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    Popular » Recipes » Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Aug 8, 2022 by Dee

    Make Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce with this frozen meatballs recipe in pasta  sauce. An easy meal perfect for meatball subs or as an appetizer. via @meamel

    Make Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce with this frozen meatballs recipe in pasta sauce. An easy meal perfect for meatball subs or as an appetizer. This is a great recipe for busy weeknights or game day!

    Jump to Recipe -
    instant pot meatballs in pasta sauce on wooden spoon
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in the Instant Pot
    • Cook Time
    • How to Store and Reheat
    • Variations
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    This super easy Instant Pot frozen meatball recipe is perfect when you want a "dump and start" dinner without any prep work. It's a great starter recipe that is also easy on the budget and very kid friendly!

    I love making baked meatballs from scratch. But, in a pinch, you can't go wrong with this frozen meatballs Instant Pot recipe.

    This simple recipe is perfect for game day or an easy dinner on busy weekdays. Of course, you can just enjoy the meatballs and sauce on their own, as well!

    If you want more Instant Pot meatball recipes, check out my Sweet and Sour Meatballs over jasmine rice, Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs and Cranberry Orange Meatballs -- perfect for the Holiday season!

    Ingredients

    You only need a few simple ingredients for this instant pot meatball recipe. If you don't have these pantry staples at home, you can find them in your grocery store.

    • Olive oil
    • Frozen meatballs -- Italian meatballs or your favorite flavor
    • Water
    • Spaghetti sauce -- jar or homemade sauce
    • Seasonings -- garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes 

    How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in the Instant Pot

    I used my 6 quart Instant Pot pressure cooker in this recipe, but you can use an 8 quart or larger. You'll just need to add an extra cup of water.

    First, add a little bit of olive oil to the bottom of the pot. It's not totally necessary, but it does help prevent the sauce from sticking.

    And when the sauce sticks, there's a higher chance of the burn notice appearing on your electric pressure cooker.

    Then, pour the water into the pot. Next, add your meatballs.

    frozen meatballs in the instant pot

    Pour the spaghetti sauce over the meatballs, but don't stir. I used our favorite jarred sauce, but you can use homemade spaghetti sauce if you have it!

    You can also throw in some seasoning for extra flavor. We added garlic powder, Italian seasoning and some red pepper flakes.

    meatballs with spaghetti sauce and seasoning in the pressure cooker

    Cook Time

    It only takes 5 minutes to cook meatballs in the Instant Pot on high pressure! Note, that these are frozen precooked meatballs. You can use fresh homemade meatballs for the same time as long as they have been browned first.

    The pot does take longer to reach pressure when you're cooking frozen food. So, even though the cook time is only 5 minutes, it may take 15 minutes to come to pressure.

    Once the pot reads zero, do a quick release of the pressure by turning or pressing down on the pressure release valve. Then, your pressure cooker meatballs are done!

    I like to take my meatballs one step further by topping them with fresh basil and parsley. It's a great way to add more flavor!

    cooked meatballs in sauce in wooden spoon over instant pot

    Of course, you can eat these as they are, but I love making meatball subs!

    Just lightly toast some rolls, add mozzarella or provolone cheese and the meatballs, and broil until the cheese melts.

    meatballs in spaghetti sauce inside instant pot

    How to Store and Reheat

    Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for four to five days.

    You can also place them in the freezer for longer storage.

    Reheat in the microwave in thirty second intervals. Make sure to cut the meatballs in half so that the inside cooks.

    Variations

    For more flavor, substitute water with beef broth.

    Use turkey meatballs instead of beef or pork.

    Use homemade marinara sauce or tomato sauce instead of a jar of sauce.

    If you want Instant Pot frozen meatballs and spaghetti or pasta, try my Instant Pot Pasta and Meatballs recipe.

    Expert Tips

    Make sure to layer the ingredients starting with the olive oil on the bottom of the pressure cooker. Then, add the water, then meatballs, then sauce in that order.

    Don't stir all of the ingredients together until after pressure cooking. This helps prevent the burn notice.

    Remember to add water or broth. The Instant Pot needs thin liquid to build pressure.

    Recipe

    instant pot meatballs from frozen in marinara sauce

    Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce

    Published by Dee
    Make Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce with this frozen meatballs recipe in pasta sauce. An easy meal perfect for meatball subs or as an appetizer. This is a great recipe for busy weeknights or game day!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Text Share by Email
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    pressure time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6
    Calories 276 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 36 frozen meatballs precooked
    • ½ cup water
    • 28 ounces spaghetti sauce
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional
    • pinch red pepper flakes optional

    Instructions
     

    • Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot liner
    • Pour in the water, and add the meatballs
    • Add the spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes (if using) Do NOT Stir
    • Place the lid on the Instant Pot, make sure seal is in sealing position, and hit PRESSURE COOK for 5 minutes
    • Pot will take a few minutes to reach pressure, then will cook for 5 minutes
    • When pot beeps, turn vent to release pressure. When pin drops, carefully remove lid, and stir meatballs. Serve immediately or leave on KEEP WARM until ready to eat

    Notes

    Recipe was made in a 6 quart Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. For an 8 quart or larger, use 1 cup water.
    You can use ¼ cup water for thicker sauce. Frozen meatballs release liquid as they cook.
    You can use fresh meatballs, but be sure to brown and partially cook them first, or you may have to cook for more than 5 minutes.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 276kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 16gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 742mgPotassium: 685mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 573IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!

    For reference, I use either Kirkland brand or Cooked Perfect frozen meatballs and Rao's or Barilla sauce.

    My whole family adores this instant pot meatballs recipe, and I hope you enjoy this simple dinner as much as we do!

    Fore more easy instant pot recipes check out my Instant pot recipes archive. For more easy recipes and quick dinners, please follow me on social media and subscribe to the newsletter.

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    More Recipes made in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    • Instant Pot Kraft Mac and Cheese
    • Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
    • Instant Pot Turkey Stock
    • Best Instant Pot Baked Ziti

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Fancy says

      December 05, 2021 at 6:40 pm

      I loved this. It was my first instant pot try. The only thing , it said turn knob to venting and I did. Instead of the sealing. But fixed it and they came out good still.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        December 05, 2021 at 7:57 pm

        Thank you so much! I just corrected that. So glad you enjoyed the meatballs!

    2. Ann says

      June 20, 2020 at 8:00 am

      I love this- so easy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Dee says

        June 21, 2020 at 9:36 pm

        Thanks, Ann. I'm so glad you liked it!

    3. Cathy says

      June 16, 2020 at 8:01 am

      Such an easy upgrade for frozen meatballs!

      Reply
    4. Toni says

      June 10, 2020 at 9:34 am

      This is really amazing! My kids loved it so much!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        June 27, 2020 at 9:35 pm

        This made my day --- Thanks so much!

    5. Sara Welch says

      June 10, 2020 at 9:21 am

      Another great recipe for the Instant Pot! So hearty and delicious!

      Reply
    6. Beti says

      June 10, 2020 at 8:28 am

      We love meatballs so this is a great recipe for us! I love that I can make them in the instant pot!5 stars

      Reply
    7. katerina says

      June 10, 2020 at 8:27 am

      mmm..these meatballs look SO GOOD!! Can't wait to try!!5 stars

      Reply
    8. Jacque Hastert says

      June 10, 2020 at 8:08 am

      These would be perfect for a sub sandwich! I love that you use frozen meatballs for an easy dish.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        June 10, 2020 at 12:00 pm

        Thanks, Jacque! We love meatball subs!

    9. Beth says

      June 09, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      Yum! The pictures are making my mouth water! I'm so excited to make these!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        June 14, 2020 at 9:28 pm

        Thanks, Beth! Let me know how you like it!

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

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