Trader Joe's Instant Pot Meatballs Recipe
How to make the classic dish in a fraction of the time
Your kitchen is more likely to house an Instant Pot than it is an Italian grandmother, so we've adapted the slow-simmering classic to fit a busy weeknight schedule. The Trader Joe's bill clocked in at $20 (thanks to miraculous $4 ground beef), meaning not only is this recipe simple and flavorful, but it's also affordable.
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Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen
Spicy Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
Get the recipe for Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs, which comes together in less than an hour and will cost you only $20 at Trader Joe's.
Prep Time
20
minutes
Cook Time
25
minutes
servings
2
servings
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced, divided
- 8 garlic cloves, minced, divided
- ½ teaspoon red chile flakes
- 1¼ pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup Parmesan, grated
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup parsley stems, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions
- In a medium-size pan on medium heat, add the olive oil, half the onions, half the garlic and chile flakes. Sauté until lightly caramelized. Once cool, transfer the mixture to a medium-size mixing bowl and add the meat. Add the egg, Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley stems and thyme; mix thoroughly with your hands. Season with salt and pepper. Roll the meat into 2-inch balls and reserve.
- Set an Instant Pot to sauté and preheat. Once hot, add the remaining onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent, then add the tomatoes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Cook the tomatoes for an additional 5 minutes, then add the meatballs. Be sure not to place the meatballs too close to each other as they can stick.
- Seal the lid and pressure-cook on low for 10 minutes. Make sure the steam release handle is closed. Once finished, release the steam handle and remove the lid. Cook on sauté for an additional 5 to 8 minutes to reduce the tomato sauce. Garnish with basil and more Parmesan, then serve over linguine.
Nutrition
| Calories per Serving | 1,111 |
| Total Fat | 79.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 27.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 3.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 293.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36.0 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 13.8 g |
| Sodium | 1,921.1 mg |
| Protein | 64.9 g |
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
