Instant Pot Garlic-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs
Turkey meatballs are a fantastic choice for a nutritious, delicious, and versatile meal. These Garlic-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs, made in an Instant Pot, are quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The Instant Pot method locks in moisture and flavors, making the meatballs tender and juicy. Plus, the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs creates a savory taste that will leave everyone wanting more..
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Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to preparing these mouth-watering Instant Pot Garlic-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs.
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Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar-free tomato sauce | 2 cups |
| Ground turkey breast | 2 lbs |
| Large eggs | 1 (or 2 small) |
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 1½ cups |
| Fresh oregano leaves | 1½ tablespoons |
| Fresh basil leaves (chopped) | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Onion salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ½ tablespoon |
| Sea salt and black pepper | To taste |
For Serving:
- Additional tomato sauce
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by placing the ground turkey, eggs, Parmesan cheese, fresh oregano, basil, parsley, minced garlic, onion salt, and crushed red pepper flakes into a large mixing bowl. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
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Using your hands, mix all the ingredients thoroughly. The fresh herbs combined with the garlic and cheese will infuse the meatballs with bold, savory flavors. Be sure to mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which could make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs
Once the mixture is well-combined, begin forming the meat into 24 evenly-sized meatballs. If the mixture feels too loose, you can add a bit more Parmesan cheese to help bind it. Each meatball should be about the size of a golf ball, ensuring they cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
3. Prepare the Instant Pot
Before cooking the meatballs, coat the bottom of the Instant Pot insert with a light layer of olive oil. If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, use the Sauté function to brown the meatballs. Turn the sauté function on, and carefully brown the meatballs on all sides. This step is optional but adds a nice texture and extra flavor to the meatballs.
4. Layer the Meatballs and Sauce
Whether you browned the meatballs or not, it’s time to layer them in the Instant Pot. Place the meatballs inside, ensuring there’s space between each one so they don’t stick together. Pour the sugar-free tomato sauce over the top, making sure the meatballs are fully covered. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the sauce for added richness.
5. Pressure Cook the Meatballs
Now, it’s time to lock in all those delicious flavors. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and secure it, ensuring the vent is set to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual/Low” and cook for 10 minutes.
While 10 minutes may seem short, the Instant Pot uses high-pressure steam to cook the meatballs evenly and quickly, preserving moisture and tenderness.
6. Release the Pressure
Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to venting. This will release the steam quickly, allowing you to open the Instant Pot without overcooking the meatballs. Be cautious during this step to avoid getting burned by the steam.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the meatballs from the Instant Pot and serve them immediately. For a full meal, serve with additional tomato sauce, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with basil or cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
These meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or whole grain pasta. You can also enjoy them on their own or inside a crusty sub sandwich for a more indulgent option.
