Meatballs in Tomato Sauce in the Instant Pot

These meat-only meatballs mean no breadcrumbs or other fillers. Sauce is light and delicate, with a few simple ingredients.

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time 15 minutes; Start to finish: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• ½ tsp red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely diced
• 1 14.5 oz can diced chopped tomatoes

Directions

1. Combine the ground beef with the spices and salt in a bowl and mix through well using clean hands. Roll the mixture into small 2-inch balls and set aside.
2. Press Sauté on the Instant Pot. Add the olive oil, onions, chill and salt and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Then press Cancel.
3. Add the meatballs, sprinkle with garlic and pour the tomatoes over everything. Stir gently and spread the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
4. Place and lock the lid, making sure the steam releasing handle is pointing to Sealing. Press Manual, High pressure and set to 5 minutes. After 3 beeps the pressure cooker will start going.
5. At the end of the cycle, release the pressure naturally, for about 10 minutes, which will finish cooking the meatballs.
6. Follow by a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
7. Serve over spaghetti, rice, sliced baguettes or with a side of cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.