Instant Pot Italian Meatballs For Your Next Pasta Dinner [Recipe]

I love making these instant pot Italian meatballs any time we have a family dinner. These are extremely easy to make, but will never disappoint. You can prepare these meatballs using your instant pot, which will do most of the work. Plus, you can save them for later without much issue, and use them for other delicious meals, such as a meatball sub.

Save Time With These Instant Pot Italian Meatballs

When it comes to ingredients, I suggest you go with ground beef, garlic, onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. You will also need marinara sauce, water, and olive oil before serving.

If you need to, you can change some of these items. Try ground turkey or chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, Panko or stale bread, egg replacement, chili powder, dry oregano, and Italian mixed cheese.

First, you’ll want to mix the meatball ingredients in a large bowl, using your hands to ensure that everything is thoroughly combined. Once the mixture is ready, use your hands again to make 1.5-2 inch balls.

I like to heat olive oil in a pan while I make the meatballs, which I then sauté until brown. Make sure to add water to your instant pot, and add the meatballs carefully. Cover them with your marinara sauce and cook at high pressure for about 6-8 minutes.

Remember that the cooking time depends on the size of your meatballs and the type of meat you use, so it may vary. After you release the pressure, remove your meatballs and sauce, and serve with your favorite pasta topped with more cheese.

Freezing and Unfreezing the Italian Meatballs

As I mentioned before, you can always save this meal for later. Follow the same instructions, but don’t sauté or cook your balls. Instead, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, save them in freezer bags or containers.

When you want to cook these meatballs, follow the instant pot cooking instructions.

Instant Pot Italian Meatballs

Course: General RecipesCuisine: Freezer-Friendly, Instant Pot

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Make It Now

35

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 tsp minced garlic cloves

• 1/4 cup (32 g) diced onions

• 1/4 cup (32 g) bread crumbs

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1/8 cup (16 g) chopped fresh parsley

• 1/8 cup (16 g) parmesan cheese, shredded

• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

• 2 tsp olive oil

Directions

• Directions for Cooking
• Using a large bowl, mix all the ingredients (except water) together.
• Roll the mixture into meatballs roughly 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 cm – 5 cm) diameter.
• Saute meatballs until browned.
• Add water to your Instant pot.
• Place the meatballs into the pot.
• Cover them with sauce.
• Secure lid in place then seal the steam nozzle.
• Pressure cook on high for 6 minutes.
• Release the pressure naturally for 5 minutes.
• Directions for Cooking from Frozen
• Saute frozen meatballs until browned.
• Add water to your pot.
• Place the meatballs in your Instant pot.
• Cover them with sauce.
• Secure lid in place and cover the steam nozzle.
• Pressure cook on high for 6 minutes.
• Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes.

Looking to try another delicious Instant Pot recipe? Why not give this Instant Pot Chicken Soup recipe a go?