Homemade Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender noodles with a savory meat sauce to create a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe simplifies the process by using an Air Pot (or Instant Pot) to streamline cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a warm, delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
With perfectly seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, and a rich spaghetti sauce, this one-pot meal delivers all the flavors of a traditional spaghetti dinner with minimal cleanup. Pair it with a fresh salad and garlic cheese toast for a complete family-friendly feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick and Easy: The Air Pot handles the heavy lifting, reducing cooking time and effort.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Classic Flavor: Traditional Italian seasonings bring out rich, bold flavors.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
• 3 cups water
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce (about 24 ounces)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Meat
1. Set your Air Pot to the “Sauté” function.
2. Add olive oil and diced onions. Sauté until the onions are softened.
3. Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pot
1. Remove the cooked meat and set aside.
2. Add 3 cups of water to the pot and scrape the bottom thoroughly to prevent a “Burn” warning.
Step 3: Layer the Spaghetti
1. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and layer them in the Air Pot in a criss-cross pattern to prevent clumping.
2. Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the noodles.
3. Add the can of diced tomatoes on top of the sauce, if using.
Step 4: Add Water and Pressure Cook
1. Pour the water around the edges of the pot and over the tomatoes to ensure the noodles are covered.
2. Gently press the noodles down without stirring to keep them submerged.
3. Place the lid on the Air Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.”
4. Select the “Pressure Cook” function and set the time for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Release the Pressure
1. Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
2. Perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting” until the pin drops.
Step 6: Mix and Serve
1. Open the lid and stir the spaghetti, sauce, tomatoes, and cooked meat together until well combined.
2. Serve immediately with a side salad and garlic cheese toast, if desired.
Tips
• Prevent Sticking: Layer the spaghetti in a criss-cross pattern and avoid stirring before cooking.
• Customize the Flavor: Add red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a splash of red wine for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Homemade Spaghetti is a classic dish with timeless appeal. This Air Pot version makes it quicker and easier than ever while retaining all the bold, comforting flavors you love. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy!
