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    Home » Instant Pot Pork

    Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs

    Posted: Jan 30, 2021 · Updated: May 18, 2021 by Tonje

    Jump to Recipe

    Forgot to take the meatballs out of the freezer? No problem! This instant pot frozen meatballs recipe will show you how to cook perfect tender, juicy meatballs from frozen in just 20 minutes.

    A bowl of meatballs in front of an instant pot.
    Jump to:
    • Why you should try this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Leftovers
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More instant pot recipes
    • Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    Why you should try this recipe

    • It's so easy
    • No planning ahead - just cook the meat directly from frozen
    • Perfect tender and juicy meatballs
    • You can use store bought or homemade meatballs
    • Adapt the recipe with any sauce that you like
    • Hands off cooking - just add the ingredients to the pot and wait

    Ingredients

    Frozen meatballs: You can buy frozen meatballs (cooked or uncooked), or make your own. I always have my favorite beef and pork meatballs in my freezer ready for quick dinners like these.

    Canned diced tomatoes: I use plain tomatoes, but seasoned tomatoes or even fire roasted tomatoes can be used to give the sauce a little extra flavor. Alternatively, use pasta sauce from a jar, or try my healthy spaghetti sauce.

    Italian seasoning: Adds some flavor to the canned tomatoes. Substitute with a variety of dried herbs.

    💡 TIP! This recipe shows you how to cook frozen meatballs in a tomato sauce, but you can actually use any sauce that you like, including BBQ sauce, mushroom sauce, or teriyaki. See the Variations section below for more ideas.

    Frozen meatballs in an instant pot.

    Instructions

    1. Add the ingredients: Add the canned tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the instant pot, and stir to combine. Then, add the frozen meatballs on top. Don't stir.
    2. Cook the meatballs: Cover the instant pot with the lid, and turn the valve to sealing. Cook on the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting for 8 minutes on high pressure. When the time is up, turn the valve to quickly release the pressure.
    3. Stir and serve: Stir the meatballs to coat them with the sauce, then serve.
    Step by step images showing how to cook meatballs in an instant pot.

    Top tips

    • Add the sauce, with the meatballs on top. This is the best way to ensure an even cooking result, and to prevent the meatballs from burning at the bottom of the instant pot.
    • You can add any seasoning to the canned tomatoes. Choose your favorites.
    • If the meatballs are larger than the usual size, you will have to increase the cooking time.
    Cooked meatballs in instant pot.

    Serving suggestions

    Meatballs can be served as an appetizer, added to sandwiches or sliders, or more commonly, served as an entree for lunch or dinner. Here are some of the best side dishes that I love to pair them with:

    • Arrabbiata Spaghetti - This simple spicy spaghetti is perfect with meatballs.
    • Healthy Mashed Potatoes - Mash and meatballs is a family favorite, and you can't go wrong with this recipe.
    • Healthy Spaghetti Sauce - If you want to use a flavorful sauce rather than canned tomatoes, I recommend this easy tomato sauce.
    Meatballs in tomato sauce.

    Variations

    With pasta: Cook pasta in a pot on the stove top according to package instructions while the meatballs are cooking. Drain the water, and combine the cooked meatballs with the pasta in the instant pot before serving.

    Thicker sauce: As the frozen meatballs release a lot of water during cooking, the sauce can be a little thin. Add some chunky pasta sauce after cooking to thicken it up.

    With veggies: You can add some diced vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, mushrooms or onions to the canned tomatoes before placing the frozen meatballs on top. This is a great way to add extra veggies to your meal.

    Other sauces: Instead of canned tomatoes or pasta sauce, you can make the meatballs with a variety of other sauces. Try using canned mushroom soup, mushroom sauce, honey mustard sauce, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any other cooking sauce of your choice.

    A bowl of meatballs in front of an instant pot.

    Leftovers

    Store leftover meatballs in a sealed container in a refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meatballs can be frozen again for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that they could be a little dry the next time you thaw them.

    Heat up the leftovers in a microwave, instant pot or a regular pot on the stove top, and serve them warm.

    A ladle serving meatballs and tomato sauce from a pressure cooker.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you cook frozen meat in an instant pot?

    Yes! Since the instant pot cooks food under high temperatures, it's perfectly safe to cook frozen meat.

    How do you make store bought meatballs taste better?

    Serve store bought meatballs with a flavorful sauce or side dishes to make them a little more appetizing.

    More instant pot recipes

    • Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli
    • Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
    • Instant Pot Asparagus
    • Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
    • Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
    • Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast

    If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!

    Recipe

    Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs.

    Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs

    Instant pot frozen meatballs are simply meatballs cooked from frozen in your pressure cooker. A quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
    No ratings yet
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Time to Pressure 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 312 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
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    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ½ pounds meatballs
    • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
    • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

    Instructions
     

    • Add the canned tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the instant pot, and stir to combine. Then, add the frozen meatballs on top. Don't stir.
    • Cover the instant pot with the lid, and turn the valve to sealing. Cook on the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting for 8 minutes on high pressure. When the time is up, turn the valve to quickly release the pressure.
    • Stir the meatballs to coat them with the sauce, then serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • Store leftover in a refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 312kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 20gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 162mgPotassium: 463mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword easy, frozen, healthy, instant pot, meatballs, pressure cooker
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Molly

      February 02, 2023 at 10:31 pm

      Hi! Are these cook times for cooked or uncooked frozen meatballs? I saw in your blog post that you use homemade meatballs- I’m making and freezing some meatballs that will be uncooked but I don’t know what the cook time should be!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        March 17, 2023 at 8:14 am

        I use these timings for uncooked meatballs. Hope that helps!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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