30-Minute Instant Pot Meatballs Recipe with Gravy (2024)

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November 23, 2022January 23, 2024

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Meatballs and gravy are a classic comfort food dish – and for good reasons! This recipe for Instant Pot meatballs and gravy is incredibly delicious, easy to make, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

The homemade meatballs are tender and juicy, and the gravy is thick and flavorful.

It’s definitely a great option if you’re looking for an Instant Pot meatball recipe that doesn’t use marinara sauce and parmesan cheese.

The best part is? It takes just 30 minutes of active prep time too! It’s definitely our favorite Instant pot recipe this season.

Serve the tender meatballs and gravy with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

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What’s an Instant Pot®?

An Instant Pot is a modern pressure cooker that cooks food very quickly.

It has a number of preset buttons that allow you to cook food automatically, without having to worry about the temperature or timing.

Personally, we love using our Instant Pot to cook just about anything, from rice to soups to this delicious Instant Pot Meatball recipe.

Ingredients to Make Instant Pot Meatballs & Gravy

For the Juicy Meatballs

• 2-3 Tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 ½ pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko bread crumbs work great)
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dehydrated onions (optional)
• 1 cup water (or broth for extra flavors)

For the Gravy

• 2 packets Pioneer Brown Gravy Mix
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 cups boiling water

Do You Need to Use Pioneer Brown Gravy Mix?

Yes and no. If you have more time to spare, you can definitely make your own gravy using your favorite gravy recipe.

However, if you’re like me and you often find yourself scrambling for time, the Pioneer Brown Gravy Mix is a huge timesaver – and it’s a simple way to add a ton of extra flavors to the dish!

Plus, we love that you only need to add water to make a deliciously creamy sauce for an easy meal.

The creamy gravy pairs well with various Instant Pot meatball recipes as well as your favorite Thanksgiving favorites like turkey, green beans, and mashed potatoes.

Personally, I would 100% recommend using the gravy mix because it’s an incredibly affordable way to save time and make the Instant Pot Meatballs and Gravy taste best.

Where Can I Buy Pioneer Brown Gravy Mix?

You can buy Pioneer Brown Gravy Mix at most grocery stores and online retailers, like Amazon.

I usually buy 3-4 packets so I have some leftover to use the next time when I make my favorite meals.

Can You Use Frozen Meatballs?

Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to swap out the homemade meatballs with your favorite frozen meatballs.

Just skip steps 1 and 2 in the recipe card and go straight to step 3!

How to Make Instant Pot Meatballs & Gravy

1. In a large bowl, mix together all the meatball ingredients using a spatula until well-combined.
2. Use a cookie scoop to measure out 1-inch or 2-inch balls (the size is completely up to your preference, but make sure they are all the same size). Then wet your hands and pack the meatballs tightly and place them onto a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Freeze until the raw meatballs are firm.
3. Set your Instant Pot to sauté function. Once hot, add 2 Tablespoons of oil, then add in the frozen meatballs in a single layer and stir until browned. Add 1 cup water, then cover with the Instant Pot lid and set it to lock, making sure the vent is closed. Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
4. While the meatballs are cooking, make the gravy. Pour 2 packets of Pioneer Brown Gravy Mix into a medium bowl. Pour 1 cup of cold water and whisk until combined. Pour in the 2 cups of boiling water, and whisk again. Don’t be alarmed if the gravy has not thickened yet at this point – it will once we combine it with the meatballs.
5. Once the Instant Pot meatballs are done, quick release the pressure and remove the lid.
6. Pour in the prepared gravy mixture and stir until the gravy has thickened. Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, transfer the delicious meatballs and gravy to a serving bowl and garnish with red pepper flakes and parsley.
7. This Instant Pot Meatballs and Gravy is delicious served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. ENJOY!

Instant Pot Meatballs Recipe Substitutions

• Substitute water with beef broth, chicken broth, bone broth, or vegetable broth for even more flavors!
• Use butter instead of oil for a more decadent meal. Just make sure to melt butter before adding in your meatballs in the Instant Pot!
• Add onion powder to the meat mixture for extra flavors!
• Add fresh parsley to garnish
• Add the cooked meatballs and gravy on top of cauliflower rice for a low carb family favorite meal.
• This Instant Pot meatball recipe does have a lot of extra sauce (we prefer it saucy!) but if you want to have less sauce, just reduce the “gravy ingredients” to 1/2 the amounts called for.

Can You Put Frozen Uncooked Meatballs in an Instant Pot or Crockpot?

Yes! In fact, that’s exactly what we do in this Instant Pot Meatball recipe.

We make the meatballs, freeze them, then cook them directly in the Instant Pot.

How Store Leftover Instant Pot Meatballs & Gravy

Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container, then refrigerate for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

We like to meal prep a big batch and reheat it as needed for easy meals on busy weeknights.

Looking for More Easy Instant Pot Recipes?

• Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup (GF, DF)
• Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken

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If you make this Instant Pot meatballs recipe, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging@dwellbymichelle so I can repost it on my stories!

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