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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot Recipes » Instant Pot Frozen Italian Meatballs

    Instant Pot Frozen Italian Meatballs

    Published: May 25, 2022 by lynnswayoflife · This post may contain affiliate links

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    If you have a bag of frozen meatballs in your freezer, cook them in the Instant Pot! Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs cook up in 10 minutes! It's a quick and easy dinner your family will love!

    A close up of a plate of pasta and meatballs with a bowl of meatballs in the background.

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. However this is at no cost to you. Read my affiliate links full disclosure policy here.

    It always amazes me the things my Instant Pot can do! It can cook up this bag of frozen solid meatballs in 10 minutes. While the meatballs cook, all you have to do is boil some water and cook your favorite pasta for a delicious dinner on busy weeknights.

    I prefer to make my own spaghetti sauce for this Instant Pot meatballs recipe. If you have a favorite tomato sauce that your family loves, use that and make this great recipe even easier!

    Pressure cooker meatballs cook up juicy meatballs every time!

    For more easy Instant Pot dinners, check out these recipes!

    • Instant Pot Spaghetti Tetrazzini
    • Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
    • Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot
    • Drumsticks in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

    Why This Recipe Is Great!

    • We are using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Meatballs, canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, olive oil and garlic. That's it!
    • It's ready in less than 15 minutes. When you are in a pinch and only have a few minutes to make dinner, this is the recipe you need!
    • Its versatile! Whether making spaghetti and meatballs or a meatball appetizer, the Instant Pot it the best way to do it!
    • It's a great way to serve a lot of people! A 32-ounce bag of meatballs has well over 50 meatballs. That's enough for dinner plus getting a head start on meal prep!

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Here is a quick rundown of the ingredients you'll need.

    Ingredients for the Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs.
    • Frozen Meatballs. I found this 32-ounce bag of frozen meatballs at Aldi. They are ground beef and full of parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings. Use your favorite type of frozen meatball found in your local grocery store.
    • Canned Tomatoes. For this recipe we will be making our own marinara sauce, but if you have a favorite jarred pasta sauce, feel free to use that.
    • Italian Seasoning. I like using Italian seasoning because it has a lot of different dried herbs in it such as parsley, basil, and rosemary.
    • Olive Oil. To saute the garlic.
    • Garlic cloves. 3 is good but if you really like garlic, use more! Garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder over the tomato sauce and stir.
    A bowl of instant pot frozen meatballs and a plate of pasta with meatballs are in the frame.

    Equipment For Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs

    • Instant Pot. I have a 6-quart Instant Pot that I love!
    • Trivet Insert
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Measuring Cups

    How To Make Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs

    Set your Instant Pot to saute for 3 minutes. Add the olive oil and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Cook until you smell the garlic. Don't cook too long as the garlic can easily burn.

    Cancel the saute function and add the can of tomatoes to the Instant Pot and the Italian Seasoning. Stir the sauce.

    The oil and garlic are added to the Instant Pot.
    The olive oil and garlic are sauting.
    The cans of tomatoes and Italian seasoning are added to the Instant Pot.
    The tomato sauce is added to the Instant Pot.
    The meatballs are added to the Instant Pot.
    The meatballs are added to the Instant Pot.

    Place the trivet insert into the tomato sauce.

    Add the frozen meatballs to the Instant Pot on top of the trivet.

    Close the lid and make the knob is set to the sealing position.

    Set the Instant Pot cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure.

    After the cooking time is done, do a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam knob on top of the lid.

    Carefully remove the trivet and let the cooked meatballs fall into the tomato sauce. Mix well and serve.

    QUICK TIP! Check to see if the meatballs are cooked to your liking. If they need a few more minutes of cook time, close the lid and set the time to 2-3 extra minutes.

    A close up of the instant pot frozen meatballs over pasta.

    Why Should I Use The Trivet Insert?

    The trivet insert keeps the meatballs off the bottom of the pot. If they stay on the bottom of the inner pot, there is a higher chance of getting the burn notice on the Instant Pot.

    To avoid getting the burn notice, we are using the trivet insert, a steamer basket, or a steamer insert. After the meatballs are cooked, simply lift the insert and pour the meatballs into the sauce. Most of the meatballs will cook in the sauce, but this will allow them to all become submerged.

    Variations of Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs

    There are lots of other options instead of tomato sauce to cook the meatballs in.

    • Sweet BBQ Meatballs. Add one bottle of your favorite bbq sauce and 1 cup of brown sugar.
    • Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Grape Jelly Meatballs). Add 1 cup of grape jelly, ¼ cup of chili sauce, and 2 cups of barbecue sauce to the Instant Pot. This tangy sauce is a perfect party appetizer with toothpicks for the meatballs.
    • Buffalo Style Meatballs. Add 2 cups of hot sauce and 1 stick of butter to the Instant Pot.
    • For Asian Style Meatballs, use your favorite teriyaki sauce. It is full of delicious flavors like soy sauce and sesame seeds.
    The dinner is served on a plate.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Make your own homemade meatballs! Do not pile the homemade meatballs if you are making your own meatballs for this recipe. Place the fresh meatballs in the Instant Pot in one single layer.
    • The trivet insert keeps the meatballs from sitting on the bottom of the pot. If you don't have a trivet insert, the steamer basket or steamer insert will work as well.
    • The Instant Pot will take 5-10 minutes to come up to pressure before it begins cooking.
    • This recipe makes a lot of meatballs! They are perfect for spaghetti and meatballs or meatball subs. If you find a smaller bag of meatballs, use one can of tomatoes instead of two.
    • Making this recipe for a party? Allow the Instant Pot to stay on "keep warm" with the lid on the Instant Pot. They will keep warm for as long as you need.
    An overhead shot of two plates of pasta and meatballs with a large bowl of meatballs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

    Yes! Place all the ingredients in the crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

    Can I use other types of meatballs?

    Yes! You can use frozen chicken or frozen turkey meatballs. The cook time would remain the same. If you are using vegan meatballs, reduce the cook time to 3 minutes. The meatballs are fully cooked and just need to be heated through.

    What should I do with leftover meatballs?

    Place the meatballs in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Other Recipes To Try!

    Did you love this Instant Pot Meatballs Recipe? If you did, don't forget to tag me on social media on Instagram or Facebook and share this recipe on Pinterest! Thanks for sharing this journey with me and enjoy these delicious recipes!

    More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

    • Easy Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
    • Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Brown Rice (So Easy!)
    • Instant Pot Carrots (Sweet and Simple!)
    • Instant Pot Steamed Shrimp (Perfect Every Time!)
    A close up of a plate of pasta and meatballs with a bowl of meatballs in the background.

    Instant Pot Frozen Italian Meatballs

    If you have a bag of frozen meatballs in your freezer, cook them in the Instant Pot! Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs cook up in 10 minutes! It's a quick and easy dinner your family will love!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Frozen Meatballs Instant Pot, Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8 Servings
    Author: Lynn Polito

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • Trivet Insert
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Measuring Cups

    Ingredients

    • 32 Bag Frozen Meatballs
    • 2 Cans of Crushed Tomatoes 28 Ounces
    • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
    • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 3 Garlic Cloves Minced

    Instructions

    • Set your Instant Pot to saute for 3 minutes. Add the olive oil and minced garlic to the Instant Pot.
    • Cancel the saute function and add the can of tomatoes to the Instant Pot and the Italian Seasoning. Stir the sauce.
    • Place the trivet insert into the tomato sauce.
    • Add the frozen meatballs to the Instant Pot on top of the trivet. Nestle the meatballs into the sauce as much as you can.
    • Close the lid and make sure the knob is set to the sealing position.
    • Set the Instant Pot cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure.
    • After the cooking time is done, do a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam knob on top of the lid.
    • Carefully remove the trivet and let the cooked meatballs fall into the tomato sauce. Mix well and serve.

    Notes

    • If you find a smaller bag of frozen meatballs, use one can of crushed tomatoes.
    • Use your favorite jarred tomato sauce in this recipe.
    • The trivet insert keeps the meatballs from sitting on the bottom of the pot. If you don't have a trivet insert, the steamer basket or steamer insert will work as well.
    • The Instant Pot will take 5-10 minutes to come up to pressure before it begins cooking.
    « Instant Pot Corn on the Cob (Fresh or Frozen!)
    Blueberry Kefir Bread »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Teresa Sklenicka

      June 02, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      What a quick and easy recipe! Looks fabulous!

      Reply
    2. Sherry

      June 03, 2022 at 12:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love using my Instant Pot to get a great meal on the table for my family when time is limited. Your meatball recipe is perfect to make in under 15 minutes and my family really loved the great homemade flavors and could not stop talking about how great it tasted!!

      Reply
    3. Donna

      June 05, 2022 at 9:49 pm

      5 stars
      So quick and easy, these were perfect for hungry bellies after soccer practice ran late!

      Reply
    4. Jennifer

      June 06, 2022 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      Nailed it! You saved dinner - was super rushed and no food for the kids but then I remembered this recipe and we had a delish dinner in no time!

      Reply
    5. Glenda

      June 06, 2022 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      Dinner in minutes is my favorite thing! This recipe was so simple and very delicious. thank you!

      Reply

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    Hey there! I'm Lynn and I'm based just outside of Boston. I'm a wife and mom of two with a passion for cooking and creating homemade food for my family.

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