Name: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 0.5 cup bread crumbs; 1 egg egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 16 ounces spaghetti; 24 ounces tomato sauce

Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a weeknight, the kids are hangry, and you’re staring blankly into the fridge wondering what on earth is going on. What’s the earth to make for dinner? Does this sound familiar?Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. (I usedIs it really a lifesaver on nights like those? What is the best way to cook a sauce on the stovetop? What is a one pot wonder? If you’re a fan of easy weeknight dinners like my super popular one-pot pasta, you are going to love this one. What are some of the best meatballs in the world? Is it the kind of dish that makes everyone happy, and that, my friend, is priceless?

What is Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Think of Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. MakesAs the ultimate comfort food, simplified. What’s essentially your classic spaghetti and meatballs, but cooked entirely in the Instant Pot? No boiling water, no multiple pots to wash – just everything in one place, cooking together. What is perfect harmony? The spaghetti soaks up all that rich tomato flavor, the meatballs become incredibly tender, and the sauce is amazingly creamy. How do you make a delicious meal? I swear, the magic of the Instant Pot truly shines here. Is it faster than the traditional stovetop method? Everything is cooked together. What is the purpose of cooking

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are the reasons to love this movie?Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs: What are theWhat are the things you need to know before starting a blog: • • , but let me break it down for you:Flavor explosion: WhatThe combination of the rich tomato sauce, savory meatballs, and perfectly cooked spaghetti is just perfect. Instant Pots lock in all the flavors, making everything taste extra delicious. I always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my smoothies, but that’s totally optional!Ridiculously easyIs this recipe foolproof? What is the easiest way to make an Instant Pot? Is it a lifesaver for busy weeknights?Budget-What are the other staples in a typical household? Ground beef and spaghetti are staple ingredients. What are some good ways to make this dish shine?Super versatile: IsHow do I customize this recipe? What is the best way to prepare a sauce for meat? I sometimes throw in chopped bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and nutrients. What I love the most about this book is that it is very well written.Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipes.Is that a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? My kids ask for it at least once a week, and I’m always happy to oblige because it’s so quick and easy. What are some of my favorite easy pasta dishes? What a hearty twist. Is it a real winner?

How do you make an Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatball?

Quick Overview

Making Instant Pot Meatballs and Spaghetti: What are someIs it surprisingly simple? How do you brown meatballs in the Instant Pot? How do you add spaghetti, sauce, and water to a bowl? How do you set the timer for the Instant Pot? In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete, delicious meal ready to serve. Is it really that easy? What is my favorite part about spaghetti? What are the flavors from the sauce and meatballs?

Ingredients

For Meatballs: What are
• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but you can use leaner ground meat too)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I use Italian seasoned breadcrumb for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the stuff in the green can)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spaghetti: What is
• 1 pound spaghetti (I break mine in half to fit better in the Instant Pot)
I love using a good quality marinara sauce. • 24 ounces of tomato sauce (I like to use it in my salads)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups water or beef broth (beef broth adds extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Set aside. What are the ingredients for garlic powder, salt and pepper? I like meatballs, but I’m afraid they’ll get tough. Mix gently until just combined. I usually use my hands to mix everything together, it’s just easier that way.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

How do you roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs? I like to use a small cookie scoop to make sure they are all uniform in size. How do you cook a potato? I find it’s easiest to wet my hands slightly to prevent the meat from sticking.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)

Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Brown meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. What are some of the best ways to add flavor to a dish? If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and just add the raw meatballs to the Instant Pot. Just be sure to give it a little extra cook time, maybe 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Spaghetti

If you browned the meatballs, remove them from the Instant Pot and set aside. Add the spaghetti to the Instant Pot, breaking it in half if necessary to fit. I always break mine in half – it just makes things easier. Arrange the spaghetti in a crisscross pattern to prevent it from clumping together.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Liquids

Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the spaghetti. Add the water or beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic. Gently stir to combine, making sure the spaghetti is mostly submerged. I find that using beef broth adds a deeper, richer flavor, but water works just fine too.

Step 6: Add the Meatballs Back

Place the browned meatballs on top of the spaghetti and sauce. Gently press them down so they are partially submerged. Be careful not to stir too much at this point, or the spaghetti might clump together. Just nestle the meatballs in there.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

Close and lock the Instant Pot lid. Make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.

Step 8: Quick Release

Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release by carefully moving the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful, as hot steam will be released. I usually use a kitchen towel to protect my hand. Once the pressure is fully released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.

Step 9: Stir and Serve

Gently stir the spaghetti and meatballs to combine. The spaghetti should be perfectly cooked and the meatballs should be tender and juicy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

What to Serve It With

This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas for sides to round it out:
For a Classic Italian Feast: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad with Italian dressing. This is my go-to combination.
For a Hearty Meal: Add some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. The bitterness of the vegetables pairs nicely with the richness of the spaghetti and meatballs.
For a Lighter Option: Serve with a Caprese salad (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil) drizzled with balsamic glaze. This is perfect for a Summer Meal.
For a Family Dinner: Offer a side of steamed green beans and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. My kids love dipping their bread in the sauce.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the best Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs:
Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Overcooked spaghetti is mushy and unpleasant. Stick to the recommended cooking time of 8 minutes for al dente spaghetti. If you prefer softer spaghetti, you can add an extra minute or two, but be careful not to overdo it. I find 8 minutes is perfect.
Brown the Meatballs: While it’s an optional step, browning the meatballs before pressure cooking adds a lot of flavor to the dish. The Maillard reaction creates delicious, savory notes that you just can’t get without browning.
Use Good Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final dish will taste. Use good quality ground beef, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese. It really makes a difference. I splurged once on really good canned tomatoes from Italy and oh my god, the difference was AMAZING.
Don’t Overfill the Instant Pot: Make sure not to fill the Instant Pot past the maximum fill line. Overfilling can prevent the Instant Pot from coming to pressure properly.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: You can easily customize the sauce to your taste. Add more or less garlic, red pepper flakes, or herbs. You can also add vegetables like chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. I sometimes add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Prevent Sticking: To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together, arrange it in a crisscross pattern in the Instant Pot. Also, make sure the spaghetti is mostly submerged in the sauce and water.
Experiment with Different Meats: You don’t have to use ground beef for the meatballs. You can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a combination of different meats. I’ve even tried making meatballs with ground lamb before, and they were delicious!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: I really don’t recommend leaving any leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs at room temperature for more than 2 hours, due to bacteria growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, so it’s often even better the next day!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the spaghetti and meatballs in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. I like to portion it out into individual servings for easy lunches or dinners.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the spaghetti and meatballs until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or broth. Thaw completely overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. When reheating in the microwave, put a damp paper towel over it to prevent splattering!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free spaghetti and gluten-free breadcrumbs. You may need to add a little extra egg or liquid to the meatball mixture to bind it together since gluten-free breadcrumbs can be drier. I’ve had success with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the meatballs, too.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs! You don’t need to thaw them first. Just add them to the Instant Pot with the other ingredients. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through. I always check the internal temperature to make sure they’re piping hot.

What if my spaghetti is sticking together?

To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together, arrange it in a crisscross pattern in the Instant Pot. Also, make sure the spaghetti is mostly submerged in the sauce and water. If it still sticks a little, gently stir it after pressure cooking to separate the strands. A little olive oil in the water can also help.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great additions. You can add them to the Instant Pot with the sauce and water. Just be careful not to overfill the Instant Pot.

Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, you can use any type of tomato sauce you like. Marinara, arrabiata, and even a creamy tomato sauce would all work well. Just adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs as much as my family does. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The Instant Pot makes it so easy to get dinner on the table in under an hour, and the flavors are just incredible. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy Instant Pot recipes. Now, go forth and make some amazing spaghetti and meatballs! Don’t forget to let me know in the comments how it turns out, and share any variations you try. Happy cooking!