Instant Pot Bolognese: Hearty & Delicious in Minutes

Name: Instant Pot Bolognese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 4 oz pancetta, diced; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes; 1 cup dry red wine; 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ cup milk or cream; Pasta of choice (tagliatelle recommended)

Published: November 5, 2025

by Maria

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The aroma of simmering tomatoes and savory herbs wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to an Italian trattoria. Imagine twirling strands of al dente pasta around your fork, each bite bursting with rich, hearty flavors that make your taste buds dance with joy. hearty beef dishes perfect pasta pairing This is the magic of Instant Pot Bolognese, a dish that combines simplicity and depth in every spoonful.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or a cozy family gathering, this dish promises warmth and comfort. Picture yourself serving up generous portions at the dinner table as loved ones lean in, eager to savor this delightful meal. With just one pot and minimal fuss, Instant Pot Bolognese is bound to become your go-to recipe for any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy One Pot Ravioli Soup recipe.

[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Instant Pot Bolognese is not only easy to prepare but also delivers robust flavors that will impress your guests. The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually appealing on your dinner table. It’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, in lasagna, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids without them noticing! [/info_box]

Family gatherings always light up when I whip out my Instant Pot Bolognese; everyone can’t resist going back for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance between flavor and moisture.
Pancetta: Adds an irresistible depth of flavor; don’t skip this ingredient!
Onion: A finely chopped yellow onion brings sweetness once caramelized.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic enhances the aroma.
Canned Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are perfect because of their rich taste.
Red Wine: Choose a dry red wine; it intensifies the sauce’s flavors beautifully.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds that classic Italian flair.
Milk or Cream: Stir in milk or cream at the end for a creamy finish.
Pasta of Choice: Any pasta will do, but tagliatelle is my personal favorite for this sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Meat and Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add pancetta until crispy. Then toss in ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Add Vegetables and Herbs: Once browned, throw in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions turn translucent and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes.

Incorporate Tomato Goodness: Pour in canned tomatoes along with their juices. Add red wine and scrape any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this is where flavor lives!

Season Like an Italian Chef: Sprinkle Italian seasoning generously over the mixture. quick and healthy stir fry Follow with beef broth; stir well to combine all those bold flavors.

Pressure Cook It!: Close the lid securely and set to manual pressure cook on high for 25 minutes. Let natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

Add Creaminess at Last Step : Open the lid carefully and stir in milk or cream until fully incorporated. Taste test to see if it needs more seasonings before serving over your favorite pasta.

Once you’ve mastered this Instant Pot Bolognese recipe, you’ll have a deliciously comforting dish that feels gourmet but takes mere minutes to prepare! alternative comforting meals.

[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Instant Pot Bolognese is rich and flavorful, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The pressure cooker locks in all the deliciousness while saving you time and effort. A comforting dish that even your pickiest eater will enjoy! [/info_box]

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add your ground meat before adding the tomatoes and spices for an efficient cooking sequence.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Add red wine to deepen the flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Always let your sauce simmer a bit longer to develop richer flavors. Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a vibrant taste. Don’t skip on seasoning; it elevates the dish significantly! [/info_box]

I remember the first time I made this Instant Pot Bolognese—my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a taste!

FAQ

Can I use other meats for Instant Pot Bolognese?

Absolutely, ground turkey or even plant-based options work well too!

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Bolognese?

It takes about 30 minutes under high pressure, plus some prep time.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Bolognese?

Pair it with pasta, zoodles, or even polenta for a delicious meal!