how long to cook frozen meatballs in instant pot

Italian meatballs with sauce in white bowl

Want a quick and easy comfort food that doubles as an appetizer and dinner? Of course you do! Meet the Instant Pot Italian meatballs!Cook frozen meatballs in just 5 minutes using your pressure cooker.

15 Minute Instant Pot Italian Meatballs | Want a quick and easy comfort food that doubles as an appetizer and dinner? Of course you do! Meet the Instant Pot Italian meatballs! || The Butter Half #instantpot #easydinner #easyappetizer #thebutterhalf

How delicious and easy are these appetizers? Juicy, tender, and super quick to make—a busy person's dream come true!

If you're looking for other appetizers and snacks to go along with it, I suggest my goat cheese dip with basil and honey. The combo of the sweet and savory is LIFE CHANGING.

Here's what you need to make 15 Minute Instant Pot Italian meatballs

Frozen meatballs—most bags are 28 oz (FYI, most contain gluten, so read your ingredients carefully!)
Tomato sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce
Instant Pot pressure cooker
Steam rack or steamer basket

Do you have an Instant Pot yet? In case you don't, I recommend this 7-in-1 6 quart model. It's the perfect size for a family of four to six, and will be your new kitchen BFF. Heck, you won't even need a working kitchen after long!

These frozen meatballs are ready in five minutes. Welllll, technically the Instant Pot takes about eight minutes to warm up, and then does it's thing. But still! That's 13 minutes total. Way better than waiting for your oven to heat up and then cooking them for 25 minutes.

How to make Instant Pot Italian meatballs – step by step

Put your steam rack that comes with the pressure cooker, or a steamer basket at the bottom of the pot. Pour your bag of frozen meatballs in the bowl of the Instant Pot. (FYI, I buy gluten-free meatballs since most of them are made with gluten. I've tried Rosina and Cooked Perfect brands and like both. Read your labels!)

2. Cover with sauce of choice (I like pure tomato sauce or a sweet BBQ sauce)

3. Secure lid, seal the vent, and cook meatballs on Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. Release vent valve when done, and serve.

Other variations

My favorite way to serve these is with gluten-free pasta, on sliders, or as a plain appetizer.

Also, if you find you don't like the taste of Italian meatballs, you can adapt this with other meats and flavors.

Turkey meatballs are a lighter alternative
Veggie meatballs can also be made, however the cook time can be less because there are no internal temperature thresholds. Approximately 2-3 minutes on Manual High Pressure would work to heat sufficiently.

Pro tips and serving suggestions for making Instant Pot frozen meatballs

IF YOU GET A BURN NOTICE: Be sure to place the meatballs on the steam rack or a colander that raises the meatballs from the bottom. Sometimes the meatballs on the bottom can burn if there is nothing to elevate them from the heat.
Depending on the brand of meatball, it may require additional cook time. If they aren't fully cooked all the way through, seal the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for another 2 minutes.
A lot of queries ask if these can be made without sauce. Technically, yes, but I think you run the risk of locking in flavor. When cooking in the pressure cooker, make sure the meatballs are fully covered in sauce. It needs the moisture to build up steam and pressure to internally cook to the temperature instructions on the bag.
You can make these Instant Pot Italian meatballs ahead and reheat them in the microwave easily. They store well for freezer meals, and can be made into sliders, or served with zoodles, soups and stews, and sandwiches. So many yummy appetizer, snack, and dinner options!

More Instant Pot recipes you might like

How to Make Instant Pot Hardboiled Eggs
Easy Instant Pot Hummus
30 Minute Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Click here to buy my $10 Instant Pot Cooking Class if you need more guidance an how to confidently use your pressure cooker.

If you've tried these15 minute Instant Pot Italian meatballsor any other recipe on the blog please let me know how you liked it in the comments below. I absolutely love hearing from you! You can alsoFOLLOW MEon Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, for more nourishing recipes like this, and behind the scenes cooking and holistic wellness tips!

Overhead shot of meatballs in white bowl

15 Minute Instant Pot Italian Meatballs

These Instant Pot Italian Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for a parties or game-day. Simply pair with your favorite tomato sauce and have a delicious snack ready in 15 minutes.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 163 kcal

1 bag frozen meatballs
3 cups tomato sauce

Put your steam rack or steamer basket at the bottom of the pot. Pour bag of frozen meatballs into the Instant Pot, on top of the rack, ensuring the meatballs are elevated. Cover meatballs with tomato sauce.
Secure lid, seal the vent, and cook meatballs on Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. Release vent valve when done, and serve as desired.

IF YOU ARE GETTING A BURN NOTICE: Be sure to place the meatballs on the steam rack or steamer basket, so it raises the meatballs from the bottom. Sometimes the meatballs on the bottom can burn if there is nothing to elevate them from the heat.
A lot of queries ask if these can be made without sauce. Technically, yes, but I think you run the risk of locking in flavor. When cooking in the pressure cooker, make sure the meatballs are fully covered in sauce. It needs the moisture to build up steam and pressure to internally cook to the temperature instructions on the bag.
Depending on the brand of meatball, it may require additional cook time. If they aren't fully cooked all the way through, seal the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for another 2 minutes.
Make ahead and reheat in the microwave for 30 second intervals.
Store in freezer in silicone bags for up to 3 months, to use in other dishes.
Most frozen meatballs have gluten in them, so make sure you read your labels to make sure you have a gluten-free brand. Generally, the packaging will indicate on right on the front if they are gluten-free.
Favorite way to serve these are with gluten-free pasta, on sliders, or as a plain appetizer.

Recipe originally posted in November 2017, and updated on May 17, 2019 with new photos and more detailed recipe instructions.

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