Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Recipe (Made in Instant Pot)

Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are an easy appetizer recipe or addition to dinner or holiday parties that is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smokey. Made in minutes with just four ingredients.

If your taste buds are craving more delicious meatball recipes, then try making a Meatball Casserole, Meatball Sub Sandwich, or some Spaghetti and Meatballs for dinner. 

I am a huge fan of a good meatball recipe!

Meatballs are so versatile and can be used in so many different ways. Is the perfect appetizer for entertaining or a game day crowd pleaser 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 nourishing bowl packed with all your favorite vegetables. They can be served in 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 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. Perfect party meatballs ready in minutes.

Let's get started!

Can I Use the Crock Pot or Slow Cooker Instead?

Yes, you certainly can! Simply add all four of the meatball ingredients into the crock pot or slow cooker at the same time, cover, and allow it to cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours. Be sure to remove the lid and stir occasionally to make sure all of the ingredients are combined and the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce. 

What Type Of Meatballs Do I Have To Use?

For this easy recipe, I love to use frozen homestyle meatballs that I can easily find in the frozen food section of the grocery store in a bag. The meatballs are a combination of ground beef and pork.

However, if you prefer to use a ground turkey, pork, chicken, or veal frozen meatball they should work just as well. You may also make homemade meatballs and use those instead. 

What Ingredients Are Needed For These Instant Pot Meatballs?

1. Frozen Meatballs, Plain Flavor - To keep the recipe simple, we're using frozen meatballs that are easy to locate in the freezer section of your local grocery store. However, if you prefer to use homemade meatballs instead, they will work as well. 
2. Jalapeno - The spice ingredient addition to the meatball recipe. Remove the seeds and veins for less heat before chopping to add into the pot to cook along with the meatball and sauce ingredients. Add some to the top as a garnish before serving for some extra spicy flavor. 
3. Seedless Blackberry Jam - The sweet element that pairs well with the spicy jalapeno and smoky barbecue sauce. Any brand that you prefer will work but try to select regular flavor instead of sugar-free and seedless. If you prefer to use a jar of grape jelly and to make this recipe similar to grape jelly meatballs, then you may substitute that instead in the same unit of measure. 
4. Original Barbecue Sauce - Any brand of BBQ sauce that you love and have on hand will work. Try to go with an original flavor and not a sweet flavor sauce. For extra spice, use a spicy flavored BBQ sauce or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, sriracha sauce, or some red pepper flakes. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Meatballs

Begin the delicious meatball 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.

Put the top on the instant pot. Double check to make sure the quick-release valve is set to sealing and not venting. Cook using the manual setting or pressure cook option. Press the Manual button or Pressure Cook button on the Instant Pot. Set the cooking time to five minutes. 

*If your Instant Pot or pressure cooker has a low or high-pressure setting, use the high-pressure setting or manual high-pressure option for this recipe. 

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.

Remove the insert/trivet to the pressure cooker and set it to saute on the low setting. Add in the 16 ounces of seedless blackberry jam and 16 ounces of 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. Top with some chopped jalapenos or slice green onions before serving. Enjoy!

How Do I Serve My Sweet And Spicy Meatballs?

These cocktail meatballs can be served as a stand-alone spicy appetizer. They can also be served as a main course/main dish over rice, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or as part of a nourish bowl. They're the perfect crowd favorite to share along with your game day snacks, party food, or a great option at a holiday party. 

Storage

If you have any leftover meatballs, allow the meatballs to cool to room temperature. Then place them in an airtight container or storage bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve them again, reheat on the stovetop in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. You may also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option. 

Want More Easy Instant Pot Recipes? Try These:

• Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans
• Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak
• Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
• Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
• Spicy Pop Pulled Pork 
• Instant Pot Brown Rice

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use this Sweet and Spicy Meatball Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

Original post date 05/13/2020. Updated 12/19/2023.