Easy and Fast Instant Pot Meatballs (& Spaghetti Sauce)
Instant Pot meatballs in homemade spaghetti sauce is a family favorite meal that's healthy, fast, frugal, and delicious. This quick dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. No browning or sautéing required.
Add all the sauce ingredients to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine the ingredients.
Add all the meatball ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Combine the ingredients by hand.
Roll the meatball mixture into 1-inch balls, making them tight (approx. 24-30 meatballs). I use a cookie scooper to form the meatballs and then roll each one in my hand to create a tight, compact ball.
Add the meatballs to the sauce, starting in a circle around the outside and working in. Keep the meatballs in as close to a single layer as you can.
Close the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the Instant Pot for 6 minutes on Manual, High Pressure. The valve on top of the lid should be set to Sealed.
Now is a good time to boil water for your pasta (or cook some zucchini noodles). Add the pasta to the boiling water once the Instant Pot timer beeps (indicating that the cooking time is over). This way the noodles will be fresh for when the meatballs and sauce are ready.
Once the Instant Pot beeps (indicating the 6-minute cooking time is complete), let the pressure release naturally from the Instant Pot for 10-15 minutes. Just let the Instant Pot sit, undisturbed, and the pressure will naturally release on its own.
After 10-15 minutes, release any remaining pressure from the pot by turning the valve on top of the lid from sealed to venting. The remaining pressure/steam will quick release from that valve (watch your hand!). Once all the steam has been released, open the Instant Pot.
The meatballs and sauce are now ready to enjoy! Serve warm with pasta and your favorite toppings (basil, cheese), or see other serving suggestions in the notes below. See details above (in the article) for storing, reheating, and freezing info.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Over Pasta: Serve with your favorite pasta.
Meatball Subs: Cut a baguette in half, spoon the meatballs and sauce over the baguette, then top with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil. Melt the cheese under the oven broiler, on a sheet pan, for just a couple of minutes.
Over Spaghetti Squash: This is a great option if you're eating low carb. Cook spaghetti squash in the oven (you can do this ahead of time), then spoon the sauce and meatballs over the "noodles."
Over Zucchini Noodles: Another great low-carb option. Saute zucchini noodles in a skillet, then add the sauce and meatballs over the "zoodles."