Easy Italian Meatballs: Perfect Dinner for Busy Nights
Hark, dear friends! If thou art seeking the most scrumptious and tender Italian meatballs recipe, then thou hast arrived at the right place. I present to thee, my fellow food enthusiasts, the Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Recipe! This recipe shall bring thee an effortless cooking experience and a satisfying result that will make you crave for more.
Gentlefolk, why take pains in making a mess in your kitchen when thou canst make instant pot meatballs with ease? Fear not the pressure cooker for it will work its magic every time. Forsooth, this recipe cometh from a renowned culinary artist known as Bobby Flay, who is celebrated for his culinary masterpieces.
This Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Recipe consists of juicy ground beef and seasoned perfectly with savory seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and onions. The addition of egg and Panko bread crumbs in the mixture gives it an incredible texture and flavor. It creates a fusion of crispy yet tender texture with delectable taste that shall satisfy your palate.
Moreover, Dear friends, this is one of the best instant pot beef meatball recipes that you shall find around town. Once you have tried it out yourself there shall be no turning back to another recipe for such mastery can only be created by the hands which wield this recipe alone!
Stay put my friends and always remember to give into thy cravings that are sure to come once thou tastest these incredible Instant Pot Italian Meatballs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, gentle readers! I beseech thee to lend me thine ears, for I have stumbled upon a recipe so heavenly that it shall leave your taste buds singing without pause. Behold the marvel of the Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Recipe!
Imagine, if you will, tender and juicy meatballs drenched in vine-ripened tomato sauce, seasoned with the perfect blend of oregano, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper – accented with onions and enhanced with ketchup for added zing, all served atop a bed of fluffy pasta or paired with some BBQ sauce as an appetizer. Canst thou fathom the aromas wafting through thy abode?
But wait, there’s more! This recipe is easy as pie (nay, easier) to whip up in your trusty Instant Pot. There shall be no need to slave away for hours in the kitchen; simply mix together ingredients in a large bowl, roll into balls, arrange them at the bottom of the pot and let thy pressure cooker work its magic. Unknown to some but known by most, a pressure cooker retains moisture exceptionally well – which means extra juicy goodness for thy meatballs!
And lo, this recipe doth not discriminate – it may be enjoyed by meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, through subbing out the ground beef for turkey or vegetables like mushrooms or finely diced zucchini. With such ease of substitution and variation possible with this recipe, one may never tire of savoring its delicious essence – for I have heard from many a satisfied tongue that this dish freezes wonderfully.
In conclusion, my dear friends, if thou art seeking culinary satisfaction that comes without slaving over the stove all day long nor without missing out on exquisite flavors then seek no further! This Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Recipe shalt not disappoint thee – nay; it shall keep you coming back time after time.
Ingredient List
The ingredients to make Italian Meatballs in Instant Pot recipe are simple and can be found easily in any grocery store. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 and 1/2 lb ground beef (You can use ground turkey or a combination of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water (added to the beaten eggs)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
All these ingredients will be used to create the most delicious meatballs instant pot recipe.
The Recipe How-To
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 2: Cooking the Meatballs in Instant Pot
- Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and let it warm up for a few minutes.
- Once the pot is hot, add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and half of your diced onion. Sauté them until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add in the rest of the diced onion together with 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for another minute.
- Press the cancel button to turn off sauté mode.
- Pour in 1 can (28 oz) tomato sauce and use a wooden spoon to scrape off any bits and pieces left on bottom of the pot.
- Gently place the meatballs into the tomato sauce, making sure to distribute them evenly.
- Close and lock the lid, set the valve to sealing position.
- Select manual setting on high pressure, then select pressure cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Release Pressure and Serve
- Wait for 10 minutes while natural pressure release (NPR), followed by quick pressure release (QPR) by turning valve to venting position carefully.
- Once the pin drops, unlock and remove the lid.
- Use a large slotted spoon to gently transfer the meatballs to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with additional parsley before serving.
Note: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the meatballs from the pot and select sauté mode to reduce the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Substitutions and Variations
Good morrow, fair readers! If thou art seeking to put thine own spin on these Instant Pot Italian Meatballs, have no fear! Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Beef and Italian Sausage: The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef, but feel free to use a combination of beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor. Try doing half a pound of each.
– Panko Bread Crumbs: If thou dost not have panko bread crumbs on hand, regular bread crumbs may be substituted.
– Parmesan Cheese: Romano cheese may also be used instead of parmesan, or a bit of both!
– Sauce Varieties: Instead of marinara sauce, try using tomato sauce or even a can of crushed tomatoes. It will give the meatballs a slightly different flavor that thou may enjoy. Vinegar-based barbecue sauce could be delicious as well.
– Grape Jelly Meatballs: Mix together frozen meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce in a slow cooker for a delectable appetizer or main course.
Whether thou art serving these Italian meatballs as an appetizer, as part of a pasta dish, or just on their own, there are plenty of ways to make them uniquely thine own. Get creative and experiment with different seasonings like basil or rosemary. With these variations and substitutions, the possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Oh, the joy of serving these succulent, juicy meatballs on a platter! These Instant Pot Italian Meatballs can be enjoyed in various ways, including as an entrée or appetizer, and paired with a range of sides and drinks.
To enjoy these meatballs as an entree, serve them over a bed of pasta tossed in marinara sauce, which soaks up all the delectable flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley or shaved parmesan for added texture and flavor. Take things up a notch by topping the pasta with more sauce and broiled mozzarella cheese for a perfect, gourmet-style serving.
If you’re serving them as an appetizer, you can use toothpicks to make it easy to eat. Pair them with BBQ sauce, grape jelly meatball sauce, or delicious tomato sauce for dipping.
Another way to serve these meatballs is by putting them on top of warm white rice that has been flavored with garlic, herbs like oregano and parsley. For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the rice.
In terms of beverage pairing, try serving iced tea, sparkling water or red wine if you are looking for an elegant touch. A simple soda will be great too. If looking to add more variety consider pairing them with beer- either light ale or lagers work well.
These Italian Meatballs can be served at any occasion: from family gatherings to dinner parties! Savor every single bite and elevate your dining experience within seconds by trying this recipe now!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Good people, hearken! Let me tell you about the wondrous ways to make-ahead, store, and reheat these Italian Meatballs made in an instant pot. Fear not, for I have all the instructions thou shall need.
These meatballs are quite versatile, just like a chameleon changing colours as it pleases. Thou canst make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in thy fridge or freezer for future use.
To make-ahead, thou must first cook the meatballs using the Instant Pot. Once done, allow them to cool completely. Put the meatballs into a freezer-safe air-tight container or bag and label it with the date of cooking.
Thou canst store the meatballs in the fridge for up to 4 days or in thy freezer for up to 3 months after which they will lose their texture and flavour.
To reheat these succulent and juicy meatballs that were made earlier, simply thaw them overnight in thy fridge if frozen. Then carefully reheat them in the microwave or oven at 350°F (177°C) until they are heated through.
With this useful information masterfully imparted unto thee, thou art now better equipped to plan thy meals ahead of time and enjoy these instant pot Italian meatballs no matter how busy thy schedule may be. Buon appetito!
Tips for Perfect Results
Let me share some useful tips to make perfect Instant Pot Italian Meatballs every time. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that you get delicious, juicy meatballs that are full of flavor.
1. Use High-Quality Ground Beef
The quality of the ground beef is crucial to the taste and texture of your meatballs. Always choose fresh, high-quality lean ground beef with a fat content of 85% or higher. The fat adds flavor and juiciness but too much can make the meatballs greasy.
2. Don’t Overwork the Meat
When mixing the meatball ingredients, be sure to mix them lightly and do not overwork the mixture. Overworking the mixture can result in tough and dense meatballs. Just mix all ingredients together until they are combined.
3. Add Flavorful Seasonings
Seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley add loads of flavors to your Italian meatballs. Be generous with the seasonings, but be careful not to overdo it or it may overpower other flavors.
4. Use Panko Bread Crumbs
Panko bread crumbs work better than regular breadcrumbs in keeping your meatballs tender and moist. They provide a coarser texture than traditional bread crumbs and absorb moisture well without making them dense.
5. Allow Enough Space for Cooking
When making your instant pot meatballs, be sure not to overcrowd them as they cook. Leaving enough space ensures they cook evenly resulting in even texture and color.
6. Use the Correct Pressure Setting
The ideal pressure setting for cooking meatballs is High Pressure Cooking for 5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatball reaches 165°F/74°C on an instant-read thermometer.
7. Allow Natural Release of Pressure for 10 Minutes
After cooking, natural release is essential since it allows your Italian meatballs to continue cooking while still under pressure, resulting in a more consistent cooking experience. Remove the pressure valve after 10 minutes to release any remaining pressure.
8. Use Meatballs Right Away or Store them Properly
Serve your Instant Pot Italian meatballs right away, or store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat them on low and add some marinara sauce for extra flavor.
Follow these tips, sit back and enjoy mouthwatering Instant Pot Italian Meatballs that the whole family will love!
FAQ
What are the common questions about this instant pot Italian meatballs recipe? Well, I have curated a list of FAQs to clear any doubts you may have. Whether you are looking for substitutions or storage recommendations, read on to learn more about this popular recipe.
What’s the difference between Italian style meatballs and regular meatballs?
Different cultures have their unique meatball recipes that stand out with distinctive flavor profiles. For instance, Italian meatballs often feature grated parmesan and oregano, while Swedish ones typically have nutmeg and allspice. The variation in used seasonings can create a significant difference in the final taste of the dish.
Is it better to fry or bake Italian meatballs?
For an added punch of flavor without increased oil, I recommend baking the meatballs in the oven and then giving them a quick sear under the broiler. It’s important to use a sturdy baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Why did my meatballs come out rubbery?
When preparing meatballs, be sure to avoid over-packing the mixture, as this can result in a less-than-tender texture. To prevent sticking, try applying a small amount of oil to your hands before forming the mixture into balls. When shaping the meatballs, work quickly and handle the mixture gently to prevent it from becoming overly compressed.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Recipe is a sure winner that is quick, easy, and so delicious. Whether you’re making it for dinner or for a party, these meatballs will be the star of the show. With its juicy texture and flavorful seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano, it’s perfect for those who love a classic Italian dish.
Not only is this recipe versatile, but it’s also great for meal prepping and repurposing leftovers into your favorite dishes like BBQ meatballs, grape jelly meatballs, meatball soup, Swedish meatballs or even spaghetti. You can easily serve it with pasta or as an appetizer. And if you have guests over, they’ll be asking for your secret recipe because they won’t believe that it was made in an instant pot!
So why wait? Make this Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Recipe today and enjoy the rich flavors that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and with this recipe in your arsenal, you will become a master chef in no time. So go ahead and cook up some deliciousness today!
Instant Pot Italian Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons minced onions
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place marinara sauce in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Combine remaining ingredients together. Shape into meatballs and place on top of the sauce, stacking the meatballs as necessary.
- Lock the lid and cook for 5 minutes on Manual.
- Allow to naturally release for 10 minutes.
- Serve over pasta or make toasted meatball subs!
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