Spaghetti And Meatballs In An Instant Pot
If you love Italian cuisine, then you know that spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that never goes out of style. The combination of tender meatballs, savory tomato sauce, and al dente spaghetti is simply irresistible. However, making this dish can be time-consuming and messy, especially when you have to cook the meatballs separately and then simmer them in the sauce for hours.
Fortunately, the Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, making it easier and faster to prepare our favorite meals with less hassle and cleanup. In this article, we will show you how to make spaghetti and meatballs in an Instant Pot, so you can enjoy this delicious dish without the fuss.
The Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can be used as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. It is a must-have kitchen appliance for anyone who wants to save time and effort in the kitchen. Here are some of the benefits of using an Instant Pot:
- It cooks food faster than conventional methods.
- It preserves the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients.
- It reduces the need for multiple pots and pans.
- It is easy to use and clean.
- It is safe and energy-efficient.
Ingredients for Spaghetti and Meatballs
Before we get started, let's take a look at the ingredients you will need to make spaghetti and meatballs in an Instant Pot:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions for Making Spaghetti and Meatballs in an Instant Pot
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's start cooking!
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into meatballs the size of golf balls. You should be able to make about 16 meatballs.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the 'saute' function. Once the pot is hot, add the olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
- Add the tomato sauce and water to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Add the spaghetti to the pot, breaking it in half if necessary to fit. Use a spoon to push the spaghetti down into the sauce, making sure it is fully submerged.
- Add the meatballs on top of the spaghetti, but do not stir.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the steam release valve is set to 'sealing'.
- Select the 'pressure cook' function and set the timer for 8 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then use the quick release method to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and give the spaghetti and meatballs a gentle stir, making sure the spaghetti is fully coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley (if using) and serve hot.
Conclusion
By using an Instant Pot, you can make spaghetti and meatballs in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. The result is a delicious, hearty meal that the whole family will love. So go ahead and give it a try – you won't be disappointed!
