meatballs and tomato gravy

Pressure Cooker Meatballs & Tomato Sauce Recipe | Foodie's Delight

Hello fellow foodies! Today we have meatballs with tomato sauce.

Today, we're going to be sharing a classic, comforting, and delectably delicious recipe that's been given a modern twist. Say hello to our Pressure Cooker Meatballs and Tomato Sauce!

Meatballs and tomato sauce is a classic dish beloved around the world, with countless variations. We've all had those moments where we've craved the heartwarming simplicity of this dish, especially on those chilly evenings when all we want is something satisfyingly savory. Well, get ready because we're about to elevate this homely dish to a new level of flavor and convenience!

Our version marries the traditional hearty flavors with the speed and convenience of a pressure cooker. Plus, we'll be using a food processor for a quick and easy prep. Not only does this recipe cut down on the cooking time, but it also brings out a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with conventional cooking methods.

This recipe is perfect for both busy weekday dinners when you're pressed for time, and relaxed weekend meals when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the great thing about this recipe is that it's very forgiving, and once you've tried it, you'll likely start adding your own personal touches.

So, ready your aprons, dust off your pressure cooker and food processor, and let's dive into making some of the most flavorful, tender, and quick Meatballs and Tomato Sauce you've ever tasted. Let's get cooking!

meatballs, cheese and tomato sauce

Recipe for Meatballs and Tomato Sauce using a Pressure Cooker and a Food Processor

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 medium onion, peeled
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the tomato sauce:

  • 1 large onion, peeled
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • Two 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatballs: Add the onion and garlic to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the tomato sauce: Clean the food processor bowl and add the onion and garlic for the sauce. Pulse until finely chopped.
  5. Heat the pressure cooker on the sauté setting. Add the olive oil, followed by the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
  6. Add the tomatoes to the food processor and pulse until they reach your desired consistency (either chunky or smooth).
  7. Pour the processed tomatoes into the pressure cooker, add the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.
  8. Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce in the pressure cooker.
  9. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes.
  10. After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  11. Carefully remove the lid, and stir the sauce and meatballs gently.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
  13. Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce over cooked pasta, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your homemade meatballs and tomato sauce!
meatballs and tomato sauce

Ways to Enjoy Meatballs and Tomato Sauce

The versatility of meatballs and tomato sauce allows it to be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Pasta: The classic pairing. Whether you prefer spaghetti, linguini, or penne, meatballs and tomato sauce are an ideal complement to a variety of pasta types.
  • Sub Sandwich: Fill a crusty baguette with meatballs and sauce, top with melted cheese, and you have a delicious meatball sub.
  • Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting meal, serve meatballs and tomato sauce over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
  • Pizza Topping: Slice cooked meatballs and scatter them over your pizza before baking. The tomato sauce can even double as the pizza sauce.
  • On Rice: Meatballs in tomato sauce can be served over steamed rice for a filling, flavorful meal.

These are just a few ways to enjoy meatballs and tomato sauce. Feel free to get creative and share your unique pairings with us!

Why You Should Try This Pressure Cooker Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Recipe

  • Efficiency: Using a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time. This means you can have a flavorful, home-cooked meal even on a busy weeknight.
  • Flavorful: The pressure cooker locks in the flavors, making the meatballs juicy and the sauce rich and hearty. It's a method that truly extracts every bit of flavor from your ingredients.
  • Easy Prep: With a food processor, the prep work becomes a breeze. It finely chops onions and garlic in seconds and easily blends the tomatoes for the sauce.
  • One-Pot Cooking: Cooking the meatballs directly in the sauce in the pressure cooker means less cleanup. Who doesn't love fewer dishes?
  • Versatility: This recipe serves as a great base to which you can add your own touch. Feel like adding some veggies, spices, or a different type of meat? Go ahead!

In summary, this recipe is all about saving time, easy preparation, maximizing flavors, minimal cleanup, and personal customization. It's designed to deliver a high-quality, home-cooked meal that respects your busy schedule without compromising on taste or comfort. So why wait? Give it a try!

woman getting ready for a meatball and tomato sauce dinner

For more general information about pressure cookers or food processors, check out our Guide On Pressure Cookers! and Guide To Food Processors!

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