Instant Pot Spaghetti Meatballs: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Nights

Instant Pot Spaghetti Meatballs is a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table, and for good reason! This beloved classic combines the rich flavors of savory meatballs with perfectly cooked spaghetti, all in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also infuses the ingredients with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.

Originating from Italian-American cuisine, spaghetti and meatballs have become a staple in households across the globe. The dish is often associated with family gatherings and cozy dinners, making it a favorite for many. People love Instant Pot Spaghetti Meatballs not just for its delightful taste and tender texture, but also for its convenience. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a hearty meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 4 cups water or broth
• 12 ounces spaghetti (uncooked)
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meatballs

Let’s start by making the meatballs. This is the fun part where you can get your hands a little messy!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Once mixed, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
4. Place the formed meatballs on a plate and set them aside while we prepare the Instant Pot.

Preparing the Instant Pot

Now that our meatballs are ready, let’s get the Instant Pot set up for cooking.

1. Pour 4 cups of water or broth into the Instant Pot. This will help create steam for cooking the spaghetti.
2. Add the jar of marinara sauce directly into the pot, stirring it gently to combine with the water or broth.
3. Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are submerged as much as possible. This will help them cook evenly and absorb all that delicious flavor.
4. Now, break the uncooked spaghetti in half and lay it over the meatballs in a crisscross pattern. This helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents it from clumping together.
5. Do not stir the spaghetti into the sauce; just let it rest on top of the meatballs.

Cooking the Spaghetti and Meatballs

It’s time to cook everything together in the Instant Pot!

1. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position.
2. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 8 minutes. This will cook the spaghetti and meatballs perfectly.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
4. When the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid. Be cautious of the steam that will escape!

Finishing Touches

Now that everything is cooked, let’s finish up our dish!

1. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, gently stir the spaghetti and meatballs to combine them with the sauce. The spaghetti should be perfectly cooked and coated in the marinara sauce.
2. If you find the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up a bit.
3. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs in bowls, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
4. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs turn out perfectly every time:

• Feel free to customize the meatballs by adding your favorite herbs or spices. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Conclusion:

  In summary, this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to whip up a delicious, hearty meal in no time. The combination of tender meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti, creates a comforting dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Plus, the convenience of the Instant Pot means you can enjoy this classic Italian favorite without spending hours in the kitchen. For serving suggestions, consider topping your spaghetti and meatballs with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for an extra nutritional boost. You can even switch up the meatballs by using turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. I encourage you to give this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this easy and satisfying dish together! Happy cooking! Print
  

  Instant Pot Spaghetti Meatballs: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Nights

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  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

  Print Recipe

  Pin Recipe

  Description

  This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe combines juicy meatballs made from ground beef and pork with spaghetti cooked in a rich marinara sauce, all in one pot for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 4 cups water or broth
  • 12 ounces spaghetti (uncooked)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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  Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  3. Once mixed, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
  4. Place the formed meatballs on a plate and set them aside while we prepare the Instant Pot.
  5. Pour 4 cups of water or broth into the Instant Pot. This will help create steam for cooking the spaghetti.
  6. Add the jar of marinara sauce directly into the pot, stirring it gently to combine with the water or broth.
  7. Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are submerged as much as possible.
  8. Break the uncooked spaghetti in half and lay it over the meatballs in a crisscross pattern.
  9. Do not stir the spaghetti into the sauce; just let it rest on top of the meatballs.
  10. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position.
  11. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 8 minutes.
  12. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
  13. When the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid.
  14. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, gently stir the spaghetti and meatballs to combine them with the sauce.
  15. If you find the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up a bit.
  16. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs in bowls, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
  17. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

  Notes

  • Feel free to customize the meatballs by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
  • You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes