Try this Easy Meatballs recipe, or contribute your own.
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- hot cooked spaghetti
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 3 tbsp italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
- 1/8 tsp ground red pepper
- 3 cups marinara (or tomato-basil pasta sauce)
- chopped fresh ((optional))
- grated parmesan cheese ((optional))
- Carbohydrate 76.545701243663 g
- Cholesterol 77.2157028999113 mg
- Fat 19.7081138744726 g
- Fiber 4.68383740126078 g
- Protein 35.5969691444518 g
- Saturated Fat 7.20168960591589 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (350g)
- Sodium 261.854240893808 mg
- Sugar 71.8618638424022 g
- Trans Fat 3.18726704591312 g
- Calories 639 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine beef, egg, bread crumbs, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper and red pepper in medium bowl; mix gently. Shape into 16 meatballs (1 1/2-inch).
- Pour pasta sauce into Instant Pot®. Add meatballs to sauce; turn to coat and submerge meatballs in sauce.
- Secure lid and move pressure release valve to Sealing position. Press Manual or Pressure Cook; cook at high pressure 8 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, press Cancel and use quick release. Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti; top with basil and cheese, if desired.
Traditional meatballs often rely on pork blends and wheat fillers, whereas this beef-forward formulation uses simple pantry seasonings. Ground beef brings dense protein, but alternative proteins require structural adjustments when adapting this dish for different nutritional requirements.
Adapting Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions
Ground turkey or chicken make direct 1:1 substitutions for ground beef, though leaner poultry benefits from the addition of one tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness during high-pressure cooking. Gluten-free plain bread crumbs replace Italian-seasoned wheat crumbs at an exact 1:1 ratio without altering moisture absorption. Egg allergies require binding alternatives; substitute the beaten egg with two tablespoons of plain unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer mixed according to package directions to maintain structural integrity.
Mastering Pressure Cooker Mechanics
Success depends entirely on gentle mixing technique during the initial combination phase. Overworking ground meat develops tough protein strands, so combine the beef, egg, bread crumbs, garlic, and spices just until uniform using fingertips or a rubber spatula. Submerging the shaped 1.5-inch spheres entirely within three cups of marinara prevents scorching during the eight-minute high-pressure cooking cycle. Releasing pressure immediately via the quick release valve stops the cooking process instantly, preventing the beef from overcooking and turning rubbery inside the sealed chamber.
