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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta

This Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort dish—hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s made with pantry staples, cooks in under 30 minutes, and doesn’t require boiling the pasta separately. A creamy blend of ricotta and Parmesan takes this saucy beef pasta to the next level.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar 24–26 oz traditional pasta sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 box 16 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add oil, ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook until beef is browned. Turn off sauté and drain grease.
  3. Stir in pasta sauce, then add water, basil, Italian seasoning, parsley, and additional salt.
  4. Add uncooked pasta on top. Do not stir. Press down gently if needed.
  5. Secure lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
  6. Let pressure naturally release for 5–10 minutes, then vent.
  7. 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.