Instant Pot Beef and Noodles Recipe
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Warm up your kitchen with a hearty and delicious meal of Instant Pot Beef and Noodles. This one-pot wonder is a comfort food classic, made with tender beef, sausage, bow tie noodles and a delicious savory sauce. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare and cooks the meal to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stove. Get ready for a mouth-watering meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend in.
This Beef and Noodles recipe is a simple option for dinner as it is made all in one pot with very little effort, and comes together quickly for those busy nights. Combining ground beef, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasonings all cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce makes the best beef and noodles recipe. Seriously, this meal is sure to be a favorite in your family.
We use the Instant Pot more than almost any other kitchen appliance. It is a fantastic tool once you incorporate it into your routine and learn what it has to offer. We use it to make soups, noodle dinners, our own yogurt, even cheesecakes!
Where does beef and noodles come from? The basic Beef and noodles recipe is a popular dish that has roots in various cultures and cuisines. It’s a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations and can be found in many different variations around the world.
We love this homemade Beef and Noodles recipe. At the bottom of this post we link a few more of our favorite beef and noodles recipe. You’ll find our beef and noodles recipe for the skillet dinner which has more of a cowboy trail dinner vibe. It also has instructions for both the instant pot and its a recipe for crockpot beef and noodles too. Highly recommend!
In the United States, Beef and Noodles is often associated with Midwestern cuisine and is a staple in many households. The dish typically consists of tender beef, egg noodles, and a savory gravy or sauce, and is often served with vegetables or mashed potatoes.
It’s believed to have originated as a simple, hearty, and economical way to feed a large family or group, as the ingredients are readily available and can be prepared in bulk. Over time, it has evolved into a comfort food classic and remains a popular dish in many homes today.
We have had to modify this recipe a bit for the instant pot. We traded out the egg noodles for pasta that will cook more reliably in the instant pot without giving you the dreaded BURN message.
Can you cook pasta in your Instant Pot?
Like we said before, we use the Instant Pot multiple times a week and it’s easily become our favorite kitchen tool. You can cook pretty nearly anything in it, including pasta! Yes, dried pasta noodles can be cooked in your Instant Pot for recipes like this where you are throwing everything together for a goulash type meal.
Cooking pasta in your Instant Pot on their own could definitely be done too, but you wouldn’t be able to ensure that they cook al dente. For a recipe like this the noodles absorb so much flavor and seasoning, and they cook to a perfect consistency every time.
For our beef and noodles recipe it works great to cook the recipe with the noodles since this recipe is really quick to cook in the instant pot. But be careful of using pasta in the instant pot for longer recipes. Best to cook the pasta separately or include it at the end of the recipe.
Which Noodles Cook Best in an Instant Pot?
For an all in one pot beef and noodles recipe like this we find that thicker style pasta noodles work best. They cook to a pleasant texture and balance everything out. Our favorites are penne and large bow tie pasta. Smaller pastas will of course be fine, but they may cook too soft and not hold their shape and texture due to the cooking time.
For this Instant pot recipe beef and noodles dinner I usually make it with my frozen homemade roasted peppers and frozen whole tomatoes from our own garden. You can always use jarred roasted red peppers and canned whole or diced tomatoes if that’s what you have.
Do you have to saute beef before cooking it in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot provides the convenience of ‘hands off cooking’ and does not require meat to be seared or sauteed before cooking it in the Instant Pot. However, for meat recipes like this we love utilizing the sauté function that is built into the Instant Pot.
Sautéing or searing meats gives a wonderful depth of flavor to your instant pot meal so we highly recommend it first.
How do I thicken up my beef and noodles?
I doubt you will need to thicken up this beef and noodles recipe in your instant pot but if you want it really thick, There are several ways to thicken beef and noodles:
NOTE: Before you thicken this recipe cook it first. You want to thicken instant pot recipes after cooking. Release the pressure on the instant pot. Now set it to the sauté function. Proceed with your preferred method below.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce or gravy in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Flour: Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a paste. Stir the paste into the sauce or gravy in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Roux: Make a roux by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, then whisking in 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir the roux into the sauce or gravy in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Reduce the Liquid: BE CAREFUL HERE. We need some liquid to cook the noodles. Cook the recipe and THEN see if you need to reduce the liquid after cooking If the sauce is too thin. You can simply allow it to simmer and reduce in the Instant Pot until it thickens to the desired consistency.
Note: You may need to adjust the amount of thickener used based on the desired thickness of your sauce or gravy.
Beef And Noodles Recipe Tips:
As Instant pot Italian beef and noodle dinners go, this one is a winner. The flavors are similar to lasagna, it is quick and easy to make, and we love it.
NOTE: The balsamic vinegar is an important ingredient in this recipe so be sure you have some on hand, it brings that rich, signature Italian flavor to the meal. If you are out of balsamic vinegar do not substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, the flavor will become too acid and not pleasant.
The Instant Pot Pasta Recipe Tricks:
The manual cooking pressure for this recipe is low as some folks have had trouble with this recipe cooking too hot and burning to the bottom.
Large bow tie or penne noodles, and other thick noodles, cook will cook perfectly in five minutes on high. Smaller, thinner pasta will likely over cook.
If you’re new to the Instant Pot or have never cooked pasta in the instant pot please follow the instructions for this beef and noodles recipe carefully.
TIPS:
Here’s how to adjust the pressure to low pressure as I suggest in the recipe.
There is a pressure button right above the manual button on your instant pot control panel. At least that is true on my 6 quart duo-Your Pressure cooker may have a different panel.
If you push this button it toggles back and forth between high and low pressure. A light will light up in the bar above the pressure button and the less normal more button that shows you if the pot is on high or low pressure.
I hope this helps. If you have a different pressure cooker please refer to your manual on how to adjust the pressure to low for this recipe.
At serving sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top for flavor and garnish as desired.
This instant pot ground beef recipe with bulk Italian sausage is full of delicious Italian flavor.
Beef and Noodles Recipe Printable Recipe Card:
PLEASE NOTE: We made a video demonstration for you on this recipe. I says to natural release the instant pot once the dinner is cooked. That is incorrect. I meant to say QUICK release.
Instant Pot Beef and Noodles Recipe
A very fast, easy and delicious dinner with lots of Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz. can can of whole or diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 Tablespoon Avocado oil (or any oil)
- 1 lb. Mild Italian bulk sausage
- 1 lb hamburger
- 4 cloves garlic-chopped
- 1/2 Cup roasted peppers-chopped
- 12 oz. uncooked pasta, (choose a thick pasta like penne or bow ties)
- 1 8 oz. can can tomato paste
- 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 1/2 Cups water
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
Select saute' function on NORMAL and add the oil.
- Add the meat and break it up into bite sized chunks and cook until completely browned. (I use the GLASS lid during saute' to keep the splatters in the pot)
- Add the chopped garlic and chopped peppers and stir.
- Add the uncooked pasta and the water.
- Add the liquids and the tomatoes. Stir it all together.
- Secure the PRESSURE COOKING lid. Vent closed.
Select MANUAL function. Select ADJUST and set the time for 5 minutes.
- Select PRESSURE button and choose LOW pressure. (See notes on this in recipe notes)
- Seal the vent.
- When cooking is done turn the instant pot OFF and use quick release. The pasta should be completely cooked but not mushy. If it needs a few more minutes, hit the Saute' function button and cook until you're happy with the noodles. (mine came out perfect)
- At serving Sprinkle the Mozzarella cheese over the top for flavor and garnish as desired.
Notes
The total time on this recipe is around 40 minutes. The instant pot should come to pressure in 10 minutes or so after it is loaded, locked down and set.
Once it counts down the 5 minutes and beeps. Shut it off! Quick release the pressure valve and at serving garnish with the cheese.
Note on Video Demonstration: I incorrectly said natural release on the video. PLEASE QUICK release the pot once it's done.
Note on the pasta: I have made this recipe several times with different pastas. I would choose the bow tie pasta or other thick pasta like penne.
*TIP: Don't use very thin egg noodles or other thin noodles for this recipe. I have had good luck with penne noodles and spiral noodles and the bow ties.
*TIP: Use ONLY balsamic vinegars. If you don't have it omit it.
*Tip: If you DO get the burn message turn off you pot and quick release immediately. The dinner is usually fine to serve. A few noodles may have stuck to the bottom.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1 1/2 CupsAmount Per Serving Calories 463Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 61mgSodium 899mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 20g
More Easy Pasta Dinner Ideas:
Here is our entire selection of Instant Pot recipes for you. Perfect for busy nights and makes fantastic leftover meals.
Try these chicken pasta dinners when you want something new on the dinner table.
For more Beef and noodles recipe start here!
- Instant pot vegetable soup recipe with beans and Barley Dinner
- instant pot Greek Yogurt
- Instant Pot New York Cheesecake
- Instant Pot White Chocolate Cheesecake
- Instant Pot Bone Broth
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
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This Recipe is featured in 14 Recipes That Will Convince You To Buy An Instant Pot. Lots of great instant pot recipes in this collection!
Recipe adapted from The Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Book
Made this tonight. Followed the directions exactly and it turned out perfectly! I used whole grain penne for the pasta.
Very good dish and so easy! Thank you!
Hi Andrea, That’s wonderful to hear! So glad you enjoyed this dinner. Thanks for sharing that it worked well with whole grain penne. That is so helpful. Appreciate that you rated the recipe too. Have a great day!
I was just wondering if I need to remove the fat after cooking the ground beef and sausage, because your recipe doesn’t specify. I’m assuming that i should do that because, ew, who wants their food to have all that fat in it?
Hi Andrea, Yes, If you are using a high fat meat you will need to drain it after browning the beef. We use a lean beef so I never need to drain it. Thanks for bringing this up! Have a great day!
I made this tonight and it is so delicious! I cut the balsamic vinegar in half and I think it was perfect. Great easy meal for when we have guests too because it makes a lot!!
Hi Andrea, It’s wonderful to hear you love it like we do. Thank you so much for the lovely feedback and rating. Have a great day!
Couldn’t wait to try this recipe. Followed the instructions to a T but my meat and noodles also burnt to the bottom and it never sealed. Cleaned the bottom of the pot and tried again and it did the same thing!! If I try it again I would definitely add more liquid.
Hi Mike, I am so sorry you had trouble with this recipe. I’m wondering if you used low pressure. I also recommend bow tie or other sturdy noodles rather than thin egg noodles. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I hope you do try this recipe again and have better luck!
Good evening – I’m a complete newbie and I can’t seem to adjust the temperature while I have it in manual mode. Maybe I’m doing something wrong; any advice? Bruce
Hi Bruce, In manual mode you cannot adjust the temperature. But you can adjust the pressure to low pressure as I suggest in the recipe. There is a pressure button right above the manual button. (at least that is true on my 6 quart duo-Your Pressure cooker may have a different panel) If you push this button it toggles back and forth between high and low pressure. A light will light up in the bar above the pressure button and the less normal more button that shows you if the pot is on high or low pressure. I hope this helps. If you have a different pressure cooker than I do please refer to your manual on how to adjust the pressure to low for this recipe. Thanks for the question. Please let us know how this recipe turns out for you. Have a great day!
My Husband and I rather enjoyed this meal as it is similar to a recipe I have made before in the oven that he LOVES. We did find the amount of balsamic vinegar was a little overpowering for us. We will certainly be making again with less vinegar, and more garlic!
Hi Heidi, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this recipe. Adjusting the flavors to suit your tastes is what homemade is all about. Our others readers will benefit from your comment. Thanks again and Have a great day!
You should really fix the 2 1/2 cups because I thought it said 21/2 cups as in 10 and half cups of water. So maybe it’s just me but I did not catch it until to late
Hi Chantel, I’m so sorry for the misunderstanding. I will update the recipe with the space in there. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
I got the lux mini for Christmas and was going to half this recipe , but my instant pot does not have a low pressure option. ? Anyway to cook this on high?
Hi Heather, Congratulations on your new instant pot! I have cooked this recipe on high pressure in my 6 quart and it was fine. Here’s hoping it will work well for you too. Please let us know how this turns out for you. Thanks so much for your question!
I tried it on high pressure and it worked great! I did take the pot out to cool after cooking the meat while adding the other ingredients (idk if that helped to keep it from burning). Most of the pasta was perfect but did find a few under done while we were eating. Next time I will try the sauté function after cooking to help with that. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Heather, YAY! I’m delighted to hear it worked for you in your smaller IP on high pressure. I think you could have left the pot in place as long as nothing was sticking or burning. I really appreciate you coming back to share with our readers how this recipe worked for you. Have a great day!
This was really good. The bowties mimic lasagna noodles. Perfect quick meal.
Hi Deborah, Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. Happy New Year!
I just got my Instant Pot for Christmas and I’m definitely going to make this recipe! .. I was wondering if you have tried gluten free noodles? Curious if they get mushy?
Hi Jen, Although I have never tried gluten free noodles in this recipe I’m pretty sure it will work. Have you tried the Banza brand gluten free noodles? They may hold up ok. TRY THIS: DO NOT stir in the noodles. Rather, layer them over the browned hamburger after you add the water. Just layer all the other ingredients on top of the pasta and cook as directed. Please let me know how it comes out for you. Happy Holidays!
If I double this recipe will I need to cook it for 10 minutes? I have an 8 at instant pot.Thank you.
Hi Mary, I would add only one more minute to the manual LOW pressure cooking time. Since all you are really doing is cooking the pasta and melding flavors. I’d love to know how it goes for you. Thank you for your question and have a great day!
I made Italian sausage links with jar of pasta sauce, tablespoon of minced garlic and onions with bowtie pasta. Sautéed sausages until browned, deglazed with Sherry. Added rest of ingredients and 7 minutes on medium on 3 quart IP mini
Not enough time, 10 minutes next time.
Hi Karen, Thanks so much for sharing your experience with this recipe in your 3 quart. So helpful!
My instapot seemed to take forever and then said BURN. The pasta and meat burned to the bottom so it wouldn’t pressurize. Directions for the machine said not to add pasta on the pressure cook setting for this reason. Not sure how you all did it?
Hi Jaime, I have made pasta in my instant pot with lots of different recipes. I have three pasta recipes on the blog that we love. This is one of those. I have made it more than once and it has turned out fine for me. That is actually frustrating because I can’t offer you much help. I have never seen the BURN message on my instant pot.
Are you using the 6 quart 7 function DUO? That is the pot I use. It’s okay to use pasta in the recipe as long as the recipe is mostly cooked on the saute’ mode and only pressure cooked about 5 minutes. Are you quick releasing the pot? The recipe calls for that and I assume you do. Letting the pot natural release would certainly over cook the pasta and might cause it to burn. I am sorry you had trouble with this recipe.
Is the manual pressurized setting already at a defaulted? Or can I adjust it?
Hi April, The instant pot has a default High pressure setting for the manual function. If you wish to lower that setting to low pressure, push the pressure button(Found directly above the manual button) immediately after pushing the manual setting and you can choose low pressure rather than high pressure. I hope that helps. Enjoy!
Hi, I noticed that water is listed twice in the list of ingredients – once as 1/2 cup and again as 2 cups.. so do I just dump 2 1/2 cups of water in?
Hi Joanne, Yes that’s right. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I have made it more clear in the recipe. Please let us know how this turns out for you. Have a great day!
Hi Diane,
This is my first ever instant pot recipe and loved it. I had trouble though because part of the meat started burning the he bottom hence the burn notice on the display. I got scared and added water. However both times I put 5 min on pressure cooker, the pot did not pressurize at all the pin didn’t seal the pot. Wondering about this if you know what went wrong or have any experience similar? However, the pasta somehow is cookes and the dish flavorful. Thanks!
Cris
Hi Cris, I’m delighted you like this recipe. I remember how confusing it was for me to begin with this strange new method of cooking. One thing that will help you is to learn the adjust key.
The saute function is set to medium on your instant pot by default.
If you prefer to reduce the heat during saute: Press the saute’ key and immediately (in the first few seconds before you hear function beep) hit the adjust button until the the LESS light it on (It’s under the low pressure/ high pressure display lights). The adjust button is a handy tool to keep control of your cooking in the instant pot. Sort of like turning down the burner on your stove when in saute mode.
As far as the pot not pressurizing. Make sure your silicone seal is properly installed. If it has a gap in the seal (Not set into the prongs all the way around usually) the seal cannot happen. Otherwise, It may be the pop up on top of your lid is not quite straight and may not be able to pop up correctly. If it does not pop up and you think it should take a toothpick or some other small object and try to adjust it so it seals. I have had this happen occasionally.
I recommend you join the Instant Pot Facebook Community. It is full of great experience and advice on the use of your instant pot and great recipes. I hope I have helped! have a great day 🙂
Hello,
I had a problem with my new instant pot not coming to pressure as well (while cooking chicken breasts). I called customer service and they advised me to make sure that I had a minimum of a cup of liquid in the pot when cooking meat. She advised me to add another half cup of water. (After she had me check the ring, valve, etc.). The extra liquid worked, and since then I’ve been more careful to make sure I use a little extra liquid in recipes.
Hi Julie, Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I am rewriting the post to call for a 20 oz.can of tomatoes. It’s possible different varieties of fresh tomatoes (or fresh frozen) are not juicy enough to give the correct amount of liquid need. I will also add another 1/2 cup of water to the recipe. I am so glad you mentioned the liquid. I never considered the liquid since my frozen tomatoes had plenty. Thanks so much!
I have had this happen also, the pot does not pressurise. I put my lid in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This seemed to fix the issue.
Hi Ilona, Thanks for the tip. I never would have thought cooling the lid would help pressurize the pot. I will give it a try if I have this issue. Appreciate your stopping by to share your experience. Happy Holidays!
How many does this serve? I’m confused it doesn’t cook under pressure?
Can’t wait to try!,
Thanks
Judy
Hi Judy, this recipe does cook under pressure on manual for five minutes. It goes under pressure after the saute is done. Have a great day and please let us know how this recipe turns out for you!
This looks great, I just got my instant pot and I am planning on trying this tonight. One questions do you drain the grease from the pot after browning the hamburger/sausage?
Hi Megan, I think you will love your new Instant pot! This is a good first recipe. I use low fat hamburger and sausage so I don’t drain mine. Instant pots do NOT evaporate liquids when under pressure. SO, If you brown the meat and it’s swimming in grease I would definitely drain it off. Enjoy your instant Pot. We would love to know how you like this meal! Have a great day!
So I bought whole tomatoes and threw them in Whole and they were still Whole when it was done. I just picked them out and threw them away bc I didn’t want to taste the bitterness. This meal was amazing. But I just don’t get the point of adding the whole tomtoes is they don’t break up when cooking!
Hi Stephanie, I’m surprised the whole tomatoes didn’t break down. Mine always do. It may be because I use frozen tomatoes. If you prefer the dinner without them that’s fine too. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this recipe. We love it too. Have a great day!
I really should have emphasized how much we loved this meal. I focused on the tomatoes, but again we will make this all of the time! Thank you so much!!
You are so welcome Stephanie. How kind of you to come back and clarify that for us. You made my day with your comment. I’m delighted you enjoy this recipe 🙂
My pot never came up to pressure.
This was my first kind of fail. It tasted OK but could have been better.
Not sure if I would make it again.
Hi Glenda, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with this recipe. This is a popular recipe I have made several times. If the seasonings need adjusting to suit your taste please feel free to experiment with it.
The pot coming up to pressure is not about the recipe. The recipe is incapable of pressurizing your instant pot. However, if the time the recipe was heated changed it may have affected the finished product flavor and texture. I hope you do try again with this recipe. Good luck and thanks again so much for commenting for us. Have a great day!
You really should look at the Ninja Crock pot…..it does not have a ceramic pot
Hi Barbara, Thank you! I appreciate the tip. I did not know there was an option to the ceramic crock pot. I will check them out!
Do you cook the pasta first or dump it in uncooked?
Hi Christa, I throw it in uncooked. Thanks for the question. I will add that note into the recipe. Please let us know how you like this recipe! Have a great day.
Where is the old recipe? you changed this recipe on us and I need the old one.
Hi Chad! Are you maybe confusing this dinner with the Beef Noodle Skillet Dinner? They are similar but not the same recipe
https://homemadefoodjunkie.1wp.site/beef-noodle-skillet-dinner/