Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will transform your ordinary meatball recipe into an extraordinary culinary experience! These Instant Pot Blackberry Jalapeno BBQ Meatballs are not just another dinner option – they're a flavor explosion that combines the rich, juicy goodness of ground beef with the unexpected kick of jalapenos and the luscious sweetness of blackberry barbecue sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapenos
- 1 cup blackberry barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield around 18-24 meatballs depending on size.
- Pour 1/2 cup water into the Instant Pot inner pot and insert the trivet or steamer basket.
- Carefully place the meatballs on the trivet, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between them.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode at high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Remove meatballs and drain any excess liquid. Return meatballs to the Instant Pot.
- Pour the blackberry barbecue sauce over the meatballs, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Select "Sauté" mode and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat the sauce and caramelize slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped jalapenos or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Mix the meat gently: When combining ingredients, use a light touch to prevent dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands: This helps create uniform meatballs that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot: Ensure meatballs have some space between them for even cooking and proper steam circulation.
- Quick release is key: Performing a quick pressure release prevents overcooking and keeps meatballs tender and juicy.
- Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your spice tolerance – remove seeds for less heat or add more for extra kick.
- Make ahead friendly: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
