Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are an easy appetizer recipe or addition to dinner that is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smokey. Made in minutes with just four ingredients.
I am a huge fan of a good meatball recipe!
Meatballs are so versatile and can be used in so many different ways. As an appetizer for entertaining or a game day recipe. They can also be used to serve as the protein for dinner. Add them over some brown rice, mashed potatoes, or part of a nourish bowl packed with all your favorite vegetables. They can be served so many ways but also made in so many different ways as well.
My favorite meatball combination usually requires the use of barbecue sauce. The spicy, smokey, and flavorful sauce is delicious on its own with meatballs. However, when you combine it with something sweet such as blackberry jam, then the flavor becomes something magical. The perfect balance of spicy and sweet.
And to save time add all of the ingredients into the Instant Pot pressure cooker and allow it to do all the work. Perfectly ready in minutes!
What ingredients for these instant pot meatballs?
- Frozen meatballs, plain flavor
- Jalapeno
- Seedless blackberry jam
- Original barbecue sauce
How to make pressure cooker meatballs:
Begin the recipe by placing the trivet at the bottom of the instant pot and adding 1 cup of water. Add the frozen meatballs and diced jalapenos.
Place the top on the instant pot. Making sure the steam release valve is set to sealing and not venting. Cook using the manual setting. Press the Manual button on the Instant Pot. Set the cooking time for five minutes.
Carefully use quick release once the time is up. Remove the meatballs and jalapenos into a large bowl and set aside. Drain the liquid, it is no longer needed.
Return the insert to the pressure cooker and set to saute on the low setting. Add in the 16 ounces seedless blackberry jam and 16 ounces original barbecue sauce. Stir continuously until the jam has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked meatballs and jalapenos back into the pressure cooker and stir to evenly coat with the sweet and spicy sauce mixture. Adjust the pressure cooker to the keep warm setting or remove to serve immediately.
What type of meatballs do I have to use?
For this recipe, I used frozen meatballs that I was able to find in the frozen food section of the grocery store in a bag. The meatballs are a combination of beef and pork. However, if you prefer to use a turkey, pork, chicken, or veal frozen meatball it should work just as well.
How do I serve my sweet and spicy meatballs?
These meatballs can be served as a stand-alone appetizer. They can also be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or as part of a nourish bowl.
Recipe
Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 32 ounces frozen plain meatballs
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 16 ounces seedless blackberry jam
- 16 ounces original barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by placing the trivet at the bottom of the instant pot and adding 1 cup of water.
- Add the 32 ounces frozen meatballs and diced jalapenos. Place the top on the instant pot. Making sure the steam release valve is set to sealing and not venting. Cook using the manual setting. Press the Manual button on the Instant Pot. Set the cook time for five minutes. Carefully use quick release once the time is up. Remove the meatballs and jalapenos into a large bowl and set aside. Drain the liquid, it is no longer needed.
- Return the insert to the pressure cooker and set to saute on the low setting. Add in the 16 ounces seedless blackberry jam and 16 ounces original barbecue sauce. Stir continuously until the jam has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked meatballs and jalapenos back into the pressure cooker and stir to evenly coat with the sweet and spicy sauce mixture. Adjust the pressure cooker to the keep warm setting or remove to serve immediately.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Notes
- If you prefer to omit the jalapenos in this recipe, feel free to do so. For a less heat remove the seeds and ribs when cutting the jalapenos. For more heat leave them in when cutting.
- Original barbecue sauce pairs well with the blackberry jam, but you may use any that you prefer such as sweet, mild, or spicy.
- Frozen meatballs work best in this recipe, no need to allow them to defrost.
- Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or over rice for a meal as there is plenty of sauce.
- The nutrition information states 12 servings which are 5 meatballs per serving, the recipe makes about 60 meatballs in total. Adjust as needed.
Nutrition
*All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
Want more easy instant pot recipes? Try these:
- Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans
- Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak
- Stuffed Peppers
- Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use these Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs? Please share them in the comments below!
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