If you are craving a rich, hearty sauce that bursts with flavor and vibrancy, look no further than the Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe. This delightful homemade sauce combines the savory goodness of ground beef and pork with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in your Instant Pot. It transforms simple pantry staples into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re after a quick dinner fix or planning for meal prep, this sauce is a game changer you’ll want to keep in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a spectacular sauce. Each element adds its own unique touch, contributing to the texture, depth of flavor, and appealing color that make this Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe truly special.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon of olive oil brings a lovely base for sautéing and enriches the overall flavor.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Carrots (2 large, peeled & chopped or sliced): Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped): Provides a delicate crunch and enhances the savory background.
- Extra lean ground beef (1.5 pounds): Infuses hearty meatiness without excess fat.
- Lean ground pork (1.5 pounds): Adds juicy richness and balances the beef’s robust flavor.
- Mushrooms (7 ounces, chopped): Offer an earthy umami note, boosting complexity.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Packs a pungent and irresistible aroma.
- Tomato sauce (13.5 ounces, canned): Forms a smooth rich tomato base.
- Stewed or diced tomatoes with juices (28 fluid ounces, canned): Introduce chunky texture and fresh acidity.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Provides that quintessential Italian herb-spice blend for authenticity.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds tangy depth and subtle sweetness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Heavy or whipping cream (1/2 to 3/4 cup, optional): Gives the sauce a luxuriously creamy finish if desired.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start off by washing, peeling, and chopping all your vegetables—onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms—while mincing the garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Turn on your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the olive oil. Once warm, toss in the onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes. This step softens the veggies and builds a fragrant base that locks in flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat
Add both the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break the meat apart and stir frequently to ensure it browns evenly and the vegetables on the bottom don’t stick or burn. This step typically takes about 10 minutes and will infuse the sauce with that wonderful meaty aroma.
Step 4: Mix in Remaining Ingredients
Now add the chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and give everything a good stir. Resist the urge to season with salt and pepper yet; wait until after cooking to adjust perfectly.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Sauce
Make sure the valve on your Instant Pot is set to “sealing”. Select the high-pressure cooking setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. This brief but intense cooking infuses all the ingredients with deep, harmonious flavors.
Step 6: Release Pressure and Finish
Once cooking is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes to keep the sauce tender and flavorful. Afterward, carefully do a quick release to drop any remaining pressure if you need to serve immediately.
Step 7: Season and Add Cream
Season your sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste—this step is key since the recipe yields a large batch that needs ample seasoning. Stir in the heavy cream if you’re using it, which adds a buttery smooth richness that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is an absolute classic to sprinkle on top, adding a salty tang and extra layer of indulgence. For a pop of color and fragrance, toss in some chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving—it brightens the sauce elegantly.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs beautifully with classic spaghetti or any pasta shape you prefer. Garlic bread or a crispy baguette on the side is perfect for soaking up every last bit. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also complements the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this sauce into a baked spaghetti casserole with cheese and noodles for an easy crowd-pleaser. Alternatively, use it as a hearty base for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes. The versatility of this Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe means you can get creative and tailor it to your family’s favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your sauce cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will remain delicious for up to four days, making it ideal for busy weeknight meals.
Freezing
This sauce freezes beautifully—portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Frozen sauce will keep well for up to three months, so you can always have a homemade meal ready in a pinch.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. A splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of ground meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use all ground beef or all ground pork. The combination adds extra flavor complexity, but each meat works well alone.
Is it necessary to add the cream?
No, the cream is optional and simply adds a luscious texture and richness. If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to skip it.
Can I make this sauce without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can simmer the sauce on the stove in a large pot, allowing it to cook low and slow for about an hour to develop flavors. The Instant Pot just speeds up the process wonderfully.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
Spaghetti is classic, but feel free to serve this sauce with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well. It’s delicious no matter the choice.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the ground meat and add extra mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe is one of those homemade dinners that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Give it a try for your next meal and watch your family fall in love with homemade sauce all over again.
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Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Meat and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, flavorful meat sauce made with a blend of ground beef and pork, fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and a rich tomato base. The sauce is quickly cooked under pressure, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in just over 30 minutes total. It’s perfect for a comforting pasta dinner and can easily be portioned and frozen for later meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped or sliced
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 7 ounces mushrooms (white), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Meats
- 1.5 pounds extra lean ground beef
- 1.5 pounds lean ground pork
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can stewed or diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients by chopping the onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and mincing the garlic to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté Vegetables: Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add olive oil. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the Instant Pot. Stir frequently to combine with the sautéed vegetables and prevent sticking or burning. Continue sautéing for about 10 minutes until the meat is mostly browned, even if not fully browned in all areas, due to the large quantity.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced or stewed tomatoes with juices, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Do not add salt, pepper, or cream yet.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes to blend the flavors and cook the sauce thoroughly.
- Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes to maintain moisture and flavor, then quick release any remaining pressure if needed.
- Season and Finish: Open the lid carefully. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind this recipe makes a large batch requiring generous seasoning. Stir in heavy or whipping cream if using, to add richness and a creamy texture. Serve warm over your favorite pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Portion and freeze any leftovers promptly for future meals.
Notes
- Using both beef and pork adds depth of flavor and richer texture to the sauce.
- You can adjust seasoning levels at the end; start with less salt and add more as needed.
- The cream is optional but adds a luxurious silky finish to the sauce.
- Make sure the Instant Pot valve is set to sealing before pressure cooking to avoid steam escaping.
- Leftover sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Serve with your favorite pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
