Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, you’ll love this Instant Pot Italian Meatballs recipe. I can whip it up in no time, and the flavors are incredible!
The meatballs turn out tender and juicy, soaking up all that rich marinara sauce. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for me.
I adore how versatile this dish is too; whether I serve it over pasta or make toasted meatball subs, it’s always a hit.
It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll enjoy it!
Ingredients of Instant Pot Italian Meatballs
When it comes to whipping up a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, Instant Pot Italian Meatballs are a go-to in my kitchen. Seriously, these little flavor bombs aren’t just easy to make, but they’re also packed with taste. I mean, who doesn’t love tender, juicy meatballs soaking in rich marinara sauce? They practically beg to be paired with pasta or piled high on a toasted sub.
And let’s be real, with only a few simple ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Plus, you won’t even have a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward. Now, let’s get into what you’ll need to create this delightful dish.
Here’s your ingredient list for making Instant Pot Italian Meatballs:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons minced onions
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Now, if you’re like me and love to play around with flavors, feel free to get creative with these ingredients. If you don’t have ground beef on hand, ground turkey or chicken can work just as well.
And let’s not forget about the breadcrumbs—if you want to cut down on carbs, you could use almond flour or even crushed crackers. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra punch of flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super flexible, so you can adapt it to fit what you have in your pantry or your personal taste. Just remember, no matter what you choose, the goal is to create something delicious and satisfying. Happy cooking!
How to Make Instant Pot Italian Meatballs
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s plunge into making these delightful Instant Pot Italian Meatballs. First things first, grab that 3 cups of marinara sauce and pour it right into the bottom of your Instant Pot. This sauce is going to be the cozy blanket that keeps your meatballs warm and flavorful. I mean, what’s better than a bed of rich, tangy marinara waiting for those juicy meatballs? Nothing, that’s what.
Next, let’s get our hands a little messy. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of ketchup (trust me, this adds a nice sweetness), 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of minced onions, 1 teaspoon of parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and finally, 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Mix it all together with your hands. It’s messy, it’s a bit squishy, and honestly, it feels a bit like playing with playdough, but hey, that’s part of the fun of cooking, right? Once everything is well combined, shape the mixture into meatballs. Don’t stress about making them perfectly round—just aim for bite-sized, and you’ll be all set.
Now comes the fun part—stacking those meatballs! Place them gently on top of the marinara sauce in the Instant Pot. It’s okay if they’re a bit crowded; they’ll still cook beautifully.
Lock the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to cook on Manual for just 5 minutes. You might be thinking, “Is that really enough time?” Yes, it is, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how tender they turn out.
When the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes. This step is vital because it allows the meatballs to soak in all that delicious sauce.
Once that’s done, you can serve your meatballs over pasta or scoop them into toasted sub rolls for a hearty meatball sub. And just like that, you’re ready to enjoy!
Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying those delicious meatballs, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
I love experimenting with different meats, like turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. You can also swap out breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or gluten-free alternatives.
If you’re in the mood for some extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil to the mixture. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes.
And if you want a twist, try incorporating finely chopped spinach or bell peppers.
These substitutions make the recipe truly yours while keeping it delicious!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Italian Meatballs
Serving Instant Pot Italian meatballs opens up a world of delicious possibilities.
I love pairing them with al dente spaghetti, allowing the marinara sauce to coat the pasta beautifully. You can also serve them in toasted sub rolls for a hearty meatball sandwich, topped with melted cheese and fresh basil.
For a lighter option, a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad balances the meal perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try them over polenta for a comforting twist.
Whatever you choose, these meatballs are sure to steal the show and satisfy everyone’s cravings!
Additional Tips & Notes
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying out the Instant Pot for the first time, there are a few tips that can elevate your Italian meatballs.
First, don’t skip browning the meatballs in the Instant Pot’s sauté mode for extra flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
For a flavor boost, add grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. Make sure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
Finally, let them rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your delicious creation!