Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Quick and Delicious Meal

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, we all crave delicious homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter the Instant Pot, a kitchen appliance that has revolutionized cooking. In this article, we’ll explore how to make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs – a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will leave your taste buds dancing.

What is an Instant Pot?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s briefly explain what an Instant Pot is. An Instant Pot is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that combines several cooking methods, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more, all in one device. It’s a game-changer for busy individuals and families.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started with our Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Sauce

• 1 can (24 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional

• 8 ounces of spaghetti
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• Grated mozzarella cheese for topping
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Mix the ingredients until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Meatballs

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
2. Add a bit of oil to the pot and let it heat up.
3. Place the meatballs in the Instant Pot and brown them on all sides for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In the same Instant Pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Return the meatballs to the Instant Pot and submerge them in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Break the spaghetti in half and place it on top of the meatballs and sauce.
2. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water over the spaghetti to ensure it’s fully covered.
3. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and select the pressure cook function for 8 minutes.
4. After cooking, do a quick release of pressure by turning the valve to “venting.”

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Open the Instant Pot and give everything a gentle stir.
2. Serve your Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs hot, garnished with grated mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a fantastic meal that combines the convenience of modern cooking with the flavors of traditional Italian cuisine. With the Instant Pot, you can have this delicious dish on your table in no time. So, give it a try and enjoy a satisfying, homemade meal with minimal effort.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use frozen meatballs, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
   • Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
   • You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
4. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
   • Yes, you can use vegetarian meatballs and vegetable-based sauces for a meatless version.
5. Can I store leftovers in the Instant Pot?
   • It’s better to transfer leftovers to a separate container and refrigerate them for freshness.