Instant Pot Spaghetti and Frozen Meatballs Quick and Easy Family Dinner

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Frozen Meatballs is a one-pot, 15 minute dinner option for busy families seeking a reliable weeknight dinner idea.

Spaghetti and meatballs just got a whole lot easier! With just a few simple steps, anyone can have tender spaghetti, flavorful meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce right from the pressure cooker.

No need for extra pots or long cleaning jobs—this dish is all made in one pot, making cleanup quick and easy.

Using key ingredients like spaghetti, frozen meatballs, crushed tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning, this meal brings comfort and classic flavors to the table. Kids especially enjoy the tasty combination, helping it earn a spot as a family favorite.

Ingredients

The following table lists the primary ingredients used for Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs.

Each component plays a specific role, from adding flavor to ensuring the right texture and consistency.

Ingredient	Amount/Notes
Frozen Meatballs	1 pound
Uncooked Spaghetti	8 ounces, broken in half
Crushed Tomatoes	28 ounces
Tomato Sauce	15 ounces
Chicken or Beef Broth	1 cup
Worcestershire Sauce	1 tablespoon
Brown Sugar	1 tablespoon
Italian Seasoning	1 tablespoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon

Optional ingredients for added flavor and garnish can include freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

For those who enjoy stronger flavors, a dash of garlic powder or onion powder can be sprinkled over the top before cooking.

These ingredients should be measured out before starting the cooking process for a smooth and efficient experience.

How To Make

Begin by placing frozen meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the Instant Pot.

Lay broken spaghetti noodles evenly on top of the meatballs, ensuring they stay above the meatballs and out of direct contact with the pot.

Next, pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt.

It’s important not to stir so that the sauce covers the pasta, but layering helps prevent sticking and burning.

Secure the lid and set to high pressure for a cook time of 9 minutes.

After cooking, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting.

Open the pot, use tongs to blend the pasta and sauce, and serve immediately.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

For the best results, allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing. Use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags to keep the spaghetti and meatballs fresh, and label all containers with the storage date.

In the refrigerator, the meal can last for up to 3-4 days. When placed in the freezer, it will keep well for 2-3 months.

Here’s a quick reference table:

Storage Location	Type of Container	Max Duration
Refrigerator	Airtight	3–4 days
Freezer	Freezer-safe	2–3 months

To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop:

• Microwave: Put a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a loose lid or plastic wrap and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time, until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of water or broth over medium-low heat, stirring now and then.

If the pasta or sauce is dry after reheating, add a little tomato sauce, broth, or water and mix until the texture improves. When reheating from frozen, thaw the spaghetti and meatballs in the fridge overnight before warming.

Pasta may soften slightly after reheating. It is helpful to separate leftovers into individual servings when storing for easier portion control later.

When serving, fresh or reheated spaghetti and meatballs pair nicely with garlic bread. For convenience, warm the garlic bread in the oven or toaster until it’s crisp and golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adjust cooking times for frozen meatballs in an Instant Pot?

Frozen meatballs do not need a much longer cooking time in an Instant Pot compared to fresh ones. For this recipe, they should be cooked at high pressure for 9 minutes.

The pressure cooker cooks frozen meatballs evenly and quickly. There is no need to thaw the meatballs before adding them.

What type of pasta works best for Instant Pot spaghetti and meatball dishes?

Spaghetti is usually the best choice since it cooks evenly under pressure and mixes well with meatballs and sauce. It helps to break the spaghetti in half and layer it over the meatballs to make sure all the noodles get cooked.

Other long pasta like linguine can also be used, but thinner or very short noodles might get too soft.

Can jar sauce be used effectively with spaghetti and meatballs in an Instant Pot?

Yes, jarred tomato sauce can easily be used for this recipe. Just make sure to pair it with some liquid such as chicken or beef broth to maintain enough moisture and prevent a burn warning on the Instant Pot.

The sauce should be poured over the noodles to make sure everything gets coated.

What’s the best way to layer spaghetti and meatballs in the Instant Pot to prevent burning?

For best results, place the meatballs at the bottom of the pot first. Next, add the broken spaghetti noodles on top, spreading them out in different directions so they do not stick together.

Then, carefully pour the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt over the pasta. Do not stir.

This method prevents noodles from sticking to the bottom and burning.

Layer Order	Ingredients
Bottom	Frozen meatballs
Middle	Broken spaghetti noodles
Top	Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, etc.

How can I ensure my meatballs stay intact when cooking in the Instant Pot?

To help the meatballs stay intact, avoid stirring them with the spaghetti before cooking.

Place them in the bottom of the pot and let the pressure cooker do its work.

After cooking, use tongs to gently mix the noodles and sauce, being careful not to break the meatballs apart.

Is it possible to cook both spaghetti and frozen meatballs at the same time in the Instant Pot?

Yes, it is possible and works very well.

As long as you follow the directions, both the spaghetti and frozen meatballs will cook fully in just 9 minutes at high pressure.

The steam and sauce will ensure both items are properly cooked.