Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta

Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta — kinda speaks for itself, doesn’t it? Creamy, cheesy, comforting, and all the things you love in one dish, plus half the cooking time you’d normally need. And it’s a great way to use those pantry staples! 

For more terrific Instant Pot recipes, check out my popular posts for Instant Pot Chicken Marsala, Instant Pot Pot Roast and Potatoes, and Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos. 

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients

• Marinara sauce – any favorite store bought or homemade version will do here.
• Short, uncooked pasta noodles like shells, macaroni, penne, bowties.
• Freshly grated mozzarella cheese – only use freshly grate! The pre-shredded cheese is packaged with a powdered coating, that will keep it from melting properly.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – optional but I highly recommend it! Just add a pinch, or more to your personal taste.

Here’s How You Make It

Once you get all your ingredients together, it’s time to make the cheesy beef and shells dish of your dinner dreams! 

1. First, set your pressure cooker to Saute. Drizzle with the oil, and then add the ground beef. Saute the beef for about 4-5 minutes, breaking the beef as it cooks. When it’s browned all the way through, stir in the Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence, and the garlic and saute for another minute. 

2. Transfer the ground beef and spice mixture to a bowl and cover it to keep it warm.  (not pictured)
3. Next, add the marinara, water, broth, noodles, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to the pot and stir. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and lock it down. Turn the vent valve to the “sealed” position. 

4. Set the pot to Pressure Cook or Manual for 8 minutes. When the 8 minutes is up, do a quick release and remove the lid when the float valve drops or the steam is completely out of the valve cover. 
5. Stir in the ground beef mixture and the cheese. When the cheese is melted, salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or thyme if you like and serve. 

Customizations

The other great thing about this dish is that it can be customized to your liking. Here are some ideas for ways to change up this pasta and beef Instant Pot dish. 

• If you don’t have or don’t like ground beef, you can use any other ground meat such as turkey or chicken if you like. 
• To make the dish spicier, consider using ground Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Follow the directions as stated. 
• For a little bit extra nutrients, you add frozen peas or corn or both during step 3. 
• If you want to make this vegetarian, swap out beef broth for vegetable broth and consider adding beans instead of meat. Saute the garlic and spices with the beans, remove the beans to keep warm (as you would the meat) and transfer back during step 7.
• Add onions and saute them with the garlic. 
• Instead of marinara sauce, use a homemade (or store bought) alfredo sauce. (For an alfredo recipe head to my Browned Butter Alfredo Sauce.) 
• Switch up the spices from Italian to Mexican by subbing cumin and chili powder for the Italian seasonings and swapping cheddar for the mozzarella. 

Expert Tips and Tricks

So you want to make the very best Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta? I’ve got you covered. Just follow my tips for a fail-proof dinner the family will love!

• Using smaller pasta works best. If you want to use spaghetti, be sure to break it up into smaller pieces first. 
• You want to cook the meat first and remove it before cooking the pasta in the Instant Pot, otherwise, the ground beef will soak up too much of the liquid and leave you with a hard pasta, or it’ll be all lumped together and not too appetizing. 
• If you don’t have garlic to mince, you can use the jarred garlic or I’ve even seen frozen cubes. 
• If you’re short on broth, you can make your own with water and bullion cubes. Simply follow the directions on the box/jar of cubes/bouillon you have at home. Chicken, beef, or even vegetable bullion will work! 
• Make sure to vent the Instant Pot right away and don’t let it self-vent or your pasta will get too mushy.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

• Ground Beef Stroganoff – cozy, one-pan dinner , ready in just 30 minutes!
• Cheesy Bacon Alfredo Shells – this is sure to become your new comfort food favorite!
• Creamy Sausage Pasta – quick, creamy pasta dinner with savory sausage and lush sauce…it’ all about that creamy sauce!
• Lasagna Soup – all the flavor of a classic bake with just one pot and less fuss!
• Steak with Mushroom Sauce – transform any cut into a gourmet feast.
• Chicken and Mushroom Pie – take cozy to the next level and still impress!
• Stuffed Shells – easy and delicious!
• Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe – warm up your week with this 30 minute meal.
• Ground Beef Tacos with Taco Seasoning from Scratch – taco night-upgraded!
• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – craving comfort food? Dive in and get cozy with a bowlful of warmth.