Instant pot pasta and meatballs is the answer to what’s for dinner. It’s quick and easy, super cozy comfort food for those days when you want real food, but you’re just done with it all.
I know what you’re thinking: meatballs on a weekday?! Yes, it’s true, after a long day of work the last thing I want to do is roll meatballs. In fact, getting delivery is probably my most favorite way to have a relaxing night. But, sometimes only homemade will do. In those cases, homemade plus Instant Pot is the answer.
Instant pot pasta is easy
Is this recipe super quick to make? Yes and no. It only needs 5 minutes on high pressure in your Instant Pot, but of course it takes time for your IP to come up to pressure. Also, you need to mix and roll out meatballs. But, you don’t have to cook and drain your pasta and you don’t have to worry about hanging out near the stove in case your tomato sauce starts splattering. Instead, you can do the prep, set it, and forget it. Or, you know, have a quick shower, change into comfy clothes and pour yourself a glass of wine or five.
This is a pretty easy recipe to make! All you do is dump the sauce ingredients, along with the pasta into the instant pot. Stir that all up, then mix up your meatballs, shape them, and place them right on top. On goes the lid, set it, then wait. When everything’s done and you open up your pot, give it all a stir and you’re ready to eat.
This is self care at it’s finest. A saucy bowl of pasta and tender, juicy meatballs. The key to tender meatballs is the breadcrumbs. They help give it a soft, fall apart texture. If you want your meatballs really soft, add an extra egg – the extra moisture will loosen up the mix and make the meatballs even more tender. And yes, these are tender balls. No searing or browning here. Mostly because we’re trying to save on time, but also because a braised meatball is somehow cozier than a browned one.
Don’t forget the parm! Shower your bowl with some cheesy love, you deserve it!
More easy instant pot recipes
- Instant Pot Chili
- Instant Pot Pork Shoulder Chile Verde
- Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Instant Pot Black Dal
Instant pot pasta recipes
- Instant Pot Lamb Ragu
- Instant Pot Ragu Modenese
- The Ultimate Easy Instant Pot Meat Sauce
- Chicken Pot Pie Bow Ties
Wishing you all the cozy feels!
-Steph
Instant Pot Pasta and Meatballs
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Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 onion chopped
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup panko or breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Special Equipment
Instructions
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In the Instant Pot insert, combine the onion, tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of water then add the pasta on top, without stirring in.
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Make the meatballs by combining the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Shape the meat into balls and place directly into the pot on top without stirring in.
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Cover and cook on high pressure for five minutes. When done, quick release the pressure and carefully open the Instant Pot.
-
Stir and turn on sauté mode to reduce the sauce if needed. Taste and season. Enjoy!
Estimated Nutrition
Calories from Fat 99
