Instant Pot Twisted Meatball Subs: A Game-Day Touchdown with a Sauerkraut Twist!

As the excitement of the “Big Game” approaches, many of us find our thoughts drifting to one crucial element: the food! Whether you’re a die-hard football fan cheering for your favorite team, or simply in it for the spectacular commercials and convivial atmosphere, delicious food is an absolute must. Are you still pondering what culinary masterpiece to whip up this year? Look no further! I’ve got an incredibly easy and uniquely flavorful recipe that promises to be a true crowd-pleaser: Instant Pot Twisted Meatball Subs, ready in under 30 minutes, featuring a surprising and delightful sauerkraut twist.

This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here, and my genuine affection for their sauerkraut, are entirely my own. We appreciate you supporting the brands that help make “An Affair from the Heart” possible.

Elevate Your Game Day Menu with Quick & Easy Meatball Subs

Game day celebrations, particularly the Super Bowl, are truly special occasions that bring people together. While I certainly enjoy watching the game itself, I confess that for me, the highlights often include the creative commercials and, of course, the incredible array of party food. This year, with my usual hosts enjoying warmer climates, the responsibility of hosting the kids fell to me. My boys are absolutely crazy about classic meatball subs, but I was determined to find a way to make them not only quicker to prepare but also more unexpectedly fabulous. The answer, I discovered, lay in two fantastic helpers: the Instant Pot and a secret ingredient – Frank’s Kraut!

The Magic of the Instant Pot for Speedy Meatball Perfection

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy cooks, especially when you need to feed a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. For these incredible meatball subs, the process is astonishingly simple. I combined a bag of frozen meatballs, a generous jar of rich marinara sauce, and some finely diced onion directly into my Instant Pot. Set it to cook for just 11 minutes, and the results were nothing short of perfection. The pressure cooker infuses the meatballs with flavor and tenderness, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods. This hands-off cooking allows you to focus on other party preparations or simply relax and enjoy the pre-game excitement.

Crafting the Ideal Hoagie Base

While the meatballs were simmering to perfection in the Instant Pot, I turned my attention to preparing the essential foundation of any great sub: the hoagie buns. A crucial step often overlooked is toasting the bread. I carefully sliced open several hoagie rolls, spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides, and adorned them with a couple of slices of creamy Provolone cheese. A quick visit under the broiler was all it took to achieve a beautifully golden toast and perfectly melted cheese. This small effort makes a significant difference – not only does the toasting enhance the bread’s texture and flavor, but it also creates a barrier that prevents the buns from becoming soggy when loaded with saucy meatballs. Nobody wants a floppy sub!

The Unexpected “Twist”: A Generous Topping of Frank’s Kraut!

Here’s where these meatball subs truly earn their “twisted” moniker! Once the Instant Pot meatballs were done and the cheesy buns were perfectly toasted, I piled the tender, saucy meatballs onto each roll. But I didn’t stop there. The final, glorious touch was a big, satisfying helping of Frank’s Kraut! This addition isn’t just a garnish; it’s a flavor revelation. The bright, tangy crunch of the sauerkraut cuts through the richness of the meatballs and marinara, adding a fantastic depth of flavor and an exciting textural contrast. It’s a genuine game-changer that will have everyone asking for your secret ingredient.

TOUCHDOWN FLAVOR!

The Amazing Health Benefits and Culinary Versatility of Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut, a traditional fermented cabbage dish, boasts a history that spans centuries and continents. Beyond its delicious, distinctive flavor, its nutritional benefits are truly astounding. It’s no wonder that in recent years, many health-conscious individuals, including actors, supermodels, athletes, and renowned celebrity chefs, have actively incorporated sauerkraut into their daily diets. This humble fermented food is a powerful source of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that play a critical role in gut health and overall well-being. A healthy gut is linked to a strong immune system, making sauerkraut a known immune booster. Furthermore, studies suggest its potential as a cancer fighter due to its high antioxidant content and glucosinolates. It also significantly aids in digestion, helping your body absorb nutrients more efficiently.

The versatility of sauerkraut in the kitchen is practically limitless. While often associated with traditional German or Eastern European cuisine, it truly shines in a multitude of dishes. I’ve personally explored its adaptability by incorporating it into hearty soups, crisp salads, delightful appetizers, and even, believe it or not, rich chocolate cake! Yes, you read that right – sauerkraut chocolate cake provides an incredible depth and moisture that defies expectations. For more innovative ways to enjoy this superfood, I encourage you to explore ALL of the Frank’s Sauerkraut recipes right here on my blog, and discover countless other creative ideas over on Frank’s website.

What’s Your Favorite Way to Enjoy Sauerkraut?

To achieve perfectly tender and flavorful meatballs, begin by pouring about one-third of your marinara sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Then, gently add the frozen meatballs, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Top them with the diced onions and then pour the remaining sauce over everything. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on the Meat/Stew setting for 11 minutes. After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. This method ensures deeply flavored, juicy meatballs every time.

Once the Instant Pot has worked its magic, you’ll be left with perfectly cooked, tender meatballs simmering in a rich, aromatic sauce. Now, all that’s left is to bring it all together with those toasted, cheesy buns and, of course, a generous helping of Frank’s Kraut for that unforgettable “twisted” flavor. The combination of savory meatballs, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and crunchy sauerkraut creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s truly irresistible.

Oh, and don’t forget a stack of big napkins! These glorious meatball subs are deliciously messy, and you’ll definitely need them to savor every last bite.

Ready to dive in and create these incredible Instant Pot Twisted Meatball Subs? Let’s get cooking!

Rating: 4.73 out of 5 stars (from 11 votes)

Print Recipe

Instant Pot Twisted Meatball Sub

This easy Instant Pot recipe for Meatball Subs requires only a few simple ingredients, then it’s topped with sauerkraut for an amazing twist! Perfect for the Big Game. Meatball subs in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time
2 mins

Cook Time
20 mins

Total Time
22 mins

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Instant Pot Twisted Meatball Sub

Servings: 6-8

Calories: 231 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

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

1. Place 1/3 of the jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
2. Add in the frozen meatballs.
3. Top with the diced onion and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
4. Lock the lid and cook on the Meat/Stew setting for 11 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. While waiting for the natural pressure release, slice hoagie buns open. Lightly butter the cut sides and place two slices of Provolone cheese on one half of each bun. Place under the broiler and watch carefully until the buns are toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Place 4-6 meatballs onto each toasted bun (adjusting based on bun size). Add some additional sauce from the Instant Pot and generously top with Frank’s Kraut. If desired, sprinkle a few caraway seeds for an extra aromatic touch.
7. Serve these delicious Instant Pot Twisted Meatball Subs hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1
| Calories: 231kcal
| Carbohydrates: 14g
| Protein: 12g
| Fat: 14g
| Saturated Fat: 6g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g
| Cholesterol: 41mg
| Sodium: 531mg
| Fiber: 1g
| Sugar: 3g

Discover More Sauerkraut Delights!

If you’ve fallen in love with the unique flavor and health benefits of sauerkraut, there’s so much more to explore! Be sure to follow Frank’s Kraut on their various social media channels to stay updated with delicious and innovative recipes all year long. You can connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all things sauerkraut, from classic preparations to surprising new culinary adventures. Get inspired to integrate this fantastic fermented food into your diet in exciting and flavorful ways!