Imagine this: a warm, hearty bowl of Instant Pot Bolognese, simmering away with rich aromas that fill your kitchen like an Italian trattoria. The lush sauce clings to every piece of pasta, creating a delightful dance of flavors that makes even the grumpiest diner crack a smile. Savory Italian Beef for a hearty meal Now, if that doesn’t tantalize your taste buds, I don’t know what will! For more inspiration, check out this Ravioli sauce recipe recipe.
Now let’s get real. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl! It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. Perfect for when you want to impress guests or treat yourself after a long day. Cozy Chicken Chili Pizza for pizza night Trust me, once you whip up this Instant Pot Bolognese, you’ll find yourself making excuses to have friends over just to show it off!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Bolognese is incredibly easy to prepare while delivering robust flavors that will blow your mind
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for special occasions or potlucks
- You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge
I’ll never forget the first time I served this dish to my family; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: I typically use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
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Onion: Choose a yellow onion for its sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best flavor.
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Carrot: A grated carrot adds natural sweetness and depth, making the sauce feel more gourmet.
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Celery: Finely chopped celery provides crunch and enhances the overall texture of the sauce.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an irresistible aroma; never skimp on this essential ingredient!
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Canned Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes for a fresher taste; crush them by hand for extra fun.
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Red Wine: A splash of red wine elevates the flavors—use something you would enjoy drinking.
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Beef Broth: For added richness, opt for low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil offers authentic Italian flavor; homemade mixes are even better!
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Pasta of Choice: Spaghetti is classic, but feel free to use any pasta you adore—let your creativity flow!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing the Aromatics: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften and release their sweet aroma—about 5 minutes will do!
Browning the Meat: Push those veggies aside and add in the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon while browning until no longer pink—about 6-8 minutes should suffice.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in those crushed canned tomatoes along with their juice—things are starting to smell amazing now!
Pour in Wine and Broth: Add red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—those bits are flavor gold! Next, pour in low-sodium beef broth while stirring well.
Add Seasonings and Pressure Cook!: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Close the lid securely, set to high pressure, and cook for 20 minutes.
Release Pressure and Serve!: Once cooking is complete, carefully do a quick release. Stir well before serving over your favorite pasta—a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese completes this masterpiece!
Now that you’ve made this delightful Instant Pot Bolognese, sit back and be prepared for compliments galore! Enjoy every savory bite with loved ones who will surely ask for seconds (and maybe thirds). Chicken Caesar Salad as a refreshing side Chicken Sausage Orzo for a complete dinner.
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Bolognese is a game-changer for busy weeknights
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy Italian trattoria
- Plus, with the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this classic dish in less time without sacrificing flavor!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add ground meat to brown before adding tomatoes and spices. This sequence builds layers of flavor and ensures a deliciously complex sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Instant Pot Bolognese by adding red wine or different herbs. Swap out ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian twist! For more inspiration, check out this Beef Stroganoff recipe recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it saucy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, let the sauce simmer longer than the recipe suggests
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving
- Using a mix of meats adds depth; consider combining beef with pork or veal for richness
The first time I made this Instant Pot Bolognese, my friends declared it better than any restaurant version they’d tried. Their praise still warms my heart!
FAQ
Can I use frozen meat for Instant Pot Bolognese?
Yes, but ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly for best results.
How do I thicken my Bolognese sauce?
Let it simmer on sauté mode after pressure cooking to reduce liquid.
What pasta works best with Bolognese?
Traditionally, tagliatelle or pappardelle complements Bolognese beautifully; however, any pasta will work!
Instant Pot Bolognese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Instant Pot Bolognese is a rich and hearty sauce that combines ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful spices, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time. This delightful dish is perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. With its vibrant flavors and comforting essence, this Bolognese will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta of choice (e.g., spaghetti)
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Push veggies aside and add ground beef; brown for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes along with their juice.
- Pour in red wine and scrape up browned bits from the pot. Add beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid securely, set to high pressure, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Once finished, do a quick release of pressure. Stir well before serving over pasta with Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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