Tender Instant Pot Meatballs

Tender, flavorful homemade meatballs in marinara sauce come together quickly in the Instant Pot. This recipe gets them perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

I first made this during a busy weeknight and was amazed at how fast and easy it was to have a comforting homemade meal on the table. Now it’s a go-to recipe whenever I want a hearty Italian classic without the wait.

Ingredients

• One pound lean ground beef: a nice beefy base without too much fat
• Half pound pork sausage: extra flavor and moisture in the meatballs choose mild or spicy Italian depending on your taste
• One cup Italian style panko breadcrumbs: to hold the meatballs together and keep them light
• Half cup grated parmesan cheese: to add a sharp salty richness
• Two large eggs: to bind the mixture well
• Half teaspoon salt: to enhance all the flavors
• One teaspoon garlic and herb seasoning: to boost the Italian flavor profile
• Two tablespoons oil: for browning the meatballs and preventing sticking
• One third cup water: to create steam and prevent burning in the Instant Pot
• Thirty two ounce jar marinara sauce: for a simple flavorful sauce to cook the meatballs in
• Cooked pasta for serving if desired: — spaghetti or any pasta you like works great

Instructions

Scoop and Mix:

Combine the ground beef pork sausage breadcrumbs parmesan eggs salt and garlic and herb seasoning in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly but gently so the meat does not get too dense.

Shape Meatballs:

Use an ice cream scoop or your hands to form the mixture into 12 large even meatballs. This helps them cook uniformly.

Sauté the Meatballs:

Turn on the Instant Pot sauté function on medium heat for about 6 minutes. Add oil once hot and brown the meatballs in batches if needed. Sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes to develop a rich crust and deepen flavor. Set aside browned meatballs.

Add Sauce and Water:

Turn off sauté mode and pour in water then add the marinara sauce. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to avoid burn errors during pressure cooking.

Combine and Cook:

Place all the meatballs back into the pot nestling them gently into the sauce so they are mostly covered. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.

Natural Release:

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to finish.

Serve:

Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta or your favorite side. Spoon plenty of sauce on top for a satisfying dinner.

I love the parmesan in the meatballs giving that slightly nutty cheesy bite that complements the sweet tomato sauce perfectly. Making these always reminds me of cooking Italian dinners with my family where everyone pitched in to shape meatballs and share stories around the kitchen.

Storage Tips

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave so they stay moist and tender. You can freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly to keep texture intact.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version but watch cooking time to avoid drying out. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if you need a gluten-free option but keep the texture similar. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added to the meat mixture for a more vibrant flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

Classic serve with spaghetti or any pasta tossed lightly with olive oil or butter for a simple meal. Make meatball subs by layering warmed meatballs and sauce on a crusty roll with melted mozzarella cheese. Add a side salad or roasted vegetables to turn this into a complete comforting dinner.

Enjoy these tender Instant Pot meatballs with plenty of sauce for a comforting meal. They freeze and reheat well for easy leftovers.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use only ground beef for the meatballs?

Yes, using only ground beef will work; however, mixing with pork sausage adds extra flavor and moisture.

→ What is the best way to brown the meatballs in the Instant Pot?

Use the sauté function and heat oil before adding meatballs in batches. Brown each side for 1-2 minutes to develop a rich crust.

→ How do I avoid the burn warning in the Instant Pot?

Scrape up browned bits after browning and add water with marinara sauce to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

→ Can these meatballs be cooked without the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can brown meatballs in a skillet and simmer in sauce on the stove, but cooking time will be longer.

→ What can I serve with the meatballs?

They pair well with cooked pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.