Instant Pot Meatballs in Gravy (stovetop recipe included) - Foody Schmoody Blog (2024)

Published: · Modified: by foodyschmoody ·

This Instant Pot Meatballs in Gravy dinner is one of the easiest meals to make in a pressure cooker. Pair it with simple mashed potatoes and a salad and you've got a full meal on the table in no time.

This simple Instant Pot dinner is not only easy and quick but is totally kid-friendly!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Tip
  • Variations
  • Serving suggestions
  • Stove-Top instructions
  • Printable Recipe Card

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Related: 20 Instant Pot Soup Recipes from Parade.com

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Onions - Sweet Yellow Onion
  • Garlic
  • Beef Broth
  • Frozen Meatballs
  • Brown Gravy - Jarred gravy is easy
  • Salt & Pepper

See recipe card for exact amounts etc.

If you don't have an Instant Pot yet, you can make these meatballs in gravy on the stove, it will just take longer.

Instructions

The first step is to soften the onions. Using the sauté mode, melt better and add onions. Once onions start to soften, add garlic and stir for about a minute.

Add the broth to the instant pot next. Deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom of the pot to make sure there is nothing stuck.

Stir in salt and pepper and stop the sauté function.

Next step is to add the frozen meatballs into the pot.

Pour the jar of gravy over the meatballs. Cover and seal the instant pot and set to 6 minutes for high pressure cooking.

Quick release the pressure when timer is up.

Stir and serve.

Tip

If you are new to instant pot cooking, you will need to know that it takes a little time for the instant pot to come to pressure, then the timer will start. This means that even though the time is set to 6 minutes, it will take a little longer than that.

Variations

  • Meatballs - try my Turkey Meatballs that you've made ahead and frozen.
  • Add mushrooms in when adding the onions
  • Try nutmeg and allspice to give more of a Swedish Meatball profile
  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce with gravy and sour cream to finish to give more of a stroganoff flavor profile

Serving suggestions

I like to serve my meatballs in gravy over a big glob of mashed potatoes. On the super busy nights, I just use the store bought mashed potatoes that get tossed in the microwave.

You could also serve these meatballs over creamy polenta if you feel like giving the effort.

Rice is also a nice option, or a nice creamy rice, you know, like one of those packets that come together in minutes.

If you're trying to behave, you could also serve this over mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice.

For the side vegetable, I like a simple arugula salad or my super delish garlic green beans!

Wondering what else you can make in this magical Instant Pot? Just use that little search button on the top right of the screen and type "instant pot".

Stove-Top instructions

Follow above instructions but using a large skillet or sauté pan up to adding gravy to pot. At that point, after pouring in the gravy, place a cover on pan and simmer until meatballs are cooked thru.

Printable Recipe Card

Instant Pot Meatballs in Gravy (stovetop recipe included) - Foody Schmoody Blog (6)

Meatballs In Gravy Instant Pot Recipe

Instant Pot Meatballs in Gravy (stovetop recipe included) - Foody Schmoody Blog (7)foodyschmoody

Frozen meatballs and jarred gravy are the start of this super easy and super quick meal that will please the entire family. Ready in minutes.

4.10 from 10 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

time to come to pressure 5 minutes mins

Total Time 16 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 229 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • ½ Cup sliced sweet onions
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ Cup beef broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
  • 15-20 frozen meatballs 1 oz size meatballs
  • 18 ounce jarred beef gravy

Instructions

  • Set Instant Pot to saute and add butter. Once melted, add onions. Saute until just starting to soften, stirring often. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

  • Pour beef broth into pot to deglaze, being sure to stir and get up any bits that might be stuck to the pot. Stir in salt and pepper. Turn off saute function.

  • Add meatballs to the pot. Pour entire jar of gravy over meatballs. Cover and seal pot. Set timer to 6 minutes using the manual high function.

  • After timer beeps for completion, use quick release valve to release steam. Stir to coat all meatballs in gravy and serve.

Video

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

Serve atop rice, mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Serve a simple arugula salad on the side or green beans.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 1042mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 92IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

Keyword beef, instant pot, meatballs, pressure cooker

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Related

Instant Pot Meatballs in Gravy (stovetop recipe included) - Foody Schmoody Blog (2024)

FAQs

Should you cook meatballs before putting in sauce? ›

Adding raw meatballs to the sauce and gently simmering till cooked yields ultra-tender results, and infuses the sauce with meaty flavor—a slow cooker gives great results.

How to add Flavour to ready made meatballs? ›

I don't have a very adventurous palate, so my go-to choices are usually mild, like onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, parsley and basil. Some of my friends use cumin, ginger, curry or other types of spices. Another thing I do with mashed meat is add a few fresh ingredients.

When should you add meatballs to sauce? ›

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat back down to a light simmer. Add the meatballs and toss them with the sauce. Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes.

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

What does adding milk to meatballs do? ›

When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs. Milk adds a certain level of moisture that helps produce perfectly tender meatballs.

Do meatballs get more tender the longer they cook in sauce? ›

As the collagen in the meat dissolves over time, it transforms into gelatin, which not only adds a silky texture to the sauce but also contributes to the overall richness and depth of flavor. The longer the simmer, the more tender and succulent the meatballs become.

Do you cook the meat before the sauce? ›

You can put raw anything into spaghetti sauce, simmer it long enough and it will cook and be safe to eat. You'll lose out on a bit of flavor though. I'd brown the pork in a pot and season it before simmering it in the sauce. Browning the meat develops color and flavor in the finished sauce, so don't forget that step.

How to make meatballs that don t fall apart in sauce? ›

Here's how to make the perfect meatballs that won't fall apart when you cook them:
  1. Massage your meat. True story. ...
  2. Add breadcrumbs. ...
  3. Add egg. ...
  4. Don't add much apart from meat. ...
  5. Roll your meatballs in flour. ...
  6. Give your meatballs space. ...
  7. Shake your meatballs. ...
  8. Brown your meatballs first.
Mar 3, 2022

What causes meatballs to fall apart in sauce? ›

But too much bread crumbs make them too loose, and not enough bread crumbs won't help them hold together either. Similar issues can be caused by eggs: Too many eggs, and the meatballs will be too soggy.

Is it better to bake or simmer meatballs? ›

I find that baking them and then finishing them in the sauce is the best method. Baking them ensures even cooking and browning as well as good flavor development. Throwing them into the sauce for a few minutes before serving flavors the sauce and keeps the meatballs moist and delicious.

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