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Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce - Hearty Italian Meat Sauce Recipe - Image 2

Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce

This Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce recipe delivers a rich, hearty Italian meat sauce with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this sauce can be served over pasta or used in various dishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 carrot carrot finely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery finely chopped
  • 1 cup dry red wine optional, but adds depth of flavor
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream for richer sauce

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Spatula
  • Chopping board and knife

Method
 

  1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Heat the olive oil and add the ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  5. Cancel the sauté function, secure the lid on the Instant Pot, and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
  6. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  7. Stir in the milk or heavy cream to enrich the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Chef's Tips:
• For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk
• Avoid overcooking the vegetables during the sauté step to prevent a mushy texture
• Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian touch
Food Safety:
• Ensure ground meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 3-4 days