INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI

This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is made with real ingredients, extra veggies and whole grain pasta, yet it still comes together just as quickly!

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 onion finely diced
• 1 red pepper finely chopped
• 1 zucchini finely chopped or shredded
• 1 large carrot peeled and shredded
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch red chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 340 grams whole grain or high fiber spaghetti (1 regular box)
• 1 jar tomato-based pasta sauce (650ml)

Instructions

1. Turn the Instant Pot to saute, add the ground beef and onion, and cook, stirring regularly, until browned.
2. Add the red pepper, zucchini, carrots, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and chili flakes (if using). Cook and stir for 1 minute. 
3. Add the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan well with a hard spoon or spatula to remove any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (this will prevent a burn message).
4. Turn the Instant Pot off. Break the spaghetti noodles in half, and place a thin, even layer of pasta across the meat (don't stir). Place another thin, even layer of spaghetti noodles on top of the first layer in the other direction, and repeat until all spaghetti noodles are used, alternating directions each time. Basically, we want to prevent any clumps, so be sure that your layers are not to thick -- the noodles will cook in the exact place you put them. If they are in one big pile, they will cook into one big clump.
5. Top with pasta sauce, spread evenly to cover the spaghetti noodles to the best of your ability. 
6. Put the lid on, turn the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook (high pressure), and select a cook time of 2 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes to reach pressure and begin counting down.
7. When the cook time is over, turn the Instant Pot off and let pressure release naturally for 3-4, then open the valve to quickly release remaining pressure. You can also do a controlled release, by holding the valve open slightly to gradually release the pressure -- this helps to reduce splatter.
8. Stir to combine sauce and noodles. Serve.