Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs – A One-Pot Italian Classic in Under an Hour

When you want classic Italian comfort food without the hassle, this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is your answer. Juicy, flavorful meat, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce come together in a single pot—no boiling, no draining, and no mess. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers big flavor in under an hour, making it a weeknight lifesaver that still feels like a Sunday supper.

 Why This Recipe Works

  • One-pot convenience – No need to boil pasta separately.
  • Speedy and hands-off – Done in about 30 minutes of cook time.
  • Rich, hearty flavor – Thanks to a combination of garlic, herbs, and diced tomatoes.
  • Customizable – Swap proteins or sauces to suit your taste.
  • Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly – Perfect for leftovers or batch cooking.

 Ingredients Breakdown & Their Roles

  • 1 tbsp olive oil – Used to sauté onions and build flavor right from the start.
  • ½ onion, chopped – Adds aromatic depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
  • 1 lb ground beef – The protein base; gives the dish its hearty, satisfying quality.
  • 2 tsp garlic powder – Infuses the meat with deep, savory flavor.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
  • 3 tsp minced garlic – Provides fresh garlic aroma and authentic Italian flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – A robust mix of herbs that gives the dish its signature Italian taste.
  • 1 jar pasta sauce – Acts as the base of the sauce, offering richness and convenience.
  • 3 cups water – Necessary for cooking the pasta evenly in the Instant Pot without burning.
  • 1 lb spaghetti pasta – The main starch; breaking it helps it cook uniformly in the pot.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes – Adds texture, moisture, and boosts tomato flavor naturally.

 Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

1. Sauté Aromatics and Meat

Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
Add olive oil and chopped onions. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.

Add ground beef, garlic powder, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Drain excess fat, then remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
Pro Tip: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot—this adds flavor and prevents the “burn” warning.

2. Layer the Ingredients Carefully

Turn off Sauté mode.
Pour half of the water (1½ cups) into the pot.
Break spaghetti in half and layer in a criss-cross “X” pattern to prevent clumping.

Pour in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and then the remaining water.
Make sure the noodles are completely submerged but do not stir.
Important: Layering and not stirring is key to preventing pasta from sticking to the bottom or triggering a burn warning.

3. Pressure Cook

Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes.
After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

4. Finish the Dish

Open the lid and return the cooked meat mixture to the pot.
Stir everything together thoroughly so the sauce, pasta, and meat are evenly combined.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the spaghetti and meatballs hot. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

 Serving Suggestions

Make it a complete Italian feast with these tasty sides:

  • Garlic Bread – Buttery, crispy, and perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
  • Caesar or Garden Salad – Adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the pasta.
  • Parmesan or Pecorino Romano – Freshly grated cheese takes the flavor over the top.

 Tips & Variations

  • Deglaze the pot after sautéing to prevent sticking and avoid the burn notice.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version without losing flavor.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
  • Substitute with whole-wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if needed, adjusting cook time slightly.
    This dish reheats beautifully – store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for future meals.

 Final Thoughts: Comfort Food Made Fast

This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is everything you want in a classic Italian meal—rich, savory, comforting, and best of all, simple and fast. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again on busy nights, for family dinners, or any time you need something hearty and soul-satisfying in a hurry.

Try it once, and you’ll never go back to boiling spaghetti on the stovetop again!

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