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Spaghetti and Meatballs in the Instant Pot

This is a fast way to make a spaghetti and meatball recipe. For convenience's sake, store-bought fresh meatballs are being used, although homemade meatballs can be used instead.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 3502.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Multi-functional Pressure Cooker Such as an Instant Pot
  • 1 Large Stirring Spoon or Spatula
  • 1 Covered serving dish To keep cooked spaghetti warm
  • 4 Serving bowls

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 4 cups water
  • 10 ounces spaghetti broken in half
  • 30 ounces fresh pork meatballs
  • 2 14.5 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano

Instructions
 

  • Pour water in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot). Add spaghetti and mix to ensure noodles are separate.
  • Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 10 minutes. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Place noodles in a covered dish and keep warm.
  • Add meatballs, crushed tomatoes, and minced garlic to the Instant Pot®. Stir to ensure meatballs are covered by the sauce.
  • Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 10 minutes. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and oregano. Stir to combine.
  • Place noodles in a bowl and serve with meatballs and sauce.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, consider briefly browning the fresh meatballs in the Instant Pot on 'Sauté' mode before adding the tomatoes. This develops a deeper umami and better texture. When cooking spaghetti, ensure it's broken in half and stirred thoroughly upon adding water to prevent clumping. Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley for aromatic brightness and a professional presentation. A splash of dry red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the sauce's complexity.