Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce in the Instant Pot

This Instant Pot spaghetti sauce is an easy way to make a generous batch of homemade meat sauce without leaving it to simmer on the stove for hours. It uses basic ingredients, and the pressure cooker does most of the work once the initial preparation is finished.

I like serving the sauce over spaghetti squash, while different types of pasta can be used for the rest of the family. That flexibility makes it simple to serve the same sauce with the base that works best for each person.

What Ground Meat Works in Spaghetti Sauce?

You can use the ground meat you have available. I used a combination of hamburger and ground venison, but the sauce does not depend on that exact pairing. Choose one ground meat or combine different varieties according to your preference and what is already in your freezer.

Can I Make This Spaghetti Sauce Without an Instant Pot?

Yes. This sauce can also be prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

Stovetop Method

For the stovetop version, the onions, ground meat, and garlic are browned first. The remaining ingredients are then added, and the covered sauce cooks over medium-low heat. Stir it regularly as it simmers.

Slow Cooker Method

For the slow cooker version, brown the onions, meat, and garlic on the stove before transferring that mixture to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on low for six hours.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Meat Sauce

This sauce works with several familiar bases, so you can choose what you already enjoy or have on hand:

– Spaghetti squash

– Traditional spaghetti or another pasta shape

– Higher-fiber pasta

Because the sauce contains ground meat, it is hearty enough to be the main part of the meal.

Freezing Leftover Spaghetti Sauce

This recipe makes a good amount of sauce, which is helpful for stocking the freezer. Freeze the leftovers for a busy week, when having a prepared sauce can make dinner much easier. Portioning it before freezing also lets you thaw only what you need for a future meal.

Why Use the Instant Pot for Spaghetti Sauce?

The Instant Pot provides a convenient way to develop a sauce that tastes as though it has cooked much longer. It is especially useful when you want homemade spaghetti sauce but do not want to monitor a pot on the stove for an extended period.

The complete recipe card contains the exact ingredients, quantities, and pressure-cooking directions.

Print Pin

Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground Meat
• 1 Medium Onion diced
• 1 T Chopped Garlic
• 2 Cans Diced Tomatoes
• 1 6 oz Can of Tomato Paste
• 1 1/2 T Italian Seasoning
• 2 t Fennel Seeds
• 2 t Salt
• 1/4 t Ground Black Pepper
• Couple shakes of Red Pepper Flakes
• A little sweetener of choice- equivalent to 2 tsp of sugar
• 1/2 C Water
• 1 T of Olive Oil

Instructions

• 1.Turn your pressure cooker onto saute.
• Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pressure cooker pot and add the chopped onion. Saute for a few minutes. Add the ground meat and the garlic. Stir and break up the meat as it browns.
• 3.Once the meat is cooked, add all of the other ingredients and stir together.
• Put the IP lid on and lock in place. Make sure the valve is closed.
• Set to manual and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and allow natural release for 15 minutes.
• 6.When time is up, do a quick release. Remove lid when pressure has been released.
• 7.Stir and ladle on top of your choice of pasta.