Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of classic meatballs with the tangy, robust flavors of Swiss steak - all prepared in a fraction of the time using your trusty Instant Pot! These mouthwatering meatballs are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ground beef into a restaurant-worthy dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Get ready to unlock the secret to the most tender, flavorful meatballs you've ever tasted!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything ready for the recipe. This includes the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Mix all the ingredients together using your hands or a spoon until well combined.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 12-16 meatballs depending on the size.
- Set the Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Once hot, you can add a little oil if desired to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the Instant Pot in a single layer. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the Instant Pot and set them aside on a plate.
- With the Instant Pot still on 'Sauté' mode, pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.
- Return the browned meatballs to the Instant Pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Switch the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid carefully. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender.
- Serve the Swiss Steak Style Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For extra-tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Gently combine ingredients just until they're incorporated to prevent tough meatballs.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- If you want to reduce fat, consider using lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) or a mix of ground beef and ground turkey.
- Don't skip browning the meatballs - this step adds incredible depth of flavor and helps create a beautiful exterior.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making this a perfect meal prep recipe.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
