Instant Pot Meatball and Couscous Meal Prep
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
7 mins
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Total Time
22 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
507 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
International
Instant Pot Meatball and Couscous Meal Prep
Description
The Instant Pot Meatball and Couscous Meal Prep features turkey meatballs seasoned with herbs, garlic, paprika, parmesan, and panko for binding and flavor. The meatballs are browned in the Instant Pot to develop a light crust before being pressure cooked on a steam rack above buttered pearl couscous with broth, which absorbs savory juices during cooking. This method produces moist, flavorful meatballs with couscous that is tender but holds its shape. The stovetop alternative involves pan-frying or baking the meatballs separately while cooking the couscous in broth with butter on the stovetop. This meal prep offers a balanced combination of protein and grains suitable for preparing multiple portions at once.
The recipe uses an uncommon ratio of couscous to liquid according to the brand and weight noted, which may vary by product. Adjusting liquid amounts according to package instructions is recommended to achieve desired couscous texture. The recipe yields numerous small meatballs, ideal for portion control or freezing for later use.
Measure couscous and liquid ratios carefully since different brands vary; the original recipe corrected a typographical error regarding couscous weight.Making 52 small meatballs enables even portioning or freezing for meal prep convenience.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 2 tbsp paprika
- ½ cup parmesan
- 1 cup panko
- 1 egg
- 5 cloves garlic minced
Couscous
- 1 tbsp butter
- 5-6 cups broth see note
- 340 grams pearl couscous one box of PC Black Label brand
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all your meatball ingredients before rolling them out into little meatballs
Instant Pot Instructions
- Once all the meatballs are rolled, brown them on each side in your Instant Pot in sauté mode before removing them and setting them aside.
- Deglaze your inner pot to clean it or swap out a new inner pot. In a clean inner pot, back on sauté mode, melt your butter and then pour in your broth and couscous.
- Place a little trivet into the Instant Pot and place the steam rack on top of the trivet and place your meatballs in. (note, you might have to do a separate batch of just meatballs if all of them do not fit)
- Pressure cook for 7 minutes. Natural Pressure Release for 3 to 4 minutes before quick releasing.
Non Instant Pot Instructions
- Once all the meatballs are rolled, either fry them in a pan or bake them in the oven at 400 for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to spray the pan with non-stick or place in a parchment paper.
- In a separate pot, follow the instructions on your couscous package (usually 1:1.5 couscous to water ratio).
Notes
- Use the specified pearl couscous brand or adjust liquid ratios according to your couscous product for consistent cooking results.
- Brown meatballs before pressure cooking to enhance texture and flavor.
- The recipe yields 52 small meatballs, ideal for freezing or meal prepping in portions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 507 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 6servings | |
| Calories | 507kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 123mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 1096mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 655mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1789IU | 36% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 157mg | 16% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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