If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free way to make meatballs, look no further than your Instant Pot! This handy kitchen gadget cuts cooking time without sacrificing taste, producing juicy and perfectly cooked meatballs every single time. Whether you’re prepping a family dinner or looking for a versatile dish to meal prep for the week, Instant Pot meatballs are a game-changer. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth (to thin out the sauce and prevent burning)
Optional for Serving:
- Cooked spaghetti
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently mix everything until it’s evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough instead of tender.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with 12–15 meatballs, depending on the size. Set the formed meatballs on a plate or tray.
Step 3: Sauté the Meatballs in the Instant Pot
Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and add a drizzle of olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Once the pot gets hot, sear the meatballs in batches for about 2–3 minutes on each side to create a golden-brown crust. This step adds extra flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked at this stage—they’ll finish cooking under pressure. Remove the seared meatballs and set them aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
With the Instant Pot still on “Sauté” mode, pour a splash of water or broth into the bottom of the pot and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. This will prevent sticking and enhance the sauce’s flavor. Add the marinara sauce and the remaining broth or water, then stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook the Meatballs
Gently place the seared meatballs back into the sauce, making sure they’re mostly submerged. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the timer beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before carefully doing a quick release to vent any remaining steam.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Open the lid and give everything a gentle stir. Your meatballs should be tender and infused with the rich tomato sauce. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti or zucchini noodles, or enjoy them on their own with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Tips for Success
- Use a mix of ground meats for extra tenderness. Combining beef, pork, or even veal works wonderfully.
- Don’t skip searing the meatballs. While you can skip this step to save time, the crust adds a lovely layer of flavor that’s worth the effort.
- Make it gluten-free. Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs or almond flour.
- Spice it up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Double the batch! Meatballs freeze beautifully. Just store any extras with their sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
Pair these Instant Pot meatballs with traditional spaghetti for a comforting Italian-inspired meal. Or, try them:
- Over mashed potatoes for something hearty
- On a sub roll with melted mozzarella for a meatball sandwich
- On their own as an appetizer at your next gathering
With the ease and versatility of this recipe, your Instant Pot meatballs might just become a staple in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and enjoy a satisfying meal packed with flavor!
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