Contents
Introduction
If you’re searching for a hearty, satisfying meal that can be prepared in no time, look no further than this Instant Pot Ground Beef and Pasta recipe from Damn Delicious. This dish combines lean ground beef with pasta, marinara sauce, and aromatic spices, making for a delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, with the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can have a complete meal on the table in just a matter of minutes.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– olive oil: 1 tablespoon
– lean ground beef: 1 pound
– small onion, diced: 1
– garlic cloves, minced: 3
– dry red wine (optional; use beef stock as a non-alcoholic substitute): ¼ cup
– marinara sauce: 1 (25-ounce) jar
– beef stock: 1¾ cups
– campanelle pasta (or other short pasta like fusilli, cavatelli, or gemelli): 8 ounces
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– freshly grated Parmesan cheese: ⅓ cup
– chopped fresh basil leaves: ¼ cup
Prep Time
The preparation for this recipe takes approximately 10 minutes. This includes dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and measuring out your ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (including preparation)
Yield: Serves approximately 4
This Instant Pot Ground Beef and Pasta is not only quick to make but also offers a delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy a cozy evening with this easy and delicious meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot® to the high sauté setting. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned, which takes approximately 3-5 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks and drain any excess fat afterward.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Add 1 small diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in ¼ cup of dry red wine (or beef stock as a substitute) and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to deglaze it.
Step 4: Combine Sauces and Pasta
Add 1 (25-ounce) jar of marinara sauce, 1¾ cups of beef stock, and 8 ounces of campanelle pasta (or another short pasta such as fusilli, cavatelli, or gemelli) to the pot. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot®. Adjust the pressure to high and set the cooking time to 5 minutes. When the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Basil
Once the pressure is released, stir in ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the dish immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Cooking Time
Ensure the total cooking time includes the time needed for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, which may add a few extra minutes before cooking begins.
Wine Substitute
If you prefer not to use wine, beef stock is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute that adds depth to the flavor.
Cheese Options
Feel free to adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese according to your taste. You can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for different flavors.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Cook Techniques
Sauteing
Sauteing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat. In this recipe, olive oil is heated in the Instant Pot, and the ground beef is browned, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a pan to loosen browned bits stuck to the bottom. After adding the red wine (or beef stock), scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate these flavorful bits into the dish.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking utilizes steam to cook food quickly under high pressure. This recipe employs the manual setting of the Instant Pot to cook the pasta and beef mixture in just 5 minutes, resulting in tender pasta and flavorful meat.
Quick Release
Quick release is a method used to release pressure from the Instant Pot quickly once cooking is complete. This allows you to access your dish promptly without letting it continue to cook in residual heat.
Finishing Touches
Once cooking is complete, stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil adds creaminess and a fresh flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute campanelle pasta with other short pasta varieties like fusilli, cavatelli, or gemelli.
Is the red wine necessary for the recipe?
No, the red wine is optional. You can replace it with beef stock for a non-alcoholic version.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef, but the cooking time may slightly vary.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Ground Beef and Pasta is a hearty and delicious meal that’s both quick to prepare and satisfying. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful beef, and rich marinara sauce creates a comforting dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners. With minimal effort and clean-up, this recipe offers an excellent option for busy households looking for a tasty, homemade meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Mushroom and Spinach Pasta
Replace the ground beef with mushrooms and spinach for a delightful vegetarian alternative. Use vegetable stock and add some cream for a creamy texture.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Substitute ground beef with diced chicken breast and toss in a creamy Alfredo sauce along with your pasta for a rich and indulgent dish.
Taco Pasta
Incorporate taco seasoning into the ground beef mixture and top with shredded cheese and diced tomatoes for a fun, taco-inspired twist on pasta.
Seafood Marinara
Swap the beef for shrimp or a mix of seafood, allowing it to cook in the marinara sauce for a delightful seafood pasta experience.
Pasta Primavera
Mix in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with the pasta for a colorful and nutritious meal option.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Use shredded buffalo chicken instead of ground beef for a spicy, flavor-packed dish, and mix in some blue cheese for added creaminess.
