Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a delightful one-pot meal that takes the hassle out of cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty Italian dish with minimal effort. With the Instant Pot, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring the rich flavors of tender meatballs and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – With just 10 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Easy Cleanup – Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes to wash after your meal.
- Flavorful Ingredients – Juicy meatballs paired with savory pasta sauce create an irresistible combination that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal – This recipe is great for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly – A classic dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools for an effortless cooking experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Instant Pot
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Why These Tools Matter
- Instant Pot – This multi-cooker not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements contribute to consistent results and prevent any mishaps during preparation.
Ingredients
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a one pot meal thanks to the pressure cooker. Spend less time cooking and cleaning when you try this.
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
For the Sauce
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
For Cooking
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For Serving
- 12 ounces spaghetti (broken in half)
- 1 cup grated parmesan

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and ensure everything is measured out properly. This will streamline your cooking process.
Step 2: Combine in Instant Pot
Place everything except the parmesan into the Instant Pot:
1. Add the frozen meatballs.
2. Pour in the pasta sauce.
3. Add the beef broth and water.
4. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Break spaghetti in half and add it to the pot without stirring too much.
Step 3: Set Pressure Cooking Time
Seal the lid on your Instant Pot:
1. Set the pressure to cook for 10 minutes.
2. Ensure that the valve is set to sealing.
Step 4: Quick Release Pressure
Once cooking is complete:
1. Carefully do a quick release of pressure by turning the valve to venting.
2. Wait until all steam has escaped before opening the lid.
Step 5: Serve Your Dish
Stir everything together until well combined:
1. Serve hot with fresh grated parmesan on top.
2. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs!
This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week!
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Serving Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a delightful experience, as it allows you to enjoy this classic dish in various ways. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal.
Classic Plate
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs on a large plate, topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for a traditional touch.
Garlic Bread
- Pair the dish with warm garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the spaghetti beautifully.
Side Salad
- A fresh side salad with greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the meatballs.
Steamed Vegetables
- Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition. They make an excellent side that’s easy to prepare.
Meatball Sub
- Transform leftovers into a meatball sub by placing them in a toasted sub roll, topped with marinara sauce and cheese for a delicious sandwich option.
Family Style
- Serve everything in the pot at the table for a casual family-style meal. Let everyone help themselves while sharing stories and laughter.
How to Perfect Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
To enhance your Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs experience, consider these simple tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality meatballs and pasta sauce for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can make all the difference.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before cooking, taste your beef broth and sauce. Add herbs like oregano or basil if you want more depth of flavor.
- Break Pasta Properly: Break spaghetti in half before adding it to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent sticking during the pressure cooking process.
- Allow Natural Release: If time permits, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for a few minutes before doing a quick release. This ensures tender meatballs.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes such as fresh basil or parsley to add color and freshness to your dish when serving.
- Store Leftovers Correctly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Complementing your main dish with delicious sides makes for a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan creates a classic pairing.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil and garlic offer a tasty contrast.
- Caprese Skewers: Assemble cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on skewers for an easy-to-eat appetizer.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light spiralized zucchini noodles can provide a low-carb alternative alongside your hearty meal.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort to your dinner table.
- Antipasto Platter: A platter featuring olives, cheeses, cured meats (like turkey), and marinated vegetables makes an enticing starter.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Bake mushrooms stuffed with cheese and herbs for bite-sized treats that are perfect alongside spaghetti.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled or boiled can be a delightful addition that’s easy to prepare during warmer months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, it’s easy to make simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Boldly skip the liquid: Not adding enough broth or water can lead to burning. Always ensure you have the right amount of liquids for pressure cooking.
- Boldly overfilling the pot: Filling the Instant Pot too much can cause issues with cooking. Stick to the recommended capacity and adjust your ingredients accordingly.
- Boldly ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long will result in mushy pasta. Follow the recipe’s timing closely for perfect spaghetti.
- Boldly using frozen meatballs without thawing: While frozen meatballs work, some may not cook evenly if they are large or overly packed. Choose smaller meatballs for better results.
- Boldly forgetting to stir after cooking: Not mixing the ingredients after pressure cooking can lead to uneven sauce distribution. Stir thoroughly before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Portion out servings for convenience when reheating later.
- For best results, slightly undercook the spaghetti before freezing.
Reheating Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes.
- Bold Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Bold Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook spaghetti in an Instant Pot?
Cooking spaghetti in an Instant Pot is straightforward. Add water and sauce, ensuring there’s enough liquid, then set it to pressure cook for about 10 minutes.
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes! Fresh meatballs can be used but may require slight adjustments in cooking time depending on their size.
How do I customize my Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
You can customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, changing the type of meat, or using different sauces based on your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a quick and satisfying meal that appeals to everyone. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, whether it’s adjusting flavors or swapping proteins. Give this easy one-pot meal a try; you won’t regret it!

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Experience the delight of a comforting Italian classic with this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. This quick one-pot meal combines savory meatballs with rich pasta sauce, all cooked to perfection in just 10 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. With tender meatballs and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is not only delicious but also kid-friendly, making it a hit for all ages. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of grated cheese for an added touch of indulgence. Dive into this satisfying meal and enjoy the warm, hearty flavors that bring everyone together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 12 ounces spaghetti (broken in half)
- 1 cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and measure them out.
- In the Instant Pot, add the frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, beef broth, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add broken spaghetti without stirring too much.
- Seal the lid and set the pressure cooking time to 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of pressure.
- Stir everything together and serve hot with grated parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 370g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg