Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crafted sandwich where tender, juicy meatballs meet the creamy richness of fresh mozzarella, all nestled between a crispy ciabatta roll. This Instant Pot Italian Meatball Caprese Sandwich isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary dinner into a gourmet adventure in just 35 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 4 ciabatta rolls
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. You should yield about 12-14 meatballs.
- Pour 1/2 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot, creating a thin layer to prevent meatballs from sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are not overcrowded. They can be stacked slightly if needed.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for remaining pressure.
- While meatballs are cooking, slice ciabatta rolls in half and lightly toast them until golden brown.
- Remove meatballs from Instant Pot and coat them with remaining marinara sauce.
- Assemble sandwiches by placing 3-4 meatballs on each roll, topping with fresh mozzarella slices.
- Return assembled sandwiches to Instant Pot on "Warm" setting for 2-3 minutes to slightly melt cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy hot!
Tips
- Mix meatball ingredients gently to avoid tough meat - use your hands but don't overwork the mixture.
- Ensure meatballs are similar in size for even cooking.
- Use a quick-read meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped fresh parsley to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier roll, briefly broil the assembled sandwiches for 1-2 minutes after warming.
- Fresh mozzarella melts differently than regular cheese, so watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or Instant Pot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 125mg
