There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pot pasta dinner that’s rich, cheesy, and totally hands-off.
I’ve fallen in love with this Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta because it saves time, satisfies everyone at the table, and delivers bold Italian flavors in every bite.
On busy weeknights, this dish has become my go-to.
The Instant Pot takes care of the heavy lifting, and cleanup is minimal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast, family-friendly dinner in under 30 minutes.
No need to boil the pasta separately.
Uses pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
The texture is perfectly saucy and cheesy.
Great for leftovers or meal prep.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground Beef: Lean beef browns beautifully and adds a rich base.
Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that build savory depth.
Pasta Sauce: Any traditional red sauce works; I use a 24–26 oz jar.
Penne Pasta: Holds sauce well and cooks evenly under pressure.
Italian Herbs: Basil, Italian seasoning, parsley add layers of flavor.
Ricotta & Parmesan: Creamy and salty finish—don’t skip!
Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and brings out the aromatics.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use lean beef to reduce excess grease (but still drain).
Don’t stir the pasta after adding—this prevents sticking or burn notices.
Adjust cook time based on your preferred pasta texture.
Always let the Instant Pot naturally release for best consistency.
For extra cheesiness, you can top servings with mozzarella!
How to Make Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta
Step 1: Brown the beef and aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
Add olive oil, ground beef, diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Cook and crumble the meat until no longer pink.
Turn off sauté and drain excess grease.
Step 2: Add sauce and seasonings
Pour in your jar of pasta sauce. Stir to coat the beef mixture evenly.
Then add water, dried basil, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, and a pinch more salt.
Mix everything together.
Step 3: Layer in the pasta
Add the uncooked penne on top. Do not stir!
Gently press the pasta down so it’s mostly covered by liquid.
Step 4: Pressure cook
Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Manually cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
The pot will take about 10 minutes to pressurize.
Step 5: Natural release
Allow the pressure to naturally release for 5–10 minutes depending on your preferred texture.
I go for 8 minutes for a softer result.Then turn the valve to “Venting” and release the rest of the steam.
Step 6: Add cheese
Open the lid, stir everything together, then add the ricotta and parmesan.
Mix until melty and creamy throughout. Serve warm!
What to Serve It With
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Variations / Substitutions
No ricotta? Use cottage cheese or cream cheese instead.
Swap the beef: Try ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
Change pasta shape: Rotini or rigatoni both work well.
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great add-ins.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled pasta in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or cream for moisture.
FAQs
Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but reduce cook time by 1 minute and monitor natural release closely to prevent mushy texture.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and has similar consistency to jarred sauce.
What if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese, mascarpone, or cream cheese can work as substitutes.
Why can’t I stir the pasta in?
Stirring may cause pasta to stick to the bottom and trigger a burn warning.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as it doesn’t exceed the fill line of your Instant Pot.
How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
Make sure to stir it in while the pasta is still hot so it melts smoothly.
Is this kid-friendly?
Very! Most kids love the cheesy pasta, and you can even sneak in vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta is everything a weeknight dinner should be: easy, fast, comforting, and completely crave-worthy.
It turns humble ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a staple in your recipe rotation.
Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add oil, ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until beef is browned. Turn off sauté and drain grease.
- Stir in pasta sauce, then add water, basil, Italian seasoning, parsley, and additional salt.
- Add uncooked pasta on top. Do not stir. Press down gently if needed.
- Secure lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
- Let pressure naturally release for 5–10 minutes, then vent.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/instant-pot-ground-beef-pasta/
Notes
- Use any short pasta like rotini or ziti if penne isn’t available.
- Add spinach or frozen peas after cooking for a veggie boost.
- Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.