Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot version of Spaghetti and Meatballs is a game-changer. The meatballs are juicy and full of flavor, the spaghetti is perfectly cooked in the same pot, and the sauce is rich and savory, all thanks to the Instant Pot’s magic. The pressure cooking method infuses the meatballs with the sauce’s flavors, while the pasta is cooked to perfection without the need for boiling it separately. The best part? It’s done in about 40 minutes, making it a weeknight-friendly, one-pot meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the sauce:

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)

• 1 cup water or beef broth

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

• 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 16-18 meatballs.

2. Sauté the meatballs (optional): Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, just to get a nice sear on them. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set aside. (This step is optional but adds great flavor to the meatballs and sauce. You can skip it if you’re in a hurry.)

3. Make the sauce: Add the marinara sauce and water (or beef broth) to the Instant Pot. Stir in the dried basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.

4. Add the spaghetti: Break the uncooked spaghetti in half and place it on top of the sauce. Do not stir. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking. Gently arrange the meatballs on top of the pasta.

5. Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high for 8 minutes. (Note: If you prefer your pasta softer, you can cook it for 9 minutes.)

6. Release the pressure: Once the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.” Be cautious of the steam. After the pressure is fully released, open the lid.

7. Serve: Gently stir the pasta and sauce together, making sure the spaghetti is coated with the sauce and the meatballs are evenly distributed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Total time: 40 minutes

• Active time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 8 minutes + 5 minutes for pressure release

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as lentils or a vegetarian meatball.

• Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add small cubes of mozzarella cheese to the center of each meatball for a cheesy surprise when you bite into them.

• Spicy Meatballs: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the spaghetti and meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or marinara sauce to keep it moist, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. If using frozen meatballs, you may need to increase the pressure cooking time to 10 minutes, as they take longer to cook through.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of pasta you use.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, add them directly to the Instant Pot.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni. Be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use—generally, pasta requires 8-10 minutes in the Instant Pot.

How do I avoid the spaghetti from sticking together?

To prevent the spaghetti from sticking, do not stir the pasta once you’ve placed it in the Instant Pot. Layer it on top of the sauce and meatballs, and let the Instant Pot do the work. If you’d like, you can toss the pasta after pressure cooking to separate it.

Can I skip the browning step?

Yes, you can skip the browning step if you’re short on time. Simply place the uncooked meatballs directly into the sauce in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking will cook them through, though browning first adds extra flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe by increasing the ingredients. However, be careful not to overfill the Instant Pot—ensure that the total contents do not exceed the “Max Fill” line. You may need to cook it in two batches depending on the size of your Instant Pot.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs will be fully cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check with a meat thermometer or cut one open to check if it’s no longer pink inside.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is the perfect one-pot meal for busy nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and quick. The Instant Pot makes this classic dish easier than ever by cooking the spaghetti and meatballs in one pot, infusing everything with rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple dinner, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to please!