Instant pot spaghetti and meatballs is a quick and easy one-pot meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that everyone loves, but making it can be time-consuming. The instant pot has revolutionized the way we cook by making it possible to cook meals quickly and easily. This recipe for instant pot spaghetti and meatballs is perfect for those busy nights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s a one-pot meal that is made with spaghetti noodles, homemade meatballs, and a flavorful tomato sauce. The best part is that it can be made in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
Credit: nomadette.com
Ingredients Needed
Instant pot spaghetti and meatballs is a delicious and straightforward recipe that is perfect for busy weekdays when you crave comfort food that is easy to prepare. This classic italian-american dish features tender meatballs and al dente spaghetti coated in a rich and savory tomato sauce.
Below are the ingredients needed for this recipe, as well as our recommendations on how to choose the right type of pasta and meatballs for your spaghetti.
List Of Ingredients Needed For Spaghetti And Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups water
Recommendations For Choosing The Right Pasta And Meatballs:
When choosing pasta for your spaghetti, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Choose pasta that is made from durum wheat, which is high in protein and gluten.
- Look for pasta that is labeled “al dente,” which means it will retain some firmness when cooked.
- Opt for thin spaghetti instead of thicker noodles, as it will cook faster and more evenly in the instant pot.
For the meatballs:
- Use high-quality ground beef that is at least 80% lean.
- Mix the beef with breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, an egg, and seasonings for added flavor and texture.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
By following these recommendations and using the ingredients listed above, you will be able to create the perfect instant pot spaghetti and meatballs dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
Preparing The Meatballs
Instant pot spaghetti and meatballs is a tasty meal that can be achieved in less than an hour. It is great for those busy weeknights, or when you want to enjoy some delicious comfort food. The following section will provide you with a step-by-step guide for making the meatballs, along with some tips to make sure they are seasoned and shaped to perfection.
Step-By-Step Guide For Making The Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, an egg, salt and pepper.
- Use your hands to mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into 20 meatballs, each the size of a golf ball.
- Turn on the instant pot and press the “sauté” button.
- Once the pot has heated up, add some olive oil and wait until it’s hot.
- Add the meatballs to the pot. Brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
Tips For Seasoning And Shaping The Meatballs To Perfection
- Use a mixture of ground beef with ground pork or veal to add more flavor to the meatballs.
- When mixing the ingredients, do not overwork the meat or you will end up with tough meatballs.
- Season the meatballs well with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
- You can add chopped onions, red pepper flakes or italian seasoning to the mixture for extra flavor.
- When shaping the meatballs, wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Make sure the meatballs are evenly sized for even cooking.
- Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Don’t overcrowd the pot, if necessary, brown the meatballs in batches.
Now that you have your perfectly seasoned and shaped meatballs, you can add them to the pot with spaghetti and tomato sauce. Follow the recipe instructions to complete the meal, and be prepared for a delicious, hearty dinner in no time.
Spaghetti and Meatballs in the Instant Pot – Seriously easy Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Cooking Pasta In Instant Pot
Instant pot spaghetti and meatballs is a perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you need to quickly make dinner for your family or friends. Cooking pasta in instant pot is a convenient method that saves time and energy. With a little bit of practice, you can master the art of perfect pasta every time.
Here are some guidelines for cooking pasta in an instant pot to ensure it tastes delicious with the right texture.
Guidelines For Cooking Pasta In Instant Pot:
- Fill the instant pot with water, leaving around two inches of space at the top.
- Add a pinch of salt, which helps to enhance the pasta’s flavor and prevent it from sticking together.
- Add the pasta to the pot, stirring gently to ensure it’s all submerged and doesn’t clump together.
- Lock the lid of the instant pot in place, and set it to manual mode for the required cooking time. Check the pasta’s package for specific timings.
- Once the pasta is done cooking, release the pressure using the quick-release method.
- Drain the pasta, but save some of the starchy water to add to the sauce later on.
- Serve hot with your preferred sauce.
Importance Of Setting Up The Right Time And Optimal Pressure For Cooking The Pasta:
- Cooking pasta for too long leads to mushy and sticky results. On the flip side, undercooking it results in a raw taste and tough texture.
- Setting up the right time and optimal pressure for cooking the pasta ensures it comes out perfectly every time, with the right texture and flavor you desire.
- Bear in mind that different types of pasta require different cooking times and pressure settings. Shorter pasta shapes, such as macaroni or penne, cook faster than longer pasta shapes, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Check the pasta packaging for recommended cooking times and pressure settings, or use trusted online recipes that detail pasta cooking time.
Mastering the art of instant pot pasta cooking is not complicated. With the above guidelines, you’ll soon have perfectly cooked pasta every time. Happy coooking!
Cooking Meatballs In Instant Pot
If you’re a fan of homemade meatballs and want to put your instant pot to use, then cooking meatballs in instant pot is the perfect option! This cooking technique is quick, hassle-free, and helps to cook your meatballs to perfection.
Tips For Cooking Meatballs In Instant Pot
- Make sure to use a trivet or basket to prevent your meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the pot or breaking apart.
- Adding a bit of oil into the pot before cooking can help prevent sticking and make for easy clean-up.
- When using frozen meatballs, it’s important to separate them before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
- You can brown your meatballs ahead of time in the instant pot using the sauté function for extra texture and flavor.
Recommendations For Setting Time And Pressure For Meatballs
The cooking time and pressure setting you need for your meatballs will depend on the size of your meatballs and whether they’re fresh or frozen.
- For fresh meatballs, set your instant pot to high pressure and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- For frozen meatballs, set your instant pot to high pressure and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- For larger meatballs, increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they’re cooked thoroughly.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°f.
Cooking meatballs in instant pot can be a perfect time-saver for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving some hearty comfort food. By following these tips and recommendations, you’re sure to serve up a delicious meal that’s both flavorful and tender!
Combining Pasta And Meatballs
Instant pot spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that brings together two all-time favorites, pasta and meatballs. This hearty meal is jam-packed with flavors and guarantees to be a surefire hit with your family and friends. Grab your instant pot, and let’s dig in.
Step-By-Step Guide To Mix The Spaghetti And Meatballs Together
- Ensure that your instant pot is on sauté mode and well heated up.
- Add in your meatballs and stir occasionally, allowing them to brown evenly.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them and set them aside.
- In the same pot, add in your spaghetti and a sufficient amount of water.
- Ensure that the spaghetti is well soaked in the water and not sticking to itself.
- Add in salt and pepper for taste.
- Cook the spaghetti on high pressure for about 5 minutes.
- Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure manually.
- Add back the meatballs to the pot and stir to mix with the spaghetti.
Adding Sauce And Other Ingredients To Enhance The Dish
Want to elevate the flavors of instant pot spaghetti and meatballs?
- Pour in your favorite marinara sauce and stir well with the spaghetti and meatballs.
- Alternatively, you can make your homemade sauce by mixing tomatoes, onions, garlic, and some herbs.
- For an added flavor boost, sprinkle some shredded parmesan cheese on top of the dish.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve your instant pot spaghetti and meatballs hot and enjoy!
With these easy-to-follow steps, you are sure to end up with a mouth-watering, satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Get creative with your mix-ins and toppings, and make this dish your own.
Serving And Storing
Who doesn’t love a good spaghetti and meatballs meal? With the instant pot, this classic favorite can now be whipped up in a fraction of the time it would normally take. But, once you’ve made this delicious dish, you want to make sure it remains as fresh and tasty as possible.
In this post, we’ll provide recommendations for serving and storing the dish, as well as some suggestions for garnishing and presenting the dish amidst your table setting.
Recommendations For Serving And Storing The Dish
When it comes to serving and storing instant pot spaghetti and meatballs, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot out of the instant pot.
- If you aren’t serving it immediately, transfer the dish to a covered serving dish.
- Store any remaining spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat the dish, transfer it to a microwavable container, cover it with a damp paper towel and reheat at 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring in between intervals.
- If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, store them in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months.
Suggestions For Garnishing And Presenting The Dish
One thing to note when presenting an instant pot spaghetti and meatballs dish is that it can be relatively simple to impress your guests. Spruce up the dish with a few garnishes or a unique presentation.
- Plate spaghetti and meatballs in individual bowls instead of serving the entire dish family style.
- Add a sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to the top of each serving.
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
- Place a few sliced cherry tomatoes or olives around the edge of the dish to add some extra color to the meal.
By following these serving and storing recommendations, the instant pot spaghetti and meatballs dish will turn out delicious every time. With a few simple garnishing tips, you can take this classic meal to the next level visually, impressing your guests with both taste and aesthetics.
Who knows, these tips could just make spaghetti and meatballs your signature dish!
Frequently Asked Questions On Instant Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs
What Are The Ingredients Required To Make Instant Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs?
To make instant pot spaghetti and meatballs, you’ll need spaghetti, ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, onion, beef broth, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Combine and cook for 8 minutes.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Instant Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs?
Instant pot spaghetti and meatballs take around 8-10 minutes to cook on high pressure. The total time will depend on the thickness of the spaghetti and the size of the meatballs. It’s important to follow the instant pot instructions carefully to get the best results.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs For Instant Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs, Or Should I Use Fresh Ones?
Frozen meatballs can be used for instant pot spaghetti and meatballs. However, cooking time should be extended by a few minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. Fresh meatballs can also be used and will likely have a shorter cooking time.
What Is The Recommended Serving Size For Instant Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs?
The recommended serving size for instant pot spaghetti and meatballs varies but usually is about 1 to 1. 5 cups per person. However, it also depends on individual appetite and dietary needs.
Can I Make Any Substitutions In The Recipe To Make It Healthier Or Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Yes, you can make substitutions in the recipe to make it healthier or to accommodate dietary restrictions. For instance, you can use gluten-free flour or replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. However, it is crucial to ensure that the substitute ingredients work well in the recipe to guarantee the best results.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, instant pot spaghetti and meatballs dish is an incredibly easy and time-saving recipe. The pressure cooker works like magic, and the ingredients cook to perfection in a matter of minutes. The dish has become a staple for busy people seeking to create hearty and nutritious meals quickly.
With its unique flavors and ease of preparation, the dish is perfect for those who love spaghetti and meatballs but do not want to spend hours cooking. The addition of the instant pot will revolutionize the way you prepare the dish, and you’ll feel like a culinary genius in no time.
Impress yourself, your family, and your friends with this mouth-watering and incredibly satisfying meal. So, grab your instant pot, follow the recipe, and enjoy a delicious bowl of spaghetti and meatballs that will quickly become a family favorite.
