Craving the ultimate comfort food but sticking to a low-carb lifestyle? Look no further! These Instant Pot Cheesy Meatballs are an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights. We’re talking tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a savory vegetable broth and then enveloped in a ridiculously creamy, dreamy cheese sauce. The best part? The Instant Pot does most of the work, delivering a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe rotation!
Ingredients
• For the Low-Carb Meatballs
• 1 lb / 450g Lean Ground Beef
• 1 large Egg
• ¼ cup / 30g Low-Carb Breading & Crusting Mix (or crushed pork rinds)
• 1 tsp / 6g Salt
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tbsp / 4g Fresh Parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
• For the Savory Broth
• 2 cups / 480ml Beef Broth
• ½ medium Green Bell Pepper, diced
• ½ medium Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 stalk Celery, diced
• ½ cup / 75g Red Onion, diced
• 5 large Mushrooms, diced
• For the Velvety Cheese Sauce
• 4 tbsp / 60ml Water
• 4 tbsp / 60ml Heavy Cream
• 4 tbsp / 57g Butter
• 8 slices American Cheese
Instructions
1. Step-by-Step
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, low-carb breading mix, salt, oregano, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until all are just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Roll the mixture into 12 evenly-sized meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter. Set them aside.
4. Pour the beef broth into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Add the diced green and red bell peppers, celery, red onion, and mushrooms. Give it a quick stir.
5. Gently place the meatballs into the broth, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible.
6. Secure and lock the Instant Pot lid. Set the steam release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the water, heavy cream, butter, and American cheese slices.
8. Microwave the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and blended.
9. Once the 10-minute cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Once the pin drops, unlock and remove the lid.
10. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the meatballs and vegetables in the pot. Gently stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Calories: 419
• Total Fats: 32g
• Net Carbs: 3.7g
• Proteins: 27g
• Fibers: 2g
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Cheesy Meatballs
• For an extra layer of flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot to brown the meatballs in a little olive oil or avocado oil before pressure cooking.
• Feel free to swap the American cheese for a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a gourmet flavor. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Don’t have an Instant Pot? You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes and simmer everything together in a skillet on the stovetop until the veggies are tender.
• Serve these saucy meatballs over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a bed of steamed broccoli to keep the meal completely low-carb and satisfying.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these cheesy meatballs without an Instant Pot
A: Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Then, simmer them with the broth and vegetables in a skillet on the stovetop until the veggies are tender before adding the cheese sauce.
Q: What is a good substitute for the low-carb breading mix
A: The recipe suggests using crushed pork rinds as an excellent low-carb substitute for the breading and crusting mix to help bind the meatballs.
Q: How can I add more flavor to this meatball recipe
A: For an extra layer of flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function to brown the meatballs before pressure cooking. You can also use a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Q: What should I serve with these low-carb meatballs
A: To keep the meal completely low-carb and satisfying, serve these saucy meatballs over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a bed of steamed broccoli.
