30 Mar 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
12 oz pasta
6 garlic cloves
1 onion
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup milk (2% fat)
8 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 egg
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup carrots
1 stalk celery
1 can canned tomatoes
3/4 cup water
This pressure cooker spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a quick and hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender meatballs, flavorful spaghetti, and nutritious vegetables such as carrots and celery, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Using a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the long wait.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Meatballs:
- In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated parmesan, dried oregano, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and milk.
- Add the ground beef and beaten egg. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
2. Prep Vegetables:
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Finely chop the onion.
- Dice the carrots and celery stalk.
3. Saute Vegetables:
- Set your pressure cooker to the sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Add the diced carrots and celery, sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add Meatballs and Tomatoes:
- Carefully place the meatballs on top of the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour the canned tomatoes over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
5. Add Pasta and Water:
- Break the pasta in half and place on top of the tomatoes and meatballs.
- Pour the 3/4 cup of water over the pasta, ensuring that the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid (you can gently push it down with a spoon if needed).
6. Cook Under Pressure:
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to the venting position.
7. Finish and Serve:
- Open the lid and gently stir the pasta, meatballs, and vegetables together to combine.
- Taste and add additional salt or pepper if needed for seasoning.
8. Plate and Enjoy:
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot, with an optional sprinkle of extra grated parmesan cheese and some fresh basil for garnish if desired.
Tips:
- Ensure to mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly to achieve a uniform texture and consistent cooking.
- Do not overfill the pressure cooker. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum fill levels.
- Use a wooden spoon to gently stir the pasta into the liquid to avoid breaking the strands.
- Allow the pressure to naturally release for a few minutes before using the quick release method to avoid splattering.
- If you prefer softer vegetables, sauté the carrots and celery beforehand or cut them into smaller pieces.
With this easy and delicious recipe for pressure cooker spaghetti and meatballs, you can enjoy a wholesome and hearty meal in a fraction of the time. The combination of meatballs, pasta, and vegetables makes for a balanced and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe for your next dinner and experience the convenience and rich flavors firsthand.