Instant Pot Bolognese
This Instant Pot Bolognese recipe is rich, delicious and so easy to make. It delivers the perfect meaty sauce that is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
I love making bolognese sauce on the stovetop but this pressure cooker version has become my go-to. Not only is it so quick to throw together but the end result is every bit as tasty as the traditional version. Adding ingredients like onion, celery, carrot, fresh garlic and herbs along with red wine and beef stock ensures the sauce is packed with flavor. Adding a splash of cream towards the end of cooking adds a lovely velvety finish and makes the sauce absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients Needed
- Beef mince. Ground beef. You could add pork mince/ground pork or lamb too. This sauce will be just as delicious if made with ground turkey or chicken but it will be much lighter in texture and flavor.
- Soffrito: Onion, celery and carrot.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic cloves, bay leaves, fresh thyme and rosemary. Other herbs like oregano and parsley will also be delicious.
- Beef stock/beef broth.
- Red wine. Any good quality dry red wine will work. I used Cabernet Sauvignon but Merlot or Pinotage will also be delicious.
- Canned tomatoes.
- Tomato paste.
- Salt, black pepper and sugar.
- Cream/milk. Use whole milk or heavy cream.
How to make Instant Pot Bolognese
Set your Instant Pot to sauté function. Heat a few tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil then add the finely chopped onions, celery and carrots. Allow to cook until soft and translucent then add the chopped garlic and herbs. Cook for another minute then add the mince/ground beef and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the red wine and canned tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot then season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar then close with the lid.
Ensure the vent is in sealing position then pressure cook the bolognese sauce for 15 minutes on high pressure. Quick release the pressure by switching the valve to “vent”. then remove the lid. Set the Instant Pot to sauté function then stir in the cream. Season to taste then allow to simmer for 5 minutes and serve scattered with parsley or basil.
What to serve with bolognese sauce
We love this bolognese sauce recipe served with spaghetti topped with plenty of grated parmesan cheese but any pasta shape (pappardelle, penne, tagliatelle, rigatoni, etc.) will work. For a low carb meal, serving the meat sauce in roasted spaghetti squash or over zucchini noodles is a great idea. It’s also delicious in lasagna of course and we even use it for Sloppy Joe’s, pasta bakes and it makes a great filling for cheesy bolognese pies.
Can I make this ahead?
Bolognese sauce freezes very well. Allow the cooked sauce to come to room temperature then transfer to freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Any leftovers can be kept in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Bolognese Sauce Recipes
This recipe is sponsored by Instant Brands South Africa. All opinions, words and images are my own.
Instant Pot Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2lb) beef mince / ground beef
- 1 large onion finely chopped (approx 1 cup)
- 2 carrots peeled and finely chopped/grated (1 cup)
- 2 celery ribs finely chopped (½ cup)
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 4 garlic cloves crushed
- 1½ cup beef stock
- 28 oz (800g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1-2 tsp salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ cup heavy / whipping cream
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté function.
- Heat a few tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil then add the finely chopped onions, celery and carrots.
- Allow to cook until soft and translucent then add the chopped garlic and herbs.
- Cook for another minute then add the mince/ground beef and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine and canned tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot then season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar then close with the lid.
- Ensure the vent is in sealing position then pressure cook the bolognese sauce for 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Quick release the pressure by switching the valve to "vent". then remove the lid.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté function then stir in the cream.
- Season to taste then allow to simmer for 5 minutes and serve scattered with parsley or basil.