The aroma of savory meatballs simmering in a rich, tomato sauce fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Imagine twirling tender spaghetti on your fork, each bite bursting with flavor—a comforting hug for your taste buds. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together, making any occasion feel special. For more inspiration, check out this delicious garlic butter green beans recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen meatballs for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs?
- What type of pasta works best in an Instant Pot?
- How do I prevent my pasta from sticking together?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and you’re exhausted from work. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Enter the Instant Pot, your culinary superhero, ready to rescue you from dinner chaos with a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. stuffed pasta shells recipe slow cooker pasta dish Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises heartwarming flavors and smiles around the dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This one-pot wonder simplifies meal prep while delivering maximum flavor in minimal time
- Its vibrant colors and aromas make it visually appealing for any occasion
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish offers endless versatility to suit everyone’s tastes
I still remember the first time I made Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs; my kids’ eyes lit up as they dug in like they were at an Italian feast.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti: Choose high-quality spaghetti for the best texture; it cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot.
- Ground Beef: I prefer using a mix of beef and pork for rich flavor; choose lean cuts for less grease.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together nicely.
- Eggs: One egg helps hold the meatballs together; fresh eggs yield better results.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth; don’t skimp on quality for flavor. baked mac and cheese.
- Garlic Powder: This brings out a wonderful aroma; use fresh garlic if you want an extra punch.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the sauce’s flavor profile beautifully.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Look for high-quality canned tomatoes for a rich, robust sauce; no added sugar needed.
- Onion: Diced onions add sweetness and depth to both meatballs and sauce; sauté until translucent. For more inspiration, check out this orange sweet rolls recipe.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil gives a bright finish; add at the end of cooking for maximum flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors to life; adjust according to taste.
- Olive Oil: A splash helps sauté onions and adds richness to the dish.
- Water or Broth : Helps create steam in the Instant Pot for perfect cooking consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined without overworking it.
Form the Meatballs: Roll small portions of the mixture into uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate as you go—this helps keep things tidy.
Sauté Onions: Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and diced onions. Cook until soft and translucent while stirring occasionally—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Water: Pour crushed tomatoes into the pot along with water or broth. Stir well to combine everything before adding those glorious meatballs gently.
Cook Under Pressure: Close the lid securely on your Instant Pot. Set it to cook under high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release afterward—patience pays off here!
Toss with Spaghetti: Once done cooking, carefully remove meatballs from sauce using tongs. Add uncooked spaghetti directly into the sauce—mix well! Seal again and cook under high pressure for another 4 minutes.
Now comes my favorite part: serve those luscious meatballs over perfectly cooked spaghetti! Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired—you deserve it!
Your Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs will not only dazzle your taste buds but also become a staple at your table! Enjoy every scrumptious bite while savoring those joyous moments around loved ones! hearty breakfast casserole.
You Must Know
- Mastering Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs transforms dinner into a delightful experience
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like an Italian restaurant
- Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that simplifies cleanup while delivering a hearty meal the whole family will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the meatballs to seal in their flavor, then layer the spaghetti and sauce on top. This order ensures the meatballs cook perfectly while the pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Spice it up with crushed red pepper or fresh herbs to make it your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs
- Make sure not to overcook the meatballs; they should be juicy!
- Letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully
It was a rainy evening when I first made this dish for my friends. Their delighted faces as they enjoyed second helpings made me realize this recipe was a winner!
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used; just increase cooking time slightly.
What type of pasta works best in an Instant Pot?
Spaghetti is ideal, but you can experiment with other types like penne.
How do I prevent my pasta from sticking together?
Ensure there’s enough sauce and stir before sealing the Instant Pot to keep pasta separate.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a quick, flavorful dish that transforms busy weeknights into delightful family feasts. With tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce over perfectly cooked spaghetti, this one-pot wonder delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Experience the joy of gathering around the dinner table with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to impress.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water or broth
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Form mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode; add olive oil and diced onions. Cook until translucent (3-5 minutes).
- Add crushed tomatoes and water/broth; stir well. Gently place meatballs into the pot.
- Secure the lid and cook under high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.
- Remove meatballs; add uncooked spaghetti to sauce, stir, seal the lid again, and cook on high pressure for another 4 minutes.
- Serve meatballs over spaghetti garnished with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg