Here’s a detailed, step-by-step article on making Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs:

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic comfort dish that many of us grew up loving. Traditionally, it requires simmering sauces and carefully cooking meatballs to perfection—a process that can take over an hour. But with the Instant Pot, this Italian-American favorite becomes a quick, hassle-free meal without sacrificing flavor. In this guide, we’ll break down every step to ensure your spaghetti is perfectly cooked, your meatballs are tender, and your sauce is rich and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Sauce and Pasta:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz / 680 g) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
• 2 cups water or low-sodium broth
• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, broken in half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it can make the meatballs tough.
3. Roll the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs—roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add olive oil.
2. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)

1. Gently place the meatballs in the Instant Pot, a few at a time, to brown slightly on all sides. This step adds flavor but isn’t strictly necessary.
2. Remove meatballs and set aside temporarily.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

1. Pour in the marinara sauce and water (or broth). Stir gently to combine.
2. Spread the broken spaghetti evenly over the sauce. Do not stir; simply let the pasta sit on top.
3. Place the meatballs on top of the spaghetti. Again, avoid stirring to prevent sticking.

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