Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
This delicious Instant Pot spaghetti squash with meat sauce is the perfect healthy weeknight meal. Cozy, hearty and oh so tasty! You’re going to love this quick dinner.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce Recipe
One of my go-to comfort food meals is spaghetti. That tomatoey sauce over a bed of noodles is about as classic as it can get! But when I need a low carb dinner, I turn to this great alternative instead. Instant Pot spaghetti squash with meat sauce, it’s easy and always turns out delicious.
You can make oven baked spaghetti squash, or even air fryer spaghetti squash, but I find that the Instant Pot is typically my go to option for this recipe. With perfectly cooked spaghetti squash, I love that I can have all the enjoyable things of traditional spaghetti, without all the carbs. It’s the best of both worlds!
I’ve got other fun recipes made with a spaghetti squash boat too. My buffalo chicken spaghetti squash is to die for, and chicken, bacon, ranch stuffed squash is a family favorite. This yummy veggie with spaghetti-like strands is just so versatile and works well in many different recipes.
If you need an easy and healthy dinner, then check out this amazing dinner recipe! It’s great for busy weeknights and it’s a meal that the whole family will enjoy. You won’t even miss the regular spaghetti noodles!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
You’re going to love this super tasty recipe, especially since it doesn’t take long to make:
- Make this delicious dinner with just 5 simple ingredients. I especially love making this when spaghetti squash is in season since there’s an abundance of it to find!
- You can throw this meal together in just a half hour. Great for busy weeknights when you don’t have a whole lot of time to make dinner.
- Spaghetti squash is loaded with vitamins and nutrient, and the ground beef on top is packed with protein. A well-rounded meal!
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredient to make this spaghetti squash recipe. It’s a great meal for a busy weeknight. Here’s a list of everything to add to your grocery list:
- ground beef
- spaghetti squash
- tomato sauce
- grated parmesan cheese
- fresh basil
Substitutions and Variations
You can use ground pork, ground turkey or ground chicken in place of the beef if you prefer!
I recommend using a low sugar or no sugar added spaghetti sauce, like Rao’s, to keep this Whole30 and Paleo. You can make homemade sauce if you want too!
Add extra flavor to the spaghetti squash halves by seasoning with spices like black pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, or Italian seasoning. Those noodle-like strands topped with pasta sauce will be even more tasty!
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
Follow these basic instructions to make this quick and healthy dinner recipe:
Start by cooking the spaghetti squash in your Instant Pot. Pierce a few holes in the skin with fork or knife, then set on the rack inside your Instant Pot with a 1/2 cup of water.
Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then use a manual pressure release to release the pressure from the Instant Pot. Allow to cool enough to handle, then cut open and remove the seeds with a spoon.
Use two forks to fluff the spaghetti squash and remove it from the skin.
While the Instant Pot is cooking the squash, add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart and turning often as it cooks, until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper and continue to cook until cooked through, then drain off the some excess grease.
Top the spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and then spoon the meat mixture over the top of the sauce. Add a big sprinkle of parmesan and finish off with a few fresh basil leaves! Serve and enjoy.
How to Store Leftover Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, store the meat and sauce separately from the squash. You can freeze leftovers too! Place it into an airtight container or a freezer bag with all of the air squeezed out. Store leftovers in the freezer for 4-6 months and allow to thaw in the fridge before using.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
This great recipe can be served all on its own, but some tasty side dishes are a great addition too! Serve it with tasty things like air fryer brussels sprouts or air fryer frozen green beans. You can even add things like air fryer mushrooms on top too.
A side salad like quinoa arugula salad would also be yummy. If you’re not worried about sticking to Whole30 or Paleo, then serve this dish with some fluffy olive garden breadsticks or air fryer garlic bread.
Tips for Success
With a few tips and tricks, you can ensure that this easy meal turns out perfect every time:
- Make sure you choose a spaghetti squash that will fit into your Instant Pot without cutting it. If yours is too big to fit, then cut it in half, but part of the magic of this method is not having to cut it until it’s soft.
- Break up the ground beef into little pieces so that it all cooks well. Be sure to drain off the excess fat as well so that your dinner isn’t too greasy!
- Fluff the squash strands before adding the meat and sauce. Just use forks to twist the inside of the squash and turn it into strands that are like noodles.
FAQ
For this recipe, yes you should cook the meat before adding it to the squash. Cook the spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot and the ground beef in a skillet. Then combine the two and serve!
If you end up with mushy spaghetti squash, you likely overcooked it. Make sure you follow the instructions and use the correct cooking time. The size of your spaghetti squash may effect it too. A medium spaghetti squash is about 2.5 lbs and should be cooked on high pressure for 15 minutes.
More Instant Pot Dinner Recipes
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
- Instant Pot Pork Butt
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Instant Pot Potato Soup
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium spaghetti squash about 2 1/2 pounds
- 2 cups tomato sauce (use low sugar or no sugar added, like Rao's brand)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 small bunch fresh basil
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti Squash
- Cook the spaghetti squash in your Instant Pot: Pierce a few holes in the skin with fork or knife. Set on the rack inside your Instant Pot.
- Add a 1/2 cup of water. Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Use a MPR to release pressure (turn the knob and carefully release the steam).
- Allow to cool enough to handle, then cut open and remove the seeds with a spoon. Use two forks to fluff the spaghetti squash and remove it from the skin.
Cook the Ground Beef
- While the Instant Pot is cooking the squash, add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart and turning often as it cooks, until browned.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper and continue to cook until cooked through. Optionally, you can drain off some of the rendered fat.
Assemble and Serve
- On plates or inside the squash, top the spaghetti squash with sauce. Spoon the meat mixture on top of the sauce, then a big sprinkle of parmesan.
- Lastly, top with a few fresh basil leaves.
