Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a comforting Italian classic without all the fuss. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: the Instant Pot does all the work, combining perfectly cooked pasta with juicy, tender meatballs in a flavorful marinara sauce.

It’s an ideal weeknight meal that doesn’t require much hands-on time, and you can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes! If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new go-to. Not in the mood for meatballs? Feel free to leave them out and enjoy a tasty spaghetti dish on its own—equally delicious!

Kitchen Equipment Needed:
Instant Pot (6-8 quart)
Tongs or a spatula
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle (for serving)

Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
12 oz uncooked spaghetti
4 cups water or low-sodium broth
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Grated Parmesan (for serving, optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Sauté the Meatballs (Optional):

Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side, working in batches if necessary. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
Layer the Ingredients:

Once the meatballs are browned, press “Cancel” to stop the sauté function. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the pot. Break the spaghetti in half and lay it over the sauce in a crisscross pattern. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta, and add 4 cups of water or broth to cover the noodles. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook Under Pressure:

Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.”
Combine and Serve:

Open the lid and give the spaghetti and meatballs a good stir to combine everything. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
8 minutes (plus time to come to pressure)
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 450
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without a lot of effort. Enjoy it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying dinner!

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

a quick and delicious way to enjoy a comforting Italian classic without all the fuss. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: the Instant Pot does all the work, combining perfectly cooked pasta with juicy, tender meatballs in a flavorful marinara sauce.

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Equipment

• Instant Pot (6-8 quart)
• Tongs or a spatula
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle (for serving)

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Spaghetti:
• 12 oz uncooked spaghetti
• 4 cups water or low-sodium broth
• 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish, optional
• Grated Parmesan for serving, optional

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
• Sauté the Meatballs (Optional):
• Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and heat the olive oil. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side, working in batches if necessary. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
• Layer the Ingredients:
• Once the meatballs are browned, press "Cancel" to stop the sauté function. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the pot. Break the spaghetti in half and lay it over the sauce in a crisscross pattern. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta, and add 4 cups of water or broth to cover the noodles. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Cook Under Pressure:
• Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to "Venting."
• Combine and Serve:
• Open the lid and give the spaghetti and meatballs a good stir to combine everything. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Prep Time:
• 10 minutes
• Cook Time:
• 8 minutes (plus time to come to pressure)
• Total Time:
• 25 minutes
• Nutrition (per serving):
• Calories: 450
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without a lot of effort. Enjoy it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying dinner!