Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Delicious One-Pot Wonder

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic comfort food loved by many around the world. But traditional recipes often involve multiple pots and pans, simmering sauces for hours, and a lot of waiting. Enter the Instant Pot — a game-changer in the kitchen that makes preparing this hearty dish faster, easier, and just as flavorful. This article walks you through a step-by-step method to create perfect spaghetti and meatballs, all cooked together in one pot, saving you time and cleanup without sacrificing taste.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Spaghetti and Meatballs?

The Instant Pot combines pressure cooking, sautéing, and slow cooking functions into one versatile appliance. For spaghetti and meatballs, this means:

Speed: Traditional simmering can take hours, but the Instant Pot can do it in under 30 minutes.
One-Pot Cooking: No need to boil pasta separately or brown meatballs in a skillet beforehand.
Flavor: Pressure cooking infuses the meatballs and pasta with rich tomato sauce flavors.
Convenience: Minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

1 pound (450g) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce and Pasta:

3 cups marinara or your favorite pasta sauce
2 cups water or beef broth
8 ounces (225g) spaghetti noodles, broken in half
1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get roughly 20-24 meatballs, depending on size. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Meatballs in the Instant Pot

Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. This step adds flavor and helps seal the juices inside the meatballs. Don’t overcrowd the pot; remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Liquid

Pour the marinara sauce and water (or broth) into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—these add extra flavor and prevent burning.

Step 5: Layer the Spaghetti

Break the spaghetti noodles in half so they fit easily in the pot. Spread the noodles evenly on top of the sauce without stirring. This layering helps prevent sticking.

Step 6: Add the Meatballs on Top

Carefully place the browned meatballs on top of the noodles. Do not stir.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to the sealing position, and select Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 8 minutes. The pressure will cook the pasta and meatballs perfectly.

Step 8: Quick Release the Pressure

Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release by moving the valve to venting. Be cautious of the steam.

Step 9: Stir and Serve

Open the lid and gently stir everything together, mixing the pasta, sauce, and meatballs. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy

Serve hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Meatball Size: Smaller meatballs cook more evenly in the Instant Pot.
Avoid Stirring Before Cooking: Place pasta and meatballs in layers to prevent sticking.
Use Good Quality Sauce: Since the sauce carries most of the flavor, opt for your favorite marinara.
Customizations: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth for a meat-free meal.

Final Thoughts

The Instant Pot transforms spaghetti and meatballs into an effortless, speedy meal without compromising on flavor. By cooking everything together, you get tender, juicy meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, savory sauce all in one pot. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or just someone who loves easy weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Give this Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe a try and enjoy the classic comfort food with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness!

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