribs Recipe – Fall-off-the-bone tender beef ribs, slow-cooked to perfection in the oven.
- Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi – A Korean-inspired dish with sweet and savory marinated ground beef.
- 3-Ingredient Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes – Effortless slow-cooker beef meals with just three simple ingredients.
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