Last Updated on January 13, 2023 by Anne-Marie

You'll love how easy it is to make this Instant Pot meatballs recipe. Super flavorful and simple to make, these pressure cooker meatballs taste like they've been cooking all day!

Why this recipe works

The time-saving trick to this Instant Pot recipe? You don't have to brown or bake the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce!

Here are some rave reviews from my readers:

Leanna said she has made this 10 TIMES and her family won’t eat any other meatballs!

Amber said that it was super easy to make and extremely rare that she finds something that both of her boys and husband like!

Wendy said she made the recipe twice in two weeks and was glad she doubled the recipe!

Ingredients

• ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or venison - or use a couple in your meat mixture)
• breadcrumbs (gluten-free, plain, or seasoned)
• egg
• milk (or milk substitute)
• Worcestershire sauce
• garlic cloves
• grated fresh parmesan cheese
• fresh herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley (dried Italian seasoning works, too)
• onion powder
• sea salt
• black pepper
• your favorite spaghetti sauce from the grocery store.

You can also use a homemade sauce like my Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce or this version of Alton Brown's Tomato Sauce.

How to make Instant Pot Meatballs

This classic meatballs with pasta sauce recipe makes a delicious dinner. It's the ultimate comfort food! 

1. Prepare the pressure cooker. Make sure to place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot on the bottom of your pressure cooker, so the meatballs don't stick during cooking.

2. Then add the spaghetti sauce.

3. Place meatballs in the sauce, close together.

4. Cover the pressure cooker. Then cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes cooking time.

5. Then perform a 10-minute Natural Release. Then do a Quick Release to vent any remaining pressure.

6. When cooking the performing the natural release, start cooking your pasta.

7. Serve up your batch of meatballs over pasta.

8. Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheated the next day.

FAQs

What size Instant Pot?

You can use any electric pressure cooker for this recipe, not just the Instant Pot brand.

However, if you use a bigger size, it will take longer to come under pressure.

I use a large 8 Quart Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker since I double my recipes to have leftovers.

But the 6 Quart Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker 7-in-1 is perfect for most recipes.

See What Size is Best? 6-Quart vs. 8-Quart Instant Pot to determine what size pressure cooker works best for your family when making homemade meatballs.

What kind of breadcrumbs?

You can use plain or flavored bread crumbs.

If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I also use these in my Easy Fried Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe.

Make homemade crumbs by toasting gluten-free bread. Then chop the toast in a blender or food processor until finely ground.

You can also use gluten-free oats. Chop these up in a blender or food processor until finely ground.

Forming the meatballs

You can make the meatballs with your hands or a small ice cream scoop.

You want them to be slightly smaller than a golf ball.

Even though you don't brown or bake the meatballs before you put them in the Instant Pot, they won't fall apart during cooking.

So don’t worry! You’ll have tender meatballs and not tough meatballs every time.

Can you freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in sauce. Here's how:

1. Allow the Italian meatballs to cool completely.

2. Place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or plastic container.

3. Label and date. A frozen batch of meatballs keeps for up to three months.

How to reheat frozen meatballs

1. Let the meatballs defrost in the refrigerator overnight. (Or in a pan of water if you're in a hurry.)

2. You can reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Serve the meatballs over pasta or zoodles.

Depending on your needs, you may prefer to reheat individual portions rather than the entire recipe.

Serve these with leftover Instant Pot Lasagna!

Substitutions

Here are some meatball subs tips for those of you who may have food allergies:

Can I make this egg-free?

You can substitute the following for the egg:

• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

Can I make this dairy-free?

If you’re dairy-free, use your favorite milk substitute and vegan Parmesan cheese.

Seasonings

No herbs? Use Italian seasoning. Spice the meat mixture with pepper flakes.

No Worcestershire sauce? Use soy sauce.

Out of garlic? Use chopped celery.

What type of ground meat should I use?

You can use any type of ground meat to make these juicy meatballs!

• 1 pound lean ground beef to make beef meatballs
• 1 pound ground chicken to make chicken meatballs
• 1 pound ground pork 
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 pound ground venison

You could mix in some homemade Italian sausage with ground meat. Since Italian sausage is already seasoned, cut back on herbs, black pepper, and salt.

Or use half pork and half beef in your meatball mixture. It's all good!

More easy homestyle meatball recipes

Here are some family favorite meatball recipes:

● This Zesty Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs recipe is made with red beans and rice.

● These Gluten-Free Asian Meatballs with Hoisin Sauce can be served on rice noodles.

● This Asian Style Gluten Free Meatballs Recipe are mini meatballs that can be served on rice noodles.

● Finally, these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are gluten-free and super tasty.

How often do you make homemade meatballs for dinner?