Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with the Instant Pot! If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Seriously, it’s like magic—one pot, minimal cleanup, and dinner’s on the table in just 25 minutes! I remember the first time I made this; I had a craving for comfort food but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The smell of garlic and Italian seasoning wafting through my home while those meatballs browned was pure bliss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this dish on repeat. It’s a family favorite in my house, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish. Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start, so the cooking process flows smoothly!
- 1 pound ground beef – This is the star of the show! You can also use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs together and add a lovely texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a rich, cheesy flavor that’s just divine.
- 1 egg – This acts as a binder, making sure those meatballs hold their shape.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings the classic Italian flavor to life.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for the best taste.
- 4 cups water – Essential for cooking the spaghetti perfectly in the Instant Pot.
- 12 oz spaghetti – Don’t worry about breaking it; it’ll all cook beautifully together!
How to Prepare Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end of it.
- First, grab a large bowl and mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Make sure everything is well combined for those juicy meatballs!
- Now, form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 12-15 meatballs, depending on how generous you are.
- Next, turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ mode. Let it heat up for a minute, then add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step adds so much flavor!
- Once the meatballs are golden, pour in the marinara sauce and water. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to break the meatballs.
- Now comes the fun part! Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, pushing it down into the sauce.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ for 8 minutes. It’ll take a few minutes to come to pressure, so hang tight!
- When the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid, and voilà! Dinner is served!
Make sure to serve those delicious meatballs hot, and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- It’s a total time-saver—dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!
- One pot means minimal cleanup, leaving you more time to relax.
- Rich, savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfectly cooked spaghetti, just the way you like it, every time.
- Kid-friendly and a hit with the whole family (trust me!).
Tips for Success with Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
To make sure your Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skip the browning step for the meatballs; it adds so much flavor to the dish. If you find that the sauce is too thick after cooking, simply stir in a splash of water to loosen it up. Also, be sure to break the spaghetti in half before adding it to the pot; this helps it cook evenly and prevents clumping. Lastly, keep an eye on the pressure release—doing a quick release is essential to stop the pasta from overcooking. Trust me, follow these tips, and you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, there are some great substitutions you can make! For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey—it works beautifully and is just as tasty. If you’re looking for a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free spaghetti instead; it cooks just as well in the Instant Pot. You can also experiment with different types of marinara sauce—jarred, homemade, or even a spicy version if you like a kick. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to get creative!
Nutritional Information for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this delightful dish! Each serving of my Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs packs in around 450 calories, making it a satisfying meal without going overboard. You’ll also get 25g of protein to keep you feeling full and energized, plus 20g of fat. It has 45g of carbohydrates along with 3g of fiber to help with digestion. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. So, dig in and enjoy this comfort food guilt-free!
FAQ About Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! If you have frozen meatballs, you can throw them right into the Instant Pot without thawing. Just make sure to increase the cooking time to about 10 minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients! Just be cautious not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but generally, it should stay around the same.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If you find that your marinara sauce is too thick after cooking, don’t worry! Just stir in a splash of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. It’ll be just as tasty!
Can I add vegetables?
Of course! Adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach is a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. Just toss them in with the spaghetti to cook together for a nutritious boost.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love spaghetti and meatballs, and this recipe is simple enough for them to help with. Plus, the flavors are mild and delicious, making it a winner for the whole family!
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
To make your Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs meal even more delightful, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread for that perfect crunch. A simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. And if you’re feeling a bit fancy, why not pair it with a glass of red wine? It complements the savory notes beautifully! For a fun twist, you can even serve it with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Storing your delicious Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs is super easy! Just let the leftovers cool down a bit, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave for a quick meal—just add a splash of water to keep things moist. Alternatively, you can warm them up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. No need to fuss; it’ll taste just as good the second time around!
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs: 25-Minute Comfort Food
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy instant pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 4 cups water
- 12 oz spaghetti
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Form mixture into meatballs.
- Turn on the instant pot and select ‘Sauté’ mode.
- Add meatballs and brown on all sides.
- Add marinara sauce and water to the pot.
- Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot.
- Close the lid and set to ‘Manual’ for 8 minutes.
- Once done, quick release the pressure.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Replace ground beef with turkey for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: instant pot spaghetti and meatballs
