Instant Pot: Meatball Pasta

Instant Pot Meatball Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal made with juicy meatballs, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights—no need to boil pasta separately, and everything cooks together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1/2 pack spaghetti

1/2 onion, diced

1 tsp minced garlic

1 can whole peeled tomatoes

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 cup water or chicken stock

1/3 cup red wine

2 tbsp dried oregano

For the meatballs:

300g minced beef

1 egg

1/4 cup bread crumbs

Salt & pepper, to taste

Plain flour, for coating

Olive oil, for frying

Method

1. Sauté

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté meatballs until brown.

• Add red wine to deglaze. Remove meatballs.

• Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

2. Add the Sauce

• Stir in the canned tomatoes, dried oregano, salt and pepper.

• Add the meatballs and gently stir.

• Pour in the stock and mix gently.

3. Add the Pasta

• Add (softened) pasta, pressing it down lightly into the liquid. Don’t stir — this helps prevent sticking or a burn notice. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged.

4. Pressure Cook

• Cancel Sauté. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.

• Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.

• Quick release once done.

5. Finish and Serve

• Stir gently to combine. If the sauce is too thin, set to Sauté for a few minutes to thicken.

• Serve hot, topped with grated cheese and chili flakes.

Instant Pot Meatball Pasta is rich, satisfying, and so easy—everything cooks in one pot with minimal fuss and cleanup. A family-friendly meal that’s sure to be a regular favourite!