Instant Pot Meatballs

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My flavor-packed Instant Pot Meatballs are ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes! Juicy and oh-so tasty, meatballs in the Instant Pot are perfect for spaghetti, subs, rice bowls, and more. You'll love every bite!

Meatballs in the Instant Pot

Whenever Ron asks me for a specific dinner, I can always guess what it will be: my Sunday Sauce paired with homemade meatballs. Meatballs are a specialty of mine; I love making air fryer meatballs, Thai chicken meatballs, Asian meatballs, stuffed meatballs, cocktail-style meatballs, and my classic Italian Meatballs.

One of my favorite, easiest ways to prepare them, though, is to make meatballs in the Instant Pot. They're the juiciest meatballs you'll ever eat, and the tasty seasoning blend takes them over the top.

Best of all (and I bet you'll agree), you don't have to turn on the oven to make them. Living in Florida, that's a big deal for me!

This recipe was so easy to follow and delicious. Added bonus, I love making meatballs without using my oven in the summer!
Kelly on Pinterest

Instant Pot Meatball Ingredients

Ground Beef: Paired with ground sausage, an 80/20 chuck blend is perfect for making moist and flavorful meatballs.
Ground Sausage: I like to pair my ground beef meatballs with either ground sausage or pork. In this case, we'll be using ground sausage.
Eggs: These help in binding the meatballs together so they don't fall apart.
Italian Breadcrumbs: Flavorful breadcrumbs are perfect for pairing with meatballs and help the eggs in binding them together. You can use a gluten-free crumb if you prefer.
Garlic Powder: Adds a garlicky flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has.
Onion Powder: Adds a sweet onion flavor that real onion doesn't offer. It's so tasty!
Italian Seasoning: I make my own homemade Italian seasoning to use in this meatball recipe, and recommend you do the same! But, if you already have a store-bought mix on hand, you can use that.
Parmesan Cheese: Not only does Parmesan cheese help bind the meatballs together, but it also adds so much flavor. I can't imagine these meatballs without a bit of Parm.
Sea Salt: I recommend using coarse sea salt flakes or kosher salt for the best flavor. Avoid fine salt and table salt.
Beef Broth: This goes at the bottom of the Instant Pot, keeping the meatballs moist and imbuing them with extra flavor.
Olive Oil: For searing the meatballs. This is a necessary step to getting that perfect browned crust with Instant Pot meatballs.

A mix of ground beef and ground sausage, paired with Italian bread crumbs, seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, makes these meatballs so flavorful and perfectly moist.

What really sets this simple meatball recipe apart from others, though, is the use of beef broth. The meatballs cook on a trivet over the top of the broth and absorb so much flavor.

How to Cook Meatballs in the Instant Pot

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground sausage.
Beat eggs in a separate bowl, then combine it with the meat mixture.
Add Italian bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the bowl. Mix well.
Mix Parmesan cheese in with the beef mixture until fully combined.
Form the meat mixture into balls by rolling them in your hands. You can make regular size or even mini meatballs.
Add your trivet to the Instant Pot, then pour in beef broth.
Place your meatballs on the trivet, stacking up as necessary. Add the lid, then cook on high pressure for 7 minutes and natural release for 5 minutes.
Remove from the Instant Pot when done and drain the liquid. Set the pot to saute mode and add olive oil. Place meatballs back into the pot once the oil is hot and cook until they brown. Serve, and enjoy!

Instant Pot Meatball Recipe Tips

Be careful not to over-mix, or your meatballs will be dense.
Take care not to overcook your meatballs, and be sure to brown them after cooking for the best flavor.
You might be tempted to make these meatballs with just ground beef, but don't skip out on the sausage. It adds so much flavor.

Instant Pot Meatball Recipes FAQ

Can you make Instant Pot Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! These Instant Pot Meatballs will last in your fridge for 3-5 days. I love to prepare them ahead of time to add to dinner throughout the week, especially with my Sunday Gravy.

Can you freeze Instant Pot meatballs after they are cooked?

To freeze, prepare the recipe as directed, then allow the meatballs to cool. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, then add to the freezer until frozen solid, about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag and label with the freezing date.

instant pot meatballs on a plate next to sauce in a bowl

How to Reheat Meatballs

How to Reheat Meatballs in the Oven

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Line a baking sheet or dish with your leftover meatballs.
Cover the sheet or dish with foil so the meatballs won't dry out.
Heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

How to Reheat Meatballs in the Instant Pot

Add 1 cup of water to your Instant Pot. Place the trivet over top.
Place leftover Instant Pot meatballs in a heatproof container that fits into the pot. Add about 1 Tbsp. water or beef broth to the container. If you're reheating with sauce, there's no need to add extra liquid. Cover the container with foil.
Place the container on the trivet in the pot and close the lid. Set to the Steam function for 3-5 minutes depending on the amount you are reheating. Vent, serve, and enjoy!