These Instant Pot Meatballs with BBQ Sauce could not be any easier to make. You simply mix up the ingredients, freeze the meatballs for an hour, and cook them in the Instant Pot for 10 minutes. The simplicity makes this one of my favorite Instant Pot Recipes.
There is very little work involved, but your guests won't know that. These are delicious as part of a main course or as a party appetizer. If you are looking for more yummy meatball recipes check our Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs and our Instant Pot Orange Glazed Meatballs and our Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs.
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Why these Instant Pot Meatballs with BBQ Sauce are awesome
- They cook up in just 10 minutes
- Can be used as a main course or one of the easiest party appetizer ideas
- Perfect dish to bring to potlucks
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Meatball Ingredients
- ground beef
- garlic
- onion powder
- salt
- beef broth
- barbecue sauce
How to make Instant Pot Meatballs
To make these Instant Pot Meatballs with BBQ Sauce, you will need an Instant Pot of course! I love a 6 Quart Instant Pot because the size is so versatile. It is big enough for a family, but not so big that your food will be swimming in there. This is the most popular size around. If you are cooking for an army, this 8 Quart Instant Pot is for you. The larger size makes it perfect for entertaining or for large family meals.
Now it's time to assemble the meatballs. I used ground beef for the meatballs, but feel free to substitute ground turkey. Place the ground beef into a large bowl and mix well with the onion powder, salt, and garlic. Roll the meat mixture into balls. Place the balls in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and freeze them for 1 hour.
After an hour, remove the frozen meatballs from the freezer. Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot and add meatballs. Place lid on pot and set valve to seal.
Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure when Instant Pot is done counting. Then, transfer the meatballs to a bowl and stir in the barbecue sauce. Feel free to use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. There are so many good ones out there! Place the meatballs back in the pot and stir to combine the sauce with the broth.
Tasty meatballs are a classic party appetizer. If you want to serve these meatballs for an appetizer simply provide your guests with some toothpicks so they can help themselves.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Meatballs with BBQ Sauce
Equipment
Video
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bottle barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Place ground beef into a bowl and mix well with onion powder, salt, and garlic.
- Roll the ground beef mixture into balls and place into a bowl.
- Freeze for the meatballs for 1 hour.
- Pour beef broth into instant pot. Place in meatballs.
- Place lid on pot and set valve to seal.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release pressure when instant pot is done counting.
- Remove meatballs to a bowl.
- Stir in barbecue sauce. Place meatballs back in the pot and stir.
Nutrition
This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online calculators. Your nutritional information may vary depending on numerous factors.
Frequently asked questions
These go great with a side of white rice, brown rice or a side salad.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
They will taste great with whatever BBQ sauce you have on hand. That is the beauty of the recipe, it is very versatile!
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cheflolaskitchen says
I'd be having my family over in the coming summer vacations and I would surely need quick and delicious recipes like this one! Thanks for this Vicky.
Beth Pierce says
My kids love spaghetti with meatballs! I will have to make these for them to serve on their own; they sound amazing!
Edyta says
These are amazing. I never thought I could make meatballs in my Instant Pot. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Sophia says
Delicious! I've never thought to make meatballs in the instant pot! I always figured they would fall apart - great tip to freeze them first! Thanks!
EA Stewart The Spicy RD says
I LOVE that these can be made ahead of time! My husband and son would love them for dinner-me too! I definitely need to add these to my weekly meal plan. Yum!