Description
Homemade Spaghetti is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family meal. This recipe features tender ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and a rich spaghetti sauce, all cooked together with spaghetti noodles in an Air Pot. It’s a convenient and delicious one-pot meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for busy individuals and families looking for a quick and hearty meal. It’s ideal for pasta lovers, home cooks who enjoy using the Air Pot or Instant Pot for easy cooking, and anyone craving a comforting, homemade dish. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s great for weeknight dinners or any time you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
Why it’s Great
- Quick and Easy: The Air Pot makes cooking this spaghetti dish a breeze, with minimal hands-on time and quick cooking.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and rich tomato sauce creates a delicious and comforting meal.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in the Air Pot, making cleanup a snap.
- Versatile: You can customize this dish by adding vegetables, using different types of pasta, or adjusting the spices to your taste.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Air Pot or Instant Pot
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 3 cups water
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti
- Sauté Onions and Beef: Turn the Air Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Once hot, add the olive oil and diced onion. Cook until the onions are slightly softened, then add the ground beef. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is fully browned.
- Deglaze and Prepare Noodles: Remove the cooked meat mixture and add water to the pot. Scrape the bottom well to prevent a burn warning. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and place them in the pot in a criss-cross pattern.
- Add Sauce and Tomatoes: Pour the spaghetti sauce over the noodles. If using, add the diced tomatoes on top of the sauce. Pour the water around the edges and over the tomatoes, ensuring the spaghetti is fully covered.
- Pressure Cook: Place the lid on the Air Pot, set the valve to sealing, and select “Pressure Cook.” Set the timer for 5 minutes. Once the time is up, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release until the pin drops.
- Combine and Serve: Open the lid and stir the spaghetti, sauce, and meat together until well combined. Serve hot with a side salad and garlic cheese toast if desired.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta used.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
What if I don’t have an Air Pot?
You can make this recipe on the stovetop. Cook the pasta separately, and prepare the sauce and meat in a skillet. Combine and simmer until well blended.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe’s simplicity and rich flavors make it a favorite among both kids and adults. With minimal prep and cooking time, this one-pot meal is convenient and easy to clean up. Enjoy this hearty spaghetti with a fresh salad and garlic toast for a complete and satisfying meal.
