The aroma of savory meatballs sizzling in a pan, combined with the warm embrace of creamy Arborio rice, takes me back to a bustling Italian kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Italian Wedding Risotto, an inviting dish that captures the heart of comfort food while being surprisingly simple to prepare in your Instant Pot. This recipe beautifully merges flavors reminiscent of the beloved Italian wedding soup, and it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Plus, the dish is gluten-free and freezer-friendly, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to save time without sacrificing taste. Are you ready to whip up a delicious bowl of Wedding Risotto that will impress your loved ones? Let’s dive in!

Why Is This Risotto So Special?

Comforting Twist: This Italian Wedding Risotto brilliantly combines classic flavors with the ease of the Instant Pot, delivering a warm embrace of comfort food in every bite.

Savory Punch: Featuring juicy meatballs made from a blend of beef and savory sausage, this dish is packed with a rich, meaty flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

Healthy Greens: The addition of greens like escarole, kale, or spinach not only adds color but also boosts the nutrition, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Easy Variations: Easily adapt this recipe based on your preferences with unique alternatives like ground turkey or seasonal vegetables—perfect for adventurous cooks!

Quick and Convenient: Whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time, allowing you to enjoy more of your evening. Don’t forget to check out my tips for making perfect risotto!

Wedding Risotto Ingredients

• Elevated comfort food with a twist.

For the Meatballs

Ground Beef – Provides protein and texture; try lean ground sirloin for a healthier option.
Sweet Italian Sausage – Adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
Egg – Binds the meatball mix together; a flaxseed meal can work well as a vegan substitute.
Bread Crumbs – Introduces structure; opt for Panko for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a safer choice.
Parmesan Cheese – Rich in flavor; swap with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Garlic – Boosts flavor; fresh garlic cloves are recommended for the best taste.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning meatballs to perfection.

For the Risotto

Olive Oil and Butter – Used for sautéing and adds a rich depth of flavor.
Onion, Carrot, Celery – This aromatic trio creates a beautiful flavor base you won’t want to skip!
Arborio Rice – The star of the & wedding risotto; its high starch content ensures a creamy texture.
Chicken Broth – Enhances the dish’s overall richness; for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works beautifully.
Escarole/Kale/Spinach – Adds color and nutrients; feel free to swap in any favorite greens.

With these carefully selected ingredients, you’ll create a mouthwatering Wedding Risotto that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Wedding Risotto

Step 1: Prepare Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Broil in your oven for 5–6 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fragrant, perfect for enhancing your Wedding Risotto.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Select the sauté mode on your Instant Pot and add olive oil and butter. Once melted, toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally for about 3–4 minutes until they soften and become aromatic. The colorful veggies create a flavorful base for your Wedding Risotto, filling your kitchen with delicious scents.

Step 3: Cook Risotto
Stir in the Arborio rice, ensuring it’s well-coated in the vegetable mixture for about 1 minute. Cancel the sauté mode and pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and select pressure mode, cooking for 6 minutes. After cooking, let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before carefully venting any remaining steam.

Step 4: Finish Risotto
Once the pressure is released, open the lid and add the remaining Parmesan cheese and your choice of greens, stirring until they are wilted and creamy. If the risotto appears too thick, add a bit more broth to achieve your desired consistency. This step enhances the heartiness of your Wedding Risotto, making it irresistibly creamy and indulgent.

Step 5: Serve
Spoon a generous portion of the finished Wedding Risotto into serving bowls and top with the broiled meatballs. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional Parmesan if desired. This final touch not only enhances the presentation but also ties all the savory flavors together for a delightful meal.

Storage Tips for Wedding Risotto

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Wedding Risotto in plastic containers for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Reheating: Thaw frozen risotto in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding broth gradually until the desired creaminess is achieved.

Airtight Packing: If packing for freezing, ensure it’s sealed properly to avoid freezer burn. A vacuum sealer can work wonders for maintaining flavor!

Wedding Risotto Variations & Substitutions

Ready to personalize your wedding risotto experience? Explore these delightful twists that bring a new life to this classic dish!

Turkey Meatballs: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, leaner option that’s just as delicious.
Plant-Based: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat for vegetarian meatballs, paired with a rich tomato sauce for flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in a variety of cheeses like goat cheese or fontina to create an extra creamy risotto experience!
Seasonal Veggies: Swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a fresh touch that enhances the risotto’s flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat; it pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs in the dish!
Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley; their aroma elevates the overall taste and presentation.
Creamy Vegan: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a creamy, dreamy consistency that also meets vegan needs.
Broth Swap: Substitute chicken broth with a homemade vegetable broth to deepen the flavor while remaining meat-free.

Each variation allows you to create a wedding risotto that suits your taste buds or dietary needs! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures, and don’t hesitate to discover more ways to make this dish uniquely yours—why not try it alongside a refreshing simple green salad for a complete meal?

What to Serve with Instant Pot Italian Wedding Risotto

Elevate your dining experience with delightful side dishes that harmonize with the comforting flavors of this creamy risotto.

Garlic Bread: The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of garlic bread provide the perfect texture contrast, soaking up the savory broth from the risotto. Pairing these two brings an irresistible aroma to any mealtime.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh mix of greens, cucumbers, and light vinaigrette refreshes the palate, balancing the richness of the risotto perfectly. Adding cherry tomatoes or avocado introduces bright bursts of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Choose seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus roasted to perfection. Their caramelized edges and tender centers complement the creamy risotto while adding healthy elements.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and a nutritious crunch to your plate. The slight bitterness pairs beautifully with the richness of the risotto.
Italian Wine: A glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio enhances the overall dining experience, with acidity balancing the richness of your wedding risotto. The flavors dance together, evoking a warm Italian bistro ambiance.
Tiramisu: Cap off your meal with this classic Italian dessert, merging coffee and cocoa flavors. Its creamy layers provide a sweet contrast to the savory risotto.

These sides and drinks create a well-rounded meal that brings warmth and joy, making your dinner truly special!

Make Ahead Options

These Italian Wedding Risotto preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients, rolling them into balls, and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. The risotto base can also be prepared ahead by sautéing the vegetables and adding the Arborio rice; store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your Wedding Risotto, simply pressure cook the cold risotto base with the broth and finish by stirring in the meatballs, greens, and Parmesan. This way, you’ll have a cozy, restaurant-quality dish on your table with minimal effort!

Tips for the Best Wedding Risotto

Proper Mixing: Use a stand mixer to combine meatball ingredients without overworking the meat, ensuring tender meatballs for your Wedding Risotto.
Broiling Technique: Position meatballs on a high rack while broiling for an even brown finish without stovetop splatter, maximizing flavor.
Risotto Consistency: Stir in extra broth gently when reheating leftovers; this keeps the risotto creamy without becoming mushy—enjoy your Wedding Risotto to the fullest!
Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to elevate flavor profiles; this makes all the difference in your comforting risotto.
No Substitutes: Avoid substituting Arborio rice with regular rice for authentic creaminess; its unique starches are essential for a successful risotto.

Instant Pot Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe FAQs

What type of ground beef should I use for the meatballs?
Absolutely! I recommend using lean ground sirloin for a healthier option devoid of excess fat, which helps maintain the meatballs’ texture without making them too greasy. This cut is flavorful and perfect for creating tender meatballs that complement your rich risotto.

How should I store leftover risotto?
Very well! Store your leftover Wedding Risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to restore its creamy texture. Adjust the consistency as needed to make it just as delicious as the first serving!

Can I freeze the Wedding Risotto?
Of course! To freeze your risotto, allow it to cool completely. Portion it into airtight plastic containers and place a piece of parchment paper between the risotto and the lid to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat, adding broth gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.

What if my risotto turns out too thick?
Don’t worry; everyone makes mistakes! If your risotto is too thick after cooking, simply stir in a bit of warm chicken or vegetable broth, adding it gradually until you achieve the creaminess you desire. Make sure to mix gently to ensure an even consistency throughout, letting the rice absorb the added liquid.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this recipe?
Yes! This recipe can be modified to suit various dietary needs. To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your broth is gluten-free. For those following a dairy-free or vegan diet, switch out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast and use flaxseed meal instead of egg as a binder in the meatballs. Plus, if you’re serving this to pets, make sure to leave out the garlic and any seasoned ingredients!

What kind of greens can I add to the risotto?
The more, the merrier! You can use escarole, kale, or spinach, all of which blend beautifully into the risotto. Feel free to swap them based on your preferences or the season. Adding these greens not only enhances the flavor profile but also boosts the nutrition of your dish, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.