1-Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Begin by measuring out 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and the spices like 1 teaspoon each of fine sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 cups chicken broth or water divided, a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, 8 ounces high-protein spaghetti broken in half, 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Having everything ready, or what’s called mise en place, helps reduce stress and keeps the process fun and efficient.

2-Step 2: Sauté and Brown Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the 1 pound lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This is where the flavors start to build, so stir in the 1 teaspoon each of fine sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano for that savory kick.

3-Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta Pour in 1 cup of the chicken broth or water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Then, add the 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and the remaining 1 cup chicken broth. Stir in the 8 ounces of high-protein spaghetti noodles, making sure they’re submerged to cook evenly.

4-Step 4: Pressure Cook Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 8 minutes. After cooking, let it naturally release for 5 minutes before quickly releasing the rest. This step ensures your pasta is just right, al dente and full of that high protein goodness. For more Instant Pot tips, check out our guide on easy chicken Parmesan recipes that use similar techniques.

5-Step 5: Finish and Serve Open the lid carefully and stir in the 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish. Top with chopped fresh basil if you like, and serve hot. It’s that simple to create a meal everyone at your potluck will rave about!