Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time, look no further than this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. With tender meatballs simmered in a rich sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe combines convenience with flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Why Cooks Rave About It
The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, and for good reason. This versatile appliance cuts down on cooking time while still delivering mouthwatering results. Cooks rave about this recipe because it brings together the classic flavors of spaghetti and meatballs without the fuss. The meatballs are juicy, the spaghetti is al dente, and the sauce is bursting with flavor. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and easy cleanup. It’s a win-win!
The Essentials
To make this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil – For sautéing and adding flavor.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth – This adds moisture and depth to the dish.
- 8 oz spaghetti – Broken into thirds for easy cooking.
- 24 oz jar pasta sauce – Your favorite variety will do!
- 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes – For added texture and freshness.
- 1 lb lean ground beef – The star of your meatballs.
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs – Helps bind the meatballs.
- ¼ cup finely minced onion – Adds flavor to the meatballs.
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – For richness.
- 1 tsp minced garlic – A must for flavor.
- 1 tsp salt – To enhance all the flavors.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper – Adds a touch of heat.
Essential Tools for Success
To ensure your cooking experience goes smoothly, have the following tools on hand:
- Instant Pot – The hero of this recipe.
- Mixing bowl – For combining your meatball ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
- Wooden spoon – Perfect for mixing and sautéing.
- Serving spoon – For dishing out the final meal.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Made Stepwise
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the finely minced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and minced onion. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
With the sauté function still active, add the meatballs to the pot. Brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step adds flavor, so don’t skip it! Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside.
Step 4: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes into the pot, scraping the bottom to deglaze any browned bits. This is where all the flavor comes from!
Step 5: Add the Spaghetti
Break the spaghetti into thirds and add it to the sauce mixture. Gently push the pasta down into the liquid. Do not stir, as this can lead to sticking.
Step 6: Return the Meatballs
Carefully place the browned meatballs on top of the spaghetti. You want them to rest on top rather than being submerged.
Step 7: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5-10 minutes before performing a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pressure is released, open the lid and give the spaghetti and meatballs a gentle stir to combine. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your fantastic Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs!
Substitutions by Category
- Meat: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Pasta: Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-friendly meal.
- Cheese: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Try Lentil Meatballs for a plant-based twist.
Chef’s Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasonings such as oregano or basil to the meatball mixture.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different sauces; a homemade marinara can elevate this dish even more.
- Make sure to break the spaghetti into smaller pieces; this helps it cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
Save It for Later
This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. Alternatively, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for a quick meal!
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs! Just add them directly to the sauce without thawing, and increase the cooking time to 10 minutes under high pressure.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute without compromising flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy dinner.
Is there a low-carb version of this dish?
Yes! Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative.
Final Bite
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. The combination of savory meatballs, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth that is hard to resist. This recipe is an excellent addition to your weeknight rotation, and you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—if not thirds! Enjoy this dish with your loved ones and watch it become a family favorite.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the finely minced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and minced onion. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- With the sauté function still active, add the meatballs to the pot. Brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside.
- Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes into the pot, scraping the bottom to deglaze any browned bits.
- Break the spaghetti into thirds and add it to the sauce mixture. Gently push the pasta down into the liquid. Do not stir.
- Carefully place the browned meatballs on top of the spaghetti.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5-10 minutes before performing a quick release.
- Once the pressure is released, open the lid and give the spaghetti and meatballs a gentle stir to combine. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasonings such as oregano or basil to the meatball mixture.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different sauces; a homemade marinara can elevate this dish even more.
- Make sure to break the spaghetti into smaller pieces; this helps it cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
