Instant Pot Meatball Subs with a Zesty Sauerkraut Twist: Your Ultimate Game Day Recipe
Get ready for game day with this incredibly easy and delicious Instant Pot recipe for Meatball Subs! Featuring only a few simple ingredients and an amazing sauerkraut twist, these subs are perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. Best of all, you can have them ready in under 30 minutes, freeing you up to enjoy the game or spend time with loved ones!
The anticipation for the Big Game builds as the weekend approaches! For many, the thrill isn’t just about the teams battling it out on the field, but also about the spectacular spread of food that accompanies the event. If you’re pondering what culinary masterpiece to bring to the table this year, and you’re still undecided, I have an absolute game-changer for you – a recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and keep everyone fueled for every touchdown!
A special thank you to Frank’s Kraut for sponsoring this delicious post. Please know that all opinions shared here, and my profound love for their exceptional sauerkraut, are entirely my own. Your support of the brands that make “An Affair from the Heart” possible is greatly appreciated!
The Super Bowl is undeniably a major event that captures the attention of millions. While I certainly enjoy watching the game, I confess that I’m often more excited about the commercials and, of course, the incredible food! Typically, my brother and sister-in-law host our family’s Super Bowl gathering, but this year they’ve wisely opted for some warmer weather – good for them! This presented me with a fantastic opportunity to host the kids at my place, and my mind immediately turned to finding a show-stopping dish. My boys absolutely adore meatball subs, so I set out to find a way to make them not only quicker but also incredibly fabulous and memorable. Enter the magic of the Instant Pot and the surprising deliciousness of Frank’s Kraut!
The Instant Pot Advantage: Speed and Flavor in One Pot
Using an Instant Pot for these meatball subs is a true game-changer. The convenience of simply tossing frozen meatballs, a rich jar of spaghetti sauce, and some finely diced onion into the pot is unparalleled. In just 11 minutes of pressure cooking, you achieve perfectly tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich sauce that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day. The results? Absolute perfection, every single time. While the Instant Pot was working its magic, I prepped the hoagie buns. A quick slice down the middle, a delicate smear of butter, and a couple of slices of creamy Provolone cheese were all it took before they went under the broiler. A brief toasting session is crucial here; it not only enhances the bread’s texture and flavor but also creates a protective barrier, preventing the bun from becoming soggy when loaded with those luscious, saucy meatballs. This thoughtful step ensures every bite is a delightful combination of soft, toasted bread and savory filling.
The Unexpected Twist: Sauerkraut!
And then comes the secret ingredient, the “twist” that elevates these meatball subs from great to extraordinary: a generous helping of Frank’s Kraut! You might be wondering about sauerkraut on a meatball sub, but trust me, it’s a revelation. The tangy, slightly sour crunch of the sauerkraut cuts beautifully through the rich, savory meatballs and sweet marinara sauce, creating a balanced and incredibly flavorful experience. It’s an unexpected combination that truly works, adding a layer of complexity and freshness that makes these subs irresistible. It’s a culinary touchdown, indeed!
TOUCHDOWN!!
The Astounding Benefits and Versatility of Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut has a rich history, dating back thousands of years, and its nutritional benefits are truly astounding. This humble fermented cabbage is a powerhouse of goodness, frequently incorporated into the daily diets of health-conscious individuals, including actors, supermodels, athletes, and celebrity chefs. It’s renowned as a potent immune booster, a natural cancer fighter, and an excellent aid in digestion due to its abundant probiotics. Beyond its health properties, sauerkraut is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. There are literally thousands of ways to use it, from enhancing soups and salads to adding a unique zest to appetizers, and yes, even in unexpected desserts like chocolate cake! If you’re curious, take a peek at all of the Frank’s Sauerkraut recipes right here on my blog, and discover even more creative ideas over on Frank’s website. You’ll be amazed at how this simple ingredient can transform dishes!
What’s Your Favorite Way to Enjoy Sauerkraut?
Building Your Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Perfection
The key to perfectly cooked meatballs in the Instant Pot is thoughtful layering. Begin by pouring about one-third of your marinara sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This creates a protective layer, preventing anything from sticking and ensuring even heat distribution. Next, gently add your frozen meatballs, spreading them out as much as possible. Top with the diced onions, which will infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor as they cook. Finally, pour the remaining sauce over everything, ensuring the meatballs are mostly covered. Lock the lid, set your Instant Pot to the Meat/Stew setting for 11 minutes, and allow for a natural 10-minute pressure release. This natural release is crucial for tender meatballs, as it prevents them from seizing up. After 10 minutes, quick release any remaining pressure, and prepare to be amazed.
Once the Instant Pot has done its job, you’ll be greeted with perfectly tender, saucy meatballs, ready for their grand debut. Now, all that’s left is to assemble your glorious sub! Grab those perfectly toasted, cheesy hoagie buns, load them generously with the hot meatballs and extra sauce, and then pile on that fantastic Frank’s Kraut. For an extra touch of flavor and authenticity, consider a sprinkle of caraway seeds—they pair wonderfully with sauerkraut and bring out its best qualities. The combination of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness in every bite is simply unbeatable.
Oh, and one more essential item: a couple of big napkins. You’ll definitely need those to handle these deliciously messy, incredibly satisfying subs!
Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Me, too! Let’s get cooking and make some unforgettable Instant Pot Twisted Meatball Subs that will undoubtedly become a new game day tradition!
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Print Recipe
Instant Pot Twisted Meatball Sub
Ingredients
- 1 1.5 pound bag frozen pork meatballs (you can also substitute beef or Italian style)
- 1 32 ounce jar of marinara sauce
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 14 ounce can Frank’s Kraut
- 6-8 Hoagie Rolls
- Sliced Provolone cheese
- butter
- caraway seeds optional
Instructions
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Place 1/3 of the jar of the sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
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Add in meatballs.
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Top with onion and remaining sauce.
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Lock the lid and cook on the Meat/Stew setting for 11 minutes with a natural 10 minute release. Quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
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While waiting for the natural release, slice hoagie buns open, butter them lightly, and place two slices of Provolone cheese on one side. Place under the broiler and watch carefully while they toast and cheese melts.
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Place 4-6 meatballs per sandwich (depending on bun size) on the roll. Add some additional sauce and top with Frank’s Kraut. give a sprinkle of caraway seeds if you want.
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Serve hot.
Nutrition
LOVE SAUERKRAUT? Discover More Delicious Recipes!
If you’ve enjoyed the unique twist that sauerkraut brings to these meatball subs, you’re in for a treat! Frank’s Kraut is an excellent brand known for its quality, and they offer a wealth of delicious recipes all year long. Make sure to follow them on their social media channels to stay inspired and discover new ways to incorporate this fantastic ingredient into your meals. Find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all things sauerkraut!