Name: Instant Pot Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound farfalle (bowtie) pasta; 1 pound ground beef (90/10 ground sirloin recommended); 1 jar vodka sauce (24 ounces); 3 cups unsalted beef stock (or substitute with chicken stock); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon dried minced onion; 1½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

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Weeknights just got a little easier (and a whole lot tastier!) with this Instant Pot Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe. This quick and family-friendly meal is the kind you’ll turn to repeatedly. Perfect for those busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast, this dish packs loads of flavor with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s incredibly kid-friendly—no picky eater can resist the charm of cheesy, beefy pasta!

This recipe takes only 17 minutes from start to finish, and each bite is comforting, creamy, and downright delicious!

Ingredients

1 pound farfalle (bowtie) pasta
1 pound ground beef (I recommend 90/10 ground sirloin for a great balance of flavor and low fat)
1 jar vodka sauce (24 ounces)
3 cups unsalted beef stock (chicken stock works too if that’s what you have!)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)

How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Cook the Ground Beef
Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Wait until the display reads ‘Hot,’ then add the ground beef. Break up the beef as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned (about 6-8 minutes).
Season the Ground Beef
Add the Italian seasoning, dried minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the ground beef. Stir it all in and let it cook for another 2 minutes to really let the flavors meld.
Add Beef Stock
Cancel the ‘Sauté’ mode, pour in the beef stock, and give everything a good stir. Make sure to scrape the bottom to deglaze and release any flavorful bits that might be stuck.
Add Pasta and Sauce
Place the farfalle pasta on top of the beef mixture, gently pressing it down into the liquid without stirring. Layer the vodka sauce on top of the pasta without mixing. This layering helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking.
Pressure Cook for 5 Minutes
Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to ‘Sealing,’ and select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function. Set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
2-Minute NPR
When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle in the mozzarella and parmesan, stirring until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce, making it creamy and irresistible. Serve warm and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

Deglaze for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip deglazing the pot after cooking the beef. This prevents burning and makes sure you capture every bit of flavor.
Layer Carefully: For best results, follow the layering method—placing the pasta and sauce on top without mixing ensures even cooking and avoids a mushy texture.
Make It Cheesy: Mozzarella adds gooey goodness, but the parmesan gives a nice sharpness. If you like extra cheese, feel free to sprinkle some additional parmesan on top before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Marinara Sauce Instead of Vodka Sauce: Don’t have vodka sauce? No problem! Marinara sauce works well, though it will have a different flavor profile.
Add Veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by adding a handful of baby spinach or chopped bell peppers right after pressure cooking. The residual heat will soften them up perfectly.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this dairy-free, use a vegan mozzarella and parmesan alternative, and be sure to choose a dairy-free sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While bowtie pasta is a great shape for this dish, you can use other sturdy pastas like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cook time by a minute if the pasta is larger.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Layering the ingredients as directed helps prevent sticking. Also, giving a quick stir immediately after opening the lid ensures everything combines without clumping.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all! It’s mild and kid-friendly. If you’d like to add a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.

Storage Instructions

This pasta dish stores well! Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy texture. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Enjoy your Instant Pot Beef and Bowtie Pasta—it’s a perfect, hassle-free meal that brings everyone to the table. Dig in, and let the compliments roll!