Delicious Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Looking for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love? Say hello to Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs! This classic Italian-inspired dish is made even simpler with the help of everyone’s favorite kitchen appliance – the Instant Pot. With tender meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Join us as we dive into the world of Instant Pot cooking and learn how to make this mouthwatering meal from scratch.
Ingredients:
Gather the following ingredients to make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 jar pasta sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious batch of Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs:
1. Sauté the Onion:
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Sauce and Water:
- Pour in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and water, stirring to combine. Cancel the sauté function on the Instant Pot.
5. Add Spaghetti:
- Break the spaghetti in half and layer it on top of the sauce mixture, ensuring that the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
6. Pressure Cook:
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
7. Natural Release:
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure manually.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Open the Instant Pot and give the spaghetti a good stir to incorporate the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Here are some helpful tips and creative variations to customize your Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs:
- Customize the Sauce: Experiment with different pasta sauces such as marinara, arrabbiata, or vodka sauce for varied flavor profiles.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content of the dish by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce.
- Try Different Proteins: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a twist on traditional meatballs.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications to make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs fit your dietary preferences:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for traditional pasta to reduce carbs. Use a low-carb marinara sauce or make your own with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Replace the pasta with shirataki noodles or konjac noodles, which are virtually carb-free and keto-friendly. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as these noodles cook much faster than traditional pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch? A: Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Simply add them to the Instant Pot along with the sauce and cook according to the recipe instructions.
Q: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta in this recipe? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred type of pasta, whether it’s whole wheat, gluten-free, or even lentil pasta, for a healthier option.
Q: How can I prevent the spaghetti from clumping together during cooking? A: Be sure to break the spaghetti in half and layer it in a crisscross pattern in the Instant Pot to prevent clumping. Stirring the spaghetti well after cooking will also help to separate the noodles.
In conclusion, Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a homemade Italian classic in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to please. So fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of spaghetti and meatballs!