Nothing beats a hearty, comforting plate of spaghetti and meatballs, and the Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe makes it faster and easier than ever. With tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich marinara sauce all coming together in one pot, this dish is a total game-changer on busy weeknights or whenever you want a home-cooked classic in a flash. It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and a guaranteed family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial for achieving that perfect balance of savory, tender meatballs and saucy spaghetti that feels like a hug in every bite. Each item plays a role in bringing color, texture, and deep flavor to this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe.
- Italian Bread (2 thick slices): Soaking it adds moisture and softness to the meatballs for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Water (¼ cup + 2 tbsp + 2 cups): Used in various steps for soaking bread, mixing, and cooking the pasta perfectly inside the pot.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as a binder, helping the meatballs hold together without being dense.
- Panko Bread Crumbs (¼ cup): Adds just enough structure to the meatballs to keep them tender yet firm.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup grated + extra for topping): Brings a salty, nutty richness that enhances the meatballs and the finished dish.
- Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley (2 tbsp, finely snipped): Offers a fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Olive Oil (2 tsp + 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp): Used for flavor and browning the meatballs to develop a beautiful color and taste.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Delivers a subtle savory punch throughout the meatballs.
- Italian Seasoning (¼ tsp crushed): A blend of herbs that adds a classic Mediterranean flair.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp): For gentle heat and depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp): A touch of spice to awaken the palate.
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 80% fat content): Provides juicy richness for the meatballs.
- Ground Pork (8 oz): Blends with beef for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing and browning meatballs evenly.
- Pasta Sauce (1 32 oz jar, or homemade): The star of the sauce, loaded with tomatoes and herbs to coat the noodles and meatballs.
- Spaghetti Noodles (8 oz): The classic pasta choice that cooks right inside the Instant Pot creating perfect al dente strands.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Meatball Mixture
Start by soaking the Italian bread in ¼ cup of water for about 3 minutes to soften it up. Then, break the bread into small pieces and toss them into a large bowl. Beat in the egg, add Panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, herbs, spices, 2 tablespoons of water, and olive oil. Stir it all well to combine those fresh, seasoned flavors right into the base for the meatballs.
Step 2: Mix in the Meat
Next, add in your ground beef and ground pork for that juicy, flavorful combination. You can use an electric mixer or a hand potato masher to incorporate everything thoroughly, making sure those seasonings evenly distribute without over-working the meat.
Step 3: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on the sauté setting of your Instant Pot and brown the meatballs on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Browning locks in flavors and adds that lovely texture contrast you’ll adore. Remove the meatballs once browned and wipe out any excess grease from the Instant Pot.
Step 4: Layer Sauce, Meatballs, and Pasta
Pour half of your pasta sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent sticking and add moisture. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the sauce, then break the spaghetti noodles in half and spread them evenly over the meatballs in different directions for even cooking. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the noodles.
Step 5: Add Water and Pressure Cook
Refill the sauce jar halfway with water, shaking to get every bit of sauce mixed in, and pour this over the noodles. Seal the Instant Pot according to the manufacturer’s instructions and cook at high pressure for 7 minutes. This step melds the flavors perfectly and cooks the pasta to a satisfying al dente every time in this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe.
Step 6: Release Pressure and Serve
Perform a quick manual release of the pressure once the cooking time is up. Open the lid carefully, then gently stir the mixture to combine sauce, noodles, and meatballs without breaking them apart. Now your homemade meal is ready to serve!
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top for an added touch of savory joy. Fresh parsley or a few basil leaves also add a lovely color pop and bright herbaceous note that lifts the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread on the side to soak up every last drop of sauce. A side of steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans can add fresh texture and a vibrant contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it family-style right from the Instant Pot for easy sharing and minimal clean-up. Or twist things up by turning these meatballs into skewers with sautéed peppers for a party appetizer. You can also layer the cooked spaghetti and meatballs in a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly for an indulgent baked variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The meatballs stay tender and the sauce remains flavorful, making it easy to enjoy this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe again quickly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs and pasta in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months and thaw easily overnight in the fridge. This makes the recipe perfect for meal-prep or busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or additional sauce if needed to keep everything moist and delicious. Stir occasionally to warm evenly, and you’ll enjoy the same comforting flavors as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs smaller or larger?
Absolutely! The size of the meatballs can be adjusted to your preference. Just remember that smaller meatballs may cook faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time or cut it down slightly to avoid overcooking.
Can I use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs in this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for regular bread, allowing those who need to avoid gluten to still enjoy this delicious Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe without sacrificing taste.
What type of pasta sauce works best?
Both store-bought and homemade pasta sauces work beautifully here. Choose a sauce with a flavor profile you love—whether it’s classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, or a herby tomato basil blend—since it will infuse the whole dish.
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
You can, but it will take longer. Brown meatballs in a skillet, cook spaghetti separately, and then combine them in a large pot with sauce to simmer. The Instant Pot just speeds everything up and melds the flavors conveniently in one pot.
Is it okay to use only ground beef or only ground pork?
You can use just ground beef or just ground pork if you prefer, but the combination of both adds the best flavor and texture balance. Using both gives juiciness from pork and heartiness from beef, making this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe truly special.
Final Thoughts
If you want a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug and doesn’t tie you to the stove for hours, this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a must-try. It comes together quickly, tastes fantastic, and will soon be one of your go-to recipes for feeding family and friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe offers a quick and delicious one-pot meal, combining tender homemade meatballs with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles in a rich tomato sauce. With minimal prep and only 7 minutes of pressure cooking, it’s an ideal dinner solution for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 slices Italian Bread (thick slices, about 3–4 inches)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley (snipped fine)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning (crushed)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lb ground beef (about 80% fat content)
- 8 oz ground pork
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 1 (32 oz) jar pasta sauce (or homemade)
- 2 cups water
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Soak Bread: Soak the Italian bread slices in ¼ cup water for 3 minutes to soften.
- Break Bread: After soaking, break the bread into small pieces.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add the Panko bread crumbs, soaked bread pieces, Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons water, olive oil, flat-leaf parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Add Meat: Mix in the ground beef and ground pork thoroughly, either by using an electric mixer or a hand potato masher, until ingredients are well combined.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the meat mixture into balls roughly the size of a golf ball.
- Sauté Meatballs: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the Instant Pot and set to sauté mode. Brown the meatballs on each side until nicely seared. Remove meatballs from the pot and wipe out excess grease.
- Add Sauce and Meatballs: Pour half of the pasta sauce into the Instant Pot. Arrange the browned meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Add Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and lay them over the meatballs in different directions.
- Top with Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining half of the pasta sauce over the noodles.
- Add Water: Fill the empty pasta sauce jar halfway with water, shake to loosen any remaining sauce, and add this water to the pot over the noodles.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Perform a manual fast pressure release. Carefully remove the lid, stir gently to combine the ingredients without breaking up the meatballs, and serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use thick Italian bread slices for best texture in meatballs.
- You can substitute ground pork with ground veal or turkey if preferred.
- Breaking spaghetti noodles in half helps fit them easily into the Instant Pot and ensures even cooking.
- Be gentle when stirring after cooking to keep meatballs intact.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
