Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
instant pot spaghetti and meatballs

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs in 30 Minutes

This one-pot meal is the ultimate comfort food tender, juicy meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, flavorful marinara sauce made quickly and effortlessly in the Instant Pot!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg beaten
  • For the Spaghetti And Sauce:
  • 12 oz spaghetti broken in half
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
  • 3 cups water or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For Garnish:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Make the Meatballs
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and egg.
  • Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
  • Step 2: Sauté the Meatballs (Optional for Extra Flavor)
  • Turn the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add olive oil.
  • Brown the meatballs on all sides for 2-3 minutes (you don’t have to fully cook them). Remove and set aside.
  • Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
  • Pour half of the marinara sauce into the Instant Pot.
  • Layer broken spaghetti on top in a crisscross pattern (to prevent sticking).
  • Pour in water or broth, making sure the spaghetti is submerged.
  • Add the remaining marinara sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (do not stir).
  • Gently place the meatballs on top.
  • Step 4: Pressure Cook
  • Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" (Manual) for 8 minutes.
  • After cooking, quick release the pressure carefully.
  • Step 5: Stir And Serve
  • Open the lid and gently stir the pasta and meatballs together.
  • Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
  • Step 6: Garnish And Enjoy!
  • Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

  • No time for homemade meatballs? Use frozen meatballs and add 1 extra minute to the cooking time.
  • Want extra creaminess? Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or ricotta after pressure cooking.
  • Prevent sticking: Always crisscross spaghetti layers and do not stir before cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 28gFat: 15g
Tried this recipe?Mention @onehourrecipes or tag #onehourrecipes!