Introduction
Are you a fan of classic Italian comfort food? Look no further than this delicious recipe for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can have a mouthwatering plate of spaghetti and meatballs on the table in no time. This recipe combines the perfect blend of flavors and textures to create a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So let’s dive in and discover how to make this delightful Italian favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll love this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe:
1. Easy and Quick: With the Instant Pot, you can cut down on cooking time without compromising on flavor.
2. Homemade Goodness: This recipe uses fresh ingredients and allows you to create restaurant-quality spaghetti and meatballs in the comfort of your own kitchen.
3. Versatile: You can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even vegetables.
4. Family-Friendly: Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
For this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8 ounces spaghetti
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Press the “Sauté” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
5. Gently place the meatballs into the sauce in the Instant Pot.
6. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” mode for 8 minutes.
7. While the meatballs are cooking, break the spaghetti in half and add it to a pot of boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
8. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure from the Instant Pot using the quick-release valve.
9. Open the Instant Pot and remove the meatballs from the sauce with a slotted spoon.
10. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the sauce in the Instant Pot. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
11. Serve the spaghetti topped with the meatballs and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs turn out perfectly:
– Use lean ground beef for healthier meatballs.
– For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the meatball mixture.
– Make sure to fully cook the onions before adding the tomatoes to the Instant Pot to enhance their sweetness.
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce after cooking the meatballs.
– To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together, make sure to stir it occasionally while it cooks.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe your own. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
– Ground Turkey: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter option.
– Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground meat with plant-based meat substitutes or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
– Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free option.
– Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meatball mixture for a kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some serving suggestions:
– Garlic Bread: Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a side of toasted garlic bread for a complete meal.
– Salad: Pair the dish with a fresh green salad or a Caprese salad for a refreshing contrast.
– Wine: Enjoy a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, to complement the flavors of the dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before adding them to the Instant Pot.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is freezer-friendly. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Final Thoughts
With its rich tomato sauce and flavorful meatballs, Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic dish that never disappoints. The convenience of the Instant Pot makes it even easier to enjoy this Italian favorite without spending hours in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious meal. Bon appétit!
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
A classic Italian comfort food made easy with the Instant Pot. This recipe features homemade meatballs in a rich tomato sauce served over spaghetti, creating a delightful and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs.
- Press the "Sauté" button on the Instant Pot, heat olive oil, and sauté diced onion until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Gently place meatballs into the sauce in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set to "Manual" mode for 8 minutes.
- While meatballs cook, boil spaghetti in a pot of water until al dente.
- Release pressure from the Instant Pot using the quick-release valve.
- Remove meatballs from the sauce with a slotted spoon.
- Drain spaghetti and add to the sauce in the Instant Pot. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
