Whether it’s game night with the kids or a low-key evening at home with just mom and dad around, this humble dish promises something for everyone: flavor, convenience, and maximum satisfaction guaranteed!

Cooking frozen meatballs in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re making spaghetti and meatballs or meatball subs, the Instant Pot can help you get dinner on the table in no time.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the steps on how to cook frozen meatballs in the Instant Pot.

Basic Recipe for Frozen Meatballs in the Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of frozen meatballs (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup of beef broth*
• 1 cup of your favorite tomato sauce**
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

*May substitute for chicken or vegetable broth

**Sauce substitutions could include: Barbecue Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Spaghetti sauce OR put in all ingredients that your recipe calls for if making something with more steps.

Other combos we love:

• Pineapple and peppers
• Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce
• Apricot Jelly

Instructions:

1. Pour the beef broth and tomato sauce into the Instant Pot.
2. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
3. Add the frozen meatballs to the Instant Pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.”
5. Set the Instant Pot to “manual” or “pressure cook” mode and set the timer for 10 minutes.
6. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5-10 minutes.
7. Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot and stir the meatballs in the sauce.

What kind of frozen meatballs can you use?

You can use any type of frozen meatballs, such as beef, turkey, or chicken.

How to thicken your sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the Instant Pot after the meatballs are cooked. Cook for a few minutes on the sauté function until the sauce thickens.

How to add more flavor

If you want to add more flavor to the sauce, you can add diced onions, minced garlic, or chopped bell peppers to the Instant Pot before adding the meatballs.

What to do with leftovers

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Cooking frozen meatballs in the Instant Pot is a simple and convenient way to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal.

With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

So, grab your Instant Pot and get cooking!

Other articles you may enjoy:

• Hawaiian Meatballs in the Instant Pot
• Easy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Apple Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Beef Stew

The post How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in the Instant Pot first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in the Instant Pot appeared first on What's in the Pot.

Why are Instant Pot recipes good for a Potluck?

Saves time: The Instant Pot can cook many dishes quickly and efficiently, which is great for potluck dinners where time is often limited.

Easy to transport: The Instant Pot’s removable inner pot and compact size make it easy to transport to and from potluck dinners.

Keeps food warm: The Instant Pot has a “keep warm” function that allows you to keep your dish at a safe temperature until it’s time to serve.

One-pot meals: The Instant Pot is great for making one-pot meals, such as chili or stew, which can be a convenient option for potluck dinners.

Large capacity: The Instant Pot comes in different sizes, some of which can hold up to 8 quarts of food, making it easy to cook enough food to feed a large group of people.

With all of the potential for simple yet extravagant meals that can be made in under 30 minutes, everyone will leave your potluck full and satisfied!

10 Instant Pot potluck recipe ideas

Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili is always a crowd-pleaser. You can make a classic beef chili or try a vegetarian version with beans and veggies.

Pulled Pork

Cook a large pork shoulder in the Instant Pot with BBQ sauce and spices for a delicious pulled pork dish that can be served on buns or as a main dish.

Mac and Cheese

Creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for potlucks. You can add bacon or other toppings to make it even more decadent.

Meatballs

Make a big batch of meatballs in the Instant Pot and serve them with your favorite sauce. They can be made with beef, turkey, or even vegetarian meat substitutes.

Hummus

Hummus is a fun dish to bring to a party or potluck because it is tasty and different- plus you can dip veggies, chips, bread or crackers in it so it is super versatille!

Corn Bread

Make a flavorful corn bread dish that is a perfect side for any BBQ or party!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Use the Instant Pot to make a hearty and healthy vegetable soup with plenty of seasonal veggies, herbs, and spices.

Baked Beans

Slow-cooked baked beans are a classic potluck dish, but you can speed up the process with the Instant Pot. Use canned or dry beans and add your favorite seasonings and meat.

Mashed Potatoes

Make creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot for an easy side dish that everyone will love.

Cheesecake

Yes, you can even make desserts in the Instant Pot! Try making a rich and creamy cheesecake for a sweet treat that will impress everyone at the potluck.

All in all, Instant Pot dishes are a great way to make a tried and true potluck dish quickly and easily. With its portability and ease of cleanup, it’s the perfect option for feeding a crowd. Put these tips to use to make your next potluck gathering an instant success!

other instant pot side dishes:

• Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans
• Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
• Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon

The post 10 Easy Instant Pot Pot Luck Ideas first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post 10 Easy Instant Pot Pot Luck Ideas appeared first on What's in the Pot.

Cooking ground beef in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to make delicious meals.

Ground beef in the Instant Pot is a convenient and quick way to make delicious meals, especially for busy weeknights.

Cooking ground beef in the Instant Pot has a few advantages:

Speed: Cooking ground beef in the Instant Pot is much faster than cooking it on the stovetop. The Instant Pot’s high pressure cooking function can cook the meat in a fraction of the time it would take to cook it on the stove

Convenience: Cooking ground beef in the Instant Pot is a hands-off process, which means you can prep other ingredients or work on other parts of the meal while the beef cooks.

Flavor: The high pressure cooking process in the Instant Pot can help to lock in flavor and moisture, resulting in more flavorful and tender beef.

Easy clean-up: Cooking ground beef in the Instant Pot means there’s only one pot to clean, which can be a time-saver and make clean-up easier

How to cook ground beef in your Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
2. Once the Instant Pot is heated up, add the cooking oil.
3. Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces.
4. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using) to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
5. Cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the ground beef is cooked, turn off the Instant Pot and use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the pot. Discard any excess fat.
7. Use the cooked ground beef in your favorite recipe, such as tacos, spaghetti sauce, or chili.

How do I know if my ground beef is cooked?

It is important to make sure the ground beef is fully cooked before consuming to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

The internal temperature of the cooked ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C).

more recipes you might enjoy:

• Instant Pot Turkey Breast
• Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

The post How to Cook Ground Beef in the Instant Pot first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post How to Cook Ground Beef in the Instant Pot appeared first on What's in the Pot.

Instant Pot Stroganoff

Making a delicious, hearty beef stroganoff can be time-consuming and difficult.

Who has time to make a complicated dish like beef stroganoff from scratch? Not to mention, it’s often hard to get the flavors just right.

With the Instant Pot, you can have an amazing beef stroganoff in no time at all – and with simple ingredients. This pressure cooker makes cooking quick and easy – with no guesswork required. Plus, the Instant Pot is also a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. You’ll love how versatile it is!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped red Onion
• 1 Tablespoon garlic
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 10.5 ounce cans Campbell’s Condensed French Onion soup
• 2 cups of water
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 bag Egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Spray the Instant Pot interior with cooking spray. Set to saut function.
2. Drizzle about a Tablespoon of cooking oil (I used olive) and brown ground meat, onion, and garlic.
3. Drain excess grease and return to pot.
4. Add mushrooms with saute for another minute or two.
5. Add water, onion soup, and salt and pepper. Make sure to scrape the browned bits on the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
6. Whisk in cornstarch
7. Add noodles.
8. Place lid on Instant Pot.
9. Set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
10. After it is done, let the pressure naturally release for about five minutes, and then change the pressure release valve to the venting position (quick release) until all the pressure is gone.
11. Stir in Greek Yogurt until combined.
12. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy.

What Sides Go With Beef Stroganoff?

There are lots of great sides to make this a complete meal. Since it’s a pretty meat and pasta-heavy dish, I would suggest adding some vegetables to your meal. I always enjoy mixing them in with everything, but you can just serve them on the side.

• Peas
• Caesar salad
• Green Beans
• Brocolli
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Side salad

I think this meal is always delicious with a side of garlic bread or french bread as well.

What is the best meat to use with beef stroganoff?

There are all sorts of ways to make beef stroganoff. This recipe is made with ground beef, just because we almost always have ground beef on hand, and it’s often less expensive than other cuts of meat.

Tender cuts of beef are often preferred – so you may want to consider beef tenderloin or sirloin steak cut into strips.

When was beef stroganoff invented?

Beef stroganoff was originally a Russian dish from the Mid-19th century. It was named after the influential Stroganov family.

Although it was a Russian dish, it’s thought to have been created by French chefs that had been working for the Stroganov family. The first time it was printed in a cookbook was in 1871 called, “A Gift to Young Housewives”.

It’s taken on many forms and variations over the years, but it’s certainly a well-loved dish that has become a traditional comfort dish all around the world.

Other Stroganoff Recipes

We have made a few other versions of this recipe over the years that you may be interested in:

• One Pot Beef Stroganoff
• One Pot Chicken Stroganoff

How to thicken beef stroganoff?

If you find that the dish isn’t thick enough, I would suggest mixing together some 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup water and whisking it into the stroganoff while it’s simmering.

Can I cook egg noodles in the Instant Pot?

You absolutely can! We have used egg noodles in this recipe many times.

Can I use other noodles?

Sure, the cooking time may vary a little bit. We have had good success using rotini noodles before.

Can I use a different kind of meat?

As I mentioned before, we use ground beef in this recipe, but you can certainly use other cuts of beef or even chicken.

How should I store the leftovers?

Make sure to store in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.

How should I reheat beef stroganoff?

This dish is almost better the next day! You can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Can beef stroganoff be frozen?

Yes, you can, but I would suggest cooking the noodles fresh and just freezing the sauce and meat.

What kind of mushrooms should I use?

We always just buy whatever sliced variety is on sale at the store, which is usually baby bella. Cremini mushrooms are always nice!

Should there be Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?

Worcestershire sauce is a common ingredient in beef stroganoff, especially when you make the sauce from scratch. Because of the french onion soup that we use, we opted not to include Worcestershire sauce in this recipe.

Can I use cream of mushroom soup?

We don’t recommend this ingredient in this recipe.

Can I use something other than ground beef?

You absolutely can. Ground chicken, ground turkey, or stew meat can be a great option for this recipe.

Why did I get a burn notice?

This is always frustrating. You most likely got this notice because you didn’t scrape all the brown bits off the bottom of the pot before. youput the lid on.

Can beef stroganoff be made without mushrooms?

This is one of my favorite parts, but I know some people can’t stand them! So if you’re one of those people, yes, you can skip them.

Can beef stroganoff be made without sour cream?

I would strongly recommend using some kind of creamy mixture like sour cream. Greek yogurt is a good alternative.

Can you freeze beef stroganoff without noodles?

Yes.

Can this be made in a slow cooker?

Yes. I would brown the meat beforehand and cook with all the ingredients except for the noodles on low for about four hours. Add the egg noodles for the last 30 minutes or so.

Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

Yield: 6

Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines ground beef, mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce made with sour cream. It is cooked in one pot in just minutes, making it an easy and satisfying dinner option.

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Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped red Onion
• 1 Tablespoon garlic
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 10.5 ounce cans Campbell’s Condensed French Onion soup
• 2 cups of water
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 bag Egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sour cream or greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Spray the Instant Pot interior with cooking spray. Set to saute.
2. Drizzle about a Tablespoon of cooking oil (I used olive) and brown ground beef or turkey, onion, and garlic.
3. Drain excess grease and return to pot.
4. Add mushrooms with saute for another minute or two.
5. Add water, onion soup, and salt and pepper. Mix. Whisk in cornstarch
6. Add noodles.
7. Place lid on Instant Pot.
8. Set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
9. After it is done, let the pressure naturally release for about five minutes, and then change to quick release until all the pressure is gone.
10. Stir in sour cream until combined.
11. Top with parsley and enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 265Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 173mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 19g

We hope that you enjoy this Instant Pot beef stroganoff recipe. It’s a classic beef stroganoff that the entire family will enjoy with it’s amazing flavor – and it is done in a fraction of the time with pressure cooking! The sour cream sauce is absolutely delicious and it’s filled with classic flavors.

More Instant Pot Recipes You May Enjoy:

• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Easy Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
• Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

The post Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe appeared first on What's in the Pot.

Wendy’s chili is a fan favorite, but it can be unhealthy and expensive to eat out.

Making chili at home is a lot better for you, and it can be less expensive than eating out. Plus, everyone should have an easy chili recipe in their cookbook.

This Instant Pot copycat recipe is just as delicious as the real thing, and it’s easy to make! The ingredients are pantry staples for most people, and it can be thrown together in less than 30 minutes with the help of your Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 cans chili beans (kidney and pinto beans)
• 1 can diced zesty chili-style tomatoes
• 1/2 white large onion
• 1 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 cup beef broth (I like to use 1 teaspoon better than bullion with 1 cup water)
• 1 tbsp butter

What are some variations of this recipe?

There are lots of different options for serving this recipe. You could add some heat with diced jalapeños, or make it a bit earthy with mushrooms. Crushed-up tortilla chips would also be a great addition. You could add black beans instead of or in addition to the beans that have already been added.

What if I can’t find chili beans?

You can use two cans of dark red kidney beans and two cans of pinto beans mixed with a little bit of McCormick’s chili seasoning as a substitute.

What kind of meat is used in Wendy’s chili?

Wendy’s chili is made with ground beef. You can use any kind of ground beef that you like for this recipe. We prefer to use 93/7 so there is less grease to deal with.

What brand of tomatoes do you use?

We used Del Monte’s brand for this recipe, which can be found at most major grocery stores.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you will want to remove the ground beef and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.

Can I use tomato juice instead of tomato sauce?

I wouldn’t recommend this substitute for this recipe.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Honestly, it isn’t horrible to begin with! But if you want less fat and red meat, you could use ground turkey instead of ground beef.

Directions

1. Set instant pot to the saute feature and brown grown beef – drain excess grease and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
2. While cooking, chop the green pepper and onion
3. Add in all the rest of the ingredients except for the butter and stir with a wooden spoon
4. Cook for 15 minutes on the Chili setting
5. Natural pressure release for 5 minutes and then quick release the remaining pressure
6. Mix in butter and enjoy

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I think it tastes best the next day.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure you freeze it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. We really love Souper Cubes for freezing chili. You can use the code TBM10 for 10% off.

What can I serve with this chili?

This chili is delicious on its own, or you can top it with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or jalapeños. It’s also great served over rice or pasta.

We also really love serving it over a nice, big piece of cornbread! And of course, if you want to make it more like Wendy’s, make a delicious baked potato and serve this chili over it with sour cream and chives.

Can I make this in the slow cooker instead?

Yes! You can definitely make this in your crock pot. Cook the ground beef on the stove top before, and then put all the ingredients (except the butter) into a slow cooker. Cook on high for two hours or low for 5-6. Stir in butter before serving.

Can I make a double batch of this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully – and you’ll probably want to because everyone is going to gobble up this yummy recipe.

What’s the best way to reheat this chili?

The best way to reheat this chili is in a pot on the stove over low heat. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as thick and creamy. You may need to add some water if it’s too thick.

If you are reheating from frozen, you can do this in the Instant Pot! Just add 1.5 cups of beef broth and heat for 20 minutes on manual high pressure.

Is Wendy’s chili real beef?

Yes, Wendy’s chili is made with real beef. However, some employees have reported that the beef used in the chili is from hamburgers that were grilled too long and couldn’t be served as burgers to customers.

Does Wendy’s put sand in their chili?

No, Wendy’s does not put sand in their chili. However, it does have silicone dioxide, which is silica. This is an anti-caking product that might be used in Wendy’s chili. All the reasons to make it yourself at home!

Does Wendy’s put beans in their chili?

Yes, they have a combination of beans in their chili.

Instant Pot Wendy's Chili

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 cans chili beans (kidney and pinto)
• 1 can diced zesty chili-style tomatoes
• 1/2 white onion
• 1 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Set instant pot to saute and brown grown beef – drain excess grease
2. Add in all the remaining ingredients except for the butter and stir
3. Cook for 15 minutes on the Chili setting
4. Natural pressure release for 5 minutes
5. Mix in butter and enjoy

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 1587mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 23g

Other Recipes You May Enjoy:

• Easy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Apple Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

The chili from Wendy’s is always a fan favorite – and now you can make it at home using your Instant Pot and this recipe. You will definitely want to print of this instant pot wendy’s copycat chili for the future – it’s a great recipe you will want to use over and over again. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!

The post Copycat Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Recipe first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post Copycat Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Recipe appeared first on What's in the Pot.

Easy family meals are important in the Clark household.

We feel it’s important to have family dinner every night, but it isn’t always easy to have a gourmet, made-from-scratch meal ready at a moment’s notice.

So I love taking “shortcuts” – such as using frozen meatballs rather than homemade ones.

I also love using my Instant Pot, since it makes delicious meals in a matter of minutes, and I can easily convert slow cooker recipes for use in it.

For this recipe, I wanted to make one of our family favorites – slow cooker Hawaiian Meatballs – and make a few adjustments so it would be perfect for our Instant Pot.

I went to the store and bought some Sweet Italian Meatballs from Cooked Perfect® Meatballs, which is my favorite brand of frozen meatballs. They have tons of flavors, such as:

• Italian Style
• Gluten Free Italian Style
• Homestyle
• Angus Beef
• Turkey
• Swedish
• Sweet Italian
• All Natural Chicken Meatballs
• All Natural Homestyle Meatballs
• All Natural Italian Style Meatballs
• Three Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Find Cooked Perfect Meatballs in the freezer aisle of many popular grocery stores!

But I thought the Sweet Italian flavor was perfect for this meal.

This meal turned out absolutely perfect with so much flavor and everyone LOVED it. My boys both asked for seconds, which I always consider a good thing!

We served it over rice, which I thought was the perfect finishing touch on this meal.

What I love even more was how easy it was to throw together. It’s one of those meals that are perfect for those nights when you haven’t planned dinner and you have a hungry family waiting. It’s always a smart idea to keep packages of Cooked Perfect meatballs in the freezer for occasions like this (especially since you can use them for so many things – this recipe, spaghetti and meatballs, meatball sandwiches, etc.). Here are some more creative meatball recipes to have on hand.

I really do think that it’s important to eat together as a family whenever possible. I grew up knowing that family meal time trumped just about anything else, and I’m grateful that my parents always placed a big emphasis on that. I’ve found that my children open up more at dinner, are willing to try new things, and we just enjoy that time when we can just relax and enjoy one another’s company.

This Instant Pot recipe will definitely become a classic in your home soon!

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Yield: 4 people

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 package frozen meatballs
• 1 can pineapple chunks with juice
• 1 red pepper, , chopped
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients (except for corn starch) in Instant Pot and stir. 
2. Put lid on Instant pot and set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. After timer goes off, quick pressure release the remaining pressure. 
3. Turn Instant Pot to saute, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until thickened.
4. Serve over rice

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 864Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1777mgCarbohydrates: 73gFiber: 6gSugar: 59gProtein: 34g

The post Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs appeared first on What's in the Pot.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, this is it! This recipe is perfect because it combines all the flavors of Hamburger Helper with pasta in just one pot – and it’s a lot better for you since it’s homemade. You can’t go wrong with that. It’s easy to put together, cooks quickly, and tastes delicious. Who could ask for more?

There are just those meals that you look back on with fondness from childhood – and Hamburger Helper is one of them.

However, if you aren’t as pleased with the idea when you look at the ingredients on the box, you might feel a little disappointed…until you realize you can make something that tastes even better at home and you can feel a little bit better about feeding your family.

This pressure cooker Hamburger Helper is absolutely delicious. It has tons of flavor, it’s so easy to throw together quickly, tastes amazing, it’s a recipe the whole family will love. This one definitely has a place in my permanent Instant Pot recipes cookbook!

The cooking time for this recipe in under 30 minutes, and it’s something your entire family will be asking you to make over and over again (picky eaters included).

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Turn instant pot to the saute setting and heat olive oil.
2. Add ground beef and brown until no longer pink and drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot with a little bit of beef broth.
5. Add ketchup, mustard, seasonings, macaroni, and brothe to the pot and stir well.
6. Place lid on top and set to manual high pressure for four minutes.
7. When the time goes off, quick release all the pressure.
8. When pressure is released, take the lid off and mix in the cheese. Serve immediately

Can I use different kinds of pasta?

You can use different kinds of pasta in this recipe, just make sure they are the same size so they cook evenly.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

There are a few swaps you can do to make this recipe a little bit better-for-you

• Use a healthier ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground chicken
• Choose an extra lean ground beef
• Use black beans instead of ground beef
• Choose a low fat sour cream
• Use low fat cheddar cheese
• Use whole wheat macaroni noodles

Why is this better than boxed Hamburger Helper?

This is better than the boxed version because you know exactly what’s in it and it’s made fresh. The homemade version has lots of the flavors and texture that we all know and love from the boxed stuff – it’s just better for you!.

What are some variations for this recipe?

Some variations for this recipe include:

• Using different kinds of cheese
• Adding in vegetables, such as onions or green peppers
• Using a different type of pasta.
• Add Worcestershire sauce.
• Use tomato paste instead of ketchup.
• Add in some taco seasoning
• Use fresh herbs

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

This should be fine. It may change the flavor ever-so-slightly, but it shouldn’t be very noticeable!

Are the noodles mushy?

The noodles should be cooked al dente, but not mushy. The best way to prevent them from getting mushy is to make sure you do the quick pressure release as quickly as possible when the timer goes off.

How can I store the leftovers?

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Easy Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Yield: 7 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Check out one of our favorite easy Instant Pot dinner recipes - homemade hamburger helper. This easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights - it features a cheesy beef and pasta mixture that comes together in a snap!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Turn instant pot to the saute setting and heat olive oil.
2. Add ground beef and brown until no longer pink and drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot with a little bit of beef broth.
5. Add ketchup, mustard, seasonings, macaroni, and brothe to the pot and stir well.
6. Place lid on top and set to manual high pressure for four minutes.
7. When the time goes off, quick release all the pressure.
8. When pressure is released, take the lid off and mix in the cheese. Serve immediately

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 7 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 424Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 977mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 29g

What does it mean to deglaze the bottom?

Deglazing the pot is essential for making sure your food doesn’t burn. When you use the saute feature to brown the ground beef, pieces of the meat get stuck to the bottom of the pot.

So before you add the rest of the ingredients in, you need to deglaze! You can do this very simply by following these instructions:

• Add a small amount of water or broth to the bottom of the bottom
• Using a wooden spoon, crape the bottom of the pot until it looks like there are no more bits and pieces of meat stuck to it.

Why did I get a burn notice?

There are two main reasons you will get a burn notice:

• You did not put in enough liquid
• You did not deglaze the bottom of the pot.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

We have not made this recipe dairy-free, but you could try using your favorite dairy-free cheddar shreds and a dairy-free sour cream.

What should I serve with this recipe?

You can make this a complete meal with some delicious sides dishes including steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or garlic bread.

More Weeknight Dinner Recipes:

• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
• Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Ham Potato and Cheddar Soup

This Instant Pot homemade hamburger helper is quick, easy and delicious – perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also healthier than boxed Hamburger Helper, since it’s homemade. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or variations.

Plus, the leftovers are freezer-friendly, so you can make ahead and have a quick meal ready to go. Who knew making a delicious meal like this could be so easy? We love this cheesy pasta dish, and we know that it will be one of your family favorites for years to come.

The post Easy Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post Easy Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper appeared first on What's in the Pot.

Everyone loves homemade fajitas, but they can be a little time-consuming to make the traditional way. That’s why this Instant Pot steak fajitas recipe is so perfect for an easy dinner-it’s easy to follow and only takes a few minutes in the pressure cooker. The fajitas turn out juicy and full of flavor perfect for a quick and easy delicious meal in no time! We really think the Instant Pot version is the BEST method for making easy fajitas!

You can also easily use chicken instead of steak, if you want as well. Either way, you will end up with a delicious Mexican dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. skirt steak, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 1/2 TBSP favorite fajita seasoning

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in the Instant Pot. Stir well.
2. Close your Instant Pot lid by twisting it on and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. 
3. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow it to release naturally for 5 minutes, and then quick release the rest of the pressure.
4. Once the pressure has completely released, stir the fajitas once more. You can eat by itself for a low carb meal, or in a tortilla shell topped with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and more! Enjoy!

Why make fajitas in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot fajitas are perfect for super busy weeknights when you have so little time to spend in the kitchen, and it’s one of these “dump and go” recipes that all IP fans love

The fajitas cooked in the electric pressure cooker turn out so delicious, they’re juicy and full of flavor

You should know that the fajitas cooked in the IP are not the same as chargrilled fajitas made on the grill. They don’t have the same grilled taste and it doesn’t usually result in crisp veggies. If you want this caramelization, you may want to throw everything on a sheet pan afterward and broil for a minute or two OR you can saute the veggies beforehand and not cook them with the rest of the ingredients.

What to serve with fajitas?

I think fajitas are best when served with warmed corn tortillas or flour tortillas, refried beans, pico de gallo, and rice. For a lower-carb option, you could use cauliflower rice. Here are a few recipes you might enjoy:

• No Soak Instant Pot Refried Beans
• How to Make Refried Beans Taste Better
• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

What toppings are best on fajitas?

My favorite toppings are fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, salsa and shredded cheese. You can also try adding cooked rice or quinoa if you want to bulk up your meal prep with healthy carbs.

What is a good homemade fajita seasoning?

If you want to make a homemade fajita seasoning, combine:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper

If you don’t have all of these spices on hand, substitute with a store-bought fajita seasoning or just salt and pepper. When using store-bought fajita spice mixes, make sure you read the label because some have added sugar, which you don’t want.

Can I make these in the crock pot?

Crockpot steak fajitas are delicious too! I love cooking in my slow cooker on days when I have to leave the house in the morning, come home tired for late lunch or dinner and need a meal to be ready.

You can make them with the same ingredients as the Instant Pot recipe. All you need is to add the steak, bell pepper and onion to a slow cooker and add the seasonings.

Can I make these on the stove?

Yes, you can! Just follow all the steps as instructed and cook over medium heat in a large skillet until the vegetables are tender.

What cut of steak should I use?

I used skirt steak because it’s a fattier cut, but you can use sirloin or flank steak as well. Just make sure the steak is a little over a pound and thinly slice it into strips.

Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe

Yield: 8 fajita sized tacos

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb. skirt steak, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 1/2 TBSP favorite fajita seasoning

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in the Instant Pot. Stir well.
2. Close your Instant Pot lid by twisting it on and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. 
3. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow it to release naturally. 
4. Once the pressure has completely released, stir the fajitas once more. You can eat by itself for a low carb meal, or in a tortilla shell topped with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and more! Enjoy!

Can I use chicken instead?

Yes, you can make Instant Pot chicken fajitas by using thin-sliced chicken breasts. I would also use chicken broth instead of beef broth. However, if you are looking for an easy pressure cooker fajita recipe with steak, this is the best choice!

How can I prevent the vegetables from turning out mushy?

If you want to make Instant Pot fajitas that have a slightly crisp texture, I recommend sautéing the vegetables in the Instant Pot in a little bit of olive oil. Remove them before adding the steak and other ingredients.

After the meat is done cooking, you can add them back together with the meat.

Alternatively, you can throw everything on the pan and crisp it up under the broiler.

Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe

Yield: 8 fajita sized tacos

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb. skirt steak, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 1/2 TBSP favorite fajita seasoning

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in the Instant Pot. Stir well.
2. Close your Instant Pot lid by twisting it on and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. 
3. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow it to release naturally. 
4. Once the pressure has completely released, stir the fajitas once more. You can eat by itself for a low carb meal, or in a tortilla shell topped with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and more! Enjoy!

How can I prep these for a freezer meal?

To make this Instant Pot fajitas recipe into a freezer meal, simply follow all the steps in the recipe except for cooking in an Instant Pot. Instead, place the steak, bell peppers and onions in a large ziploc bag with 1 tablespoon of oil and seal tightly. Store it in your freezer for up to 3 months

How should I store the leftovers?

Store the cooked Instant Pot fajitas in an airtight container or wrap with aluminum foil for up to three days. They can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, so enjoy your meal throughout the week!

Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

This fajitas recipe is the perfect meal prep idea! You can make it ahead of time by following all the instructions except for cooking in an Instant Pot. Instead, place the steak, bell peppers and onions in a large ziploc bag with 1 tablespoon of oil and seal tightly. Store it in your fridge up to 3 days.

How can I reheat the leftovers?

I recommend microwaving the vegetables with a splash of water for 1 minute. Then, add steak slices on top, sprinkle with some water and cover the container tightly. Microwave for another minute or two until warmed through. You can also reheat in an oven, skillet or Instant Pot!

To reheat the leftovers, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat and stir until warmed through. You can also store it in a large ziploc bag and microwave for 1-2 minutes depending on how much you’re reheating.

More Instant Pot Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Easy Instant Pot Chicken, Potatoes, and Carrots
• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

These amazingly tasty and easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas only take 10 minutes to cook in your pressure cooker that the whole family will LOVE. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight when you don’t have time to wait around the kitchen stove top all day! We hope we see you soon, but if not — enjoy these fajitas. Bon Appetit!

The post Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe appeared first on What's in the Pot.