Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce Recipe
This Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce is a game-changer for busy cooks craving authentic Italian flavors. Ready in under an hour, it combines ground meat, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy milk for a hearty, versatile sauce.Whether served with pasta, over veggies, or as a standalone dish, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup red wine or beef broth
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- A pinch of nutmeg or grated Parmesan
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Chop the onions, carrots, and celery finely to ensure they melt into the sauce. Mince the garlic and gather all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Sauté the Aromatics and Meat
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in the red wine or broth to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This step prevents the burn notice and adds incredible flavor.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Pressure Cook the Sauce
- Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to “Pressure Cook” (or Manual) mode for 20 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before switching to a quick release.
Finish with Milk or Cream
- Once the pressure has released, open the lid and stir in the milk or cream. Let the sauce simmer on “Sauté” mode for a few minutes to thicken, if needed.