This Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Bolognese is a modern, wholesome twist on a beloved Italian classic. The tender strands of spaghetti squash provide the perfect low-carb base for a robust, flavorful sauce made with ground beef, pork, and aromatic vegetables. Every bite is satisfying and packed with savory goodness. Not only is this dish a breeze to prepare in your Instant Pot, but it also feels like a gourmet meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Whether you’re embracing a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a healthier way to enjoy comfort food, this recipe delivers both taste and nourishment in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) spaghetti squash
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Directions:
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves in the Instant Pot on a trivet with 1 cup of water. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Quick release the pressure, remove the squash, and let it cool slightly before shredding the flesh into strands with a fork. Set aside.
- While the squash cooks, prepare the Bolognese sauce. Using the sauté function on the Instant Pot, heat the olive oil and butter until melted. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Deglaze the pot by adding the white wine, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure once the time is up.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over the prepared spaghetti squash. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Low-Carb Comfort Food That Doesn’t Compromise on Flavor
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Bolognese is the perfect combination of health-conscious eating and culinary indulgence. It transforms a classic Italian favorite into a modern, nutrient-packed dish that satisfies your cravings while aligning with dietary goals like low-carb, gluten-free, or keto. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its deliciousness, but also in its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests at a casual gathering, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
The Magic of Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional pasta, and for good reason. When cooked, its flesh separates into delicate, noodle-like strands that provide the perfect canvas for robust sauces like Bolognese. Unlike traditional pasta, spaghetti squash is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for people with dietary restrictions or those looking to reduce calorie intake.
Aside from its nutritional benefits, spaghetti squash is incredibly easy to prepare. Cooking it in the Instant Pot, as this recipe suggests, significantly reduces the time and effort involved. In just 7 minutes of pressure cooking, the squash transforms into tender strands that mimic the texture of pasta, providing the comfort of spaghetti with a fraction of the carbs.
The Heart of the Dish: Bolognese Sauce
What makes Bolognese sauce so universally loved is its depth of flavor. Traditionally made with a mixture of ground meats, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and wine, it strikes the perfect balance between rich and savory. In this recipe, a combination of ground beef and pork ensures a well-rounded flavor profile, while sautéed onion, carrots, celery, and garlic form the aromatic base.
One standout aspect of this recipe is the use of dry white wine to deglaze the Instant Pot after browning the meat. This step not only enhances the sauce’s complexity but also ensures that none of the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot go to waste. The addition of crushed tomatoes brings a sweet and tangy balance, simmering together to create a sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti squash strands.
The choice of dried thyme as the primary herb seasoning adds an earthy, aromatic quality to the dish, complementing the meaty richness of the sauce. You can easily customize the seasoning by adding fresh basil, oregano, or parsley, depending on your personal preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.
Why the Instant Pot is a Game-Changer
For busy home cooks, the Instant Pot is nothing short of a kitchen miracle. This recipe showcases its ability to simplify even a traditionally time-intensive dish like Bolognese. The sauté function eliminates the need for multiple pots, allowing you to brown the meat, cook the aromatics, and simmer the sauce all in one device.
Using the pressure cooking function for both the spaghetti squash and the sauce is another time-saving trick. It shortens the cooking time while intensifying the flavors, producing a rich and hearty sauce that tastes as though it’s been simmering on the stove for hours.
The Instant Pot also helps retain the nutritional value of the ingredients. Since it uses steam and pressure to cook food, it minimizes nutrient loss, ensuring that you get the maximum benefit from the vegetables and proteins in the dish.
Nutrition and Dietary Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of this dish is its nutritional profile. At just 310 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying, guilt-free meal that’s packed with essential nutrients. Spaghetti squash is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins C and B6, and potassium. Meanwhile, the Bolognese sauce contributes protein from the ground meats, as well as antioxidants and lycopene from the tomatoes.
For those following specific diets, this recipe ticks several boxes. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to fit keto or paleo guidelines. To make it dairy-free, simply omit garnishes like Parmesan cheese. And if you’re looking to make it even leaner, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork.
Versatility and Serving Ideas
What makes this recipe truly versatile is how easily it can be tailored to different tastes and occasions. You can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or swap out the white wine for red to achieve a deeper, richer flavor. The sauce also pairs beautifully with other vegetables like zucchini noodles or roasted eggplant if you want to mix things up.
For a complete meal, consider serving the dish with a side of garlic bread (if you’re not strictly low-carb) or a crisp green salad. A glass of dry white wine or even a light red like Pinot Noir can elevate the meal into a dining experience.
Family-Friendly Appeal
Despite its sophisticated flavors, this dish is surprisingly kid-friendly. The natural sweetness of the carrots and tomatoes balances the savory meatiness of the sauce, making it appealing even to picky eaters. It’s also a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your family’s diet.
If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, and you have a quick and delicious lunch or dinner ready to go. The sauce also freezes well, so consider making a double batch to save time in the future.
A Culinary Experience Worth Trying
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Bolognese is more than just a recipe it’s an experience. From the moment you cut into the spaghetti squash and discover its unique noodle-like strands to the first bite of the richly flavored sauce, it’s a dish that engages all the senses.
The combination of wholesome ingredients, quick preparation, and incredible flavor makes this recipe a must-try for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meals, cut down on carbs, or simply try something new, this dish has something for everyone.
Conclusion:
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Bolognese embodies the best of modern cooking. It takes a classic comfort food, reimagines it for today’s dietary trends, and simplifies the process without compromising on taste or quality.
As we continue to seek out healthier, more convenient meal options, recipes like this one remind us that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With its rich Bolognese sauce, tender spaghetti squash, and ease of preparation, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.