Monday, August 13, 2018

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce Recipe

So 15 or 16 years ago my husband and I tried The South Beach Diet.  However, like most diets, we didn't stick with it.  One thing it did introduce us to is the idea of spaghetti squash.  I'm going to be 100% honest with you.  I tried roasting it one time and it was a nightmare.  It was such a bad experience, that I vowed to NEVER try it again.  That was until a week ago.  I was at my sister's house and we were making dinner.  She had a spaghetti squash that she needed to use, and I (because I am OBSESSED with my Instant Pot right now) suggested we try making it in the pressure cooker.  OH MY STARS!  It was an ENTIRELY different experience and that inspired me to give this Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce Recipe a try!  


This AMAZING one-pot meal is not only quick and easy, but it's also healthy and delicious!  I know you're going to love it so...

Let's Get Started!



I didn't want this recipe to be super fussy, so I kept is very simple.  I'm even using jarred sauce, which in my opinion, is a great short cut for any home cook.

For this Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce recipe you will need:


  • 1 Spaghetti Squash
  • 1 lb of Ground Beef
  • 1 jar of Pasta Sauce
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 Onion, diced
  • 1 c Water
  • 1/4 c Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper to taste


To begin you will need to prep your veggies.

When it comes to the squash I like to cut my through the middle and scoop the seeds out with a spoon.


Next you will need to set your instant pot to SAUTE and allow it to get HOT.


I like to add just a little olive oil to the pot.


Now you will add the green pepper and onion to the instant pot and cook until soft and translucent.
This takes about 2-3 minutes.


Now add the ground beef,


onion powder, garlic powder, italian seasoning, salt and pepper.


After that you can add the minced garlic.


Mix it all together and let the meat cook until it is brown and no longer pink.
This takes about 10 minutes.


Once your meat is fully cooked, you can add your jar of sauce.

This isn't sponsored, but I thought I would share that my FAVORITE jarred sauce is the Tomato and Basil one from Kroger.  It tastes the most like the one my dad used to make after I doctor it up a little.


Once you add the sauce to your instant pot fill the jar half way full of water and give it a little shake.
Now pour the water into the instant pot.


This next step is entirely up to you, but I like to add sugar to my sauce.
Growing up we always had a sweet sauce and it helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes for me.

If you are keto or low carb then feel free to leave this step out.


Now mix everything together.


At this point you will need to gently place the spaghetti squash cut-side-down on top of the sauce.


Place the lid on the instant pot and make sure the valve is set to SEALING not VENTING.


Next you will need to turn your Instant Pot to MANUAL and set the timer to 20 minutes.

Remember, the Instant Pot will need to come to pressure before the cooking time starts and that takes about 8-10 minutes.


After the 20 minute cooking time has finished you will need to turn the valve to VENTING for a quick release.

When the steam has finished releasing you can remove the lid.


After that you can take the spaghetti squash out of the pan.  As you can see it's perfectly cooked and literally falling out of the shell!


I simply use a fork to pull the squash out of the shell and there you have it.  I also like to season my squash with a little salt and pepper for taste.

Now, here are my honest thoughts on spaghetti squash.  I'm not going to be one of those people that tells you that is tastes JUST like pasta, it doesn't.  HOWEVER, I will say that the texture is perfect and it really tastes like what you season it with.  And if you think about it, that's a lot like pasta!


Now simply add a little squash to your place and serve the sauce over it!  You have a delicious, one pot spaghetti dinner, that is not only flavorful, but healthy as well.  Oh, and did I mention it was on the table in 30 minutes!  I like to pair this with a little chopped salad, and if I'm feeling REALLY ambitious, some garlic bread.  I know your whole family will love this Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce Recipe and what a great way to get those veggies in too.  Now, get in the kitchen and give it a try TONIGHT!

And as always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~





3 comments:

  1. Do you set the instpot on low pressure or high pressure????

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    Replies
    1. On my Instant Pot I just hit manual. I have never adjusted to High or Low Pressure. I would say HIGH though if I had to guess.

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  2. Love this recipe and followed except doubled for leftovers. Also added 1can petite diced tomatoes. Used Rao’s 1 jar marinara and 1 jar tomato basil. I think I add more veggies overall making it thicker. Thanks.

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