Hey there, friends! If you’re anything like me, the hustle and bustle of busy weeknights can really put a damper on cooking up something delicious. That’s where my *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs* comes to the rescue! It’s a lifesaver when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture this: tender meatballs soaked in rich marinara sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, all in just about 25 minutes! I love how this recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it so easy to whip up a comforting dinner for the whole family. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your weeknight rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs* recipe for so many reasons! First off, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, which means less time waiting and more time enjoying that delicious meal. The flavors? Oh my goodness, the combination of savory meatballs and zesty marinara sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family, making it the perfect dinner solution for busy weeknights. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds! And the best part? Minimal cleanup means you can kick back and relax after your meal. What’s not to love?
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs*. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (I usually go for lean to keep it healthier!)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (this helps bind the meatballs together)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 egg (this is my secret weapon for a moist meatball)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for that classic Italian vibe)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 4 cups water (to cook the spaghetti perfectly)
- 12 ounces spaghetti (I like to break it in half for easier cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!
With these simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to a comforting and hearty meal in no time!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs*! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated parmesan, and the egg. Add in those minced garlic cloves and Italian seasoning, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Get your hands in there and mix everything until just combined—don’t overdo it! You want tender meatballs, not tough ones.
Step 2: Form and Cook Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the meatballs! I like to roll them into about 1-inch balls—perfect bite size. Set them aside for now. Next, turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Let it heat up, and we’ll add some flavor to the sauce shortly!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot
Now, pour the marinara sauce and water into the pot. Take your spaghetti, break it in half (it fits better this way!), and gently place it in the sauce. Then, carefully arrange the meatballs on top of the spaghetti. Trust me, this layering technique is key to getting everything cooked evenly!
Step 4: Cooking Time
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Now it’s time to cook! Set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release by turning the valve to venting. Be careful—steam will escape! When you open the lid, give everything a good stir, and you’re ready to dig in!
Tips for Success
Want to take your *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs* to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips! First, using lean ground beef not only makes for a healthier dish but also keeps those meatballs nice and tender. If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the sauce. Also, don’t be shy with seasoning—taste as you go! A pinch more salt or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can really elevate the flavor. Trust me, these little adjustments can make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs*. You’ll get about 450 calories, with 20 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, there’s 6 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this hearty meal without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One common question is about storing leftovers. Just pop them in an airtight container and they’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to separate the meatballs and spaghetti if you can!
As for ingredient substitutions, you can absolutely swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. And if you’re out of marinara sauce, any tomato-based sauce will work just fine! Just keep an eye on the cooking time if you’re using a different type of pasta. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs* is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy that deliciousness later! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the dish for up to a month. Just make sure to separate the meatballs and spaghetti if you can, so they don’t clump together. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop—just add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Enjoy your leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my *Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs*, I love to keep it simple yet delightful! A fresh side salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette pairs perfectly, adding a nice crunch and freshness. You can also serve it with some garlic bread for that extra touch—who can resist a warm, buttery piece of toast? And don’t forget a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top for that finishing touch! Enjoy!
Drucken
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs: 25-Minute Comfort Food
- Gesamtzeit: 25 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Easy recipe for instant pot spaghetti and meatballs.
Zutaten
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 4 cups water
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form meatballs and set aside.
- Turn on the instant pot and select the sauté function.
- Add marinara sauce and water to the pot.
- Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot.
- Place meatballs on top of spaghetti.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure and open the lid carefully.
- Stir everything together and serve.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 10 minutes
- Kategorie: Dinner
- Methode: Instant Pot
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: instant pot spaghetti, meatballs, easy recipe, Italian dinner
