Bolognese Sauce Recipe (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-1/2 cups diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 pound ground beef chuck
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 4 ounces diced pancetta
- 2 cloves garlic
, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 28 ounces crushed San Marzano tomatoes
, in purée
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup Italian parsley
, divided
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- (to taste, optionalpinch ground nutmeg)
- kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- cooked tagliatelle
pappardelle, or your favorite pasta, , for serving
Directions
- 1
Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot insert on the hottest sauté setting. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2
Add ground beef, pork, and pancetta to the Instant Pot with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper. Sauté, breaking up meats with a spoon, until browned and most of the juices have evaporated.
- 3
Add garlic and tomato paste to the Instant Pot, and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Deglaze the insert with red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until most of the wine has evaporated.
- 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes in purée, water, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Bring to a simmer. Place lid on Instant pot, seal, and set the unit to HIGH pressure for 20 minutes.
- 5
Quick release pressure and carefully lift lid when the float drops. Switch the Instant Pot to the lowest heat sauté setting and bring to a bubble. Simmer, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is thickened to your desired consistency.
- 6
Stir in heavy cream, remaining 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and ground nutmeg (if using). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 7
Toss with cooked pasta, adding a splash of pasta water to help the sauce coat, and serve with freshly-grated Parmigiano Reggiano on the top.
Bolognese Sauce Recipe (Instant Pot)
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of a rich, deeply satisfying Bolognese that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together with the convenience of an Instant Pot? This pressure cooker Bolognese sauce delivers authentic, hearty Italian flavors, perfect for a cozy night in without the endless stirring.
Why This Bolognese Works
The secret to this outstanding Bolognese lies in the harmonious blend of savory meats—ground beef chuck, ground pork, and diced pancetta—that build an incredibly complex flavor base. Using the Instant Pot allows these ingredients, along with aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, to meld together under pressure, creating a sauce with remarkable depth that tastes like it's been simmering for hours in a fraction of the time. It's a method designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
What truly sets this Bolognese apart is its incredible richness. You'll find a perfectly balanced sauce where the sweetness of San Marzano tomatoes shines through, complemented by a touch of dry red wine and a hint of heavy cream for luxurious body. The textures are robust, making it the ideal partner for a substantial pasta. Every spoonful promises a comforting warmth, making it a perfect centerpiece for a family meal or a satisfying weekend dinner.
Customization & Variations
This versatile Bolognese is designed to be served with a hearty cut of pasta, such as tagliatelle, pappardelle, or your favorite pasta that can stand up to the sauce's weight. For an extra layer of savory depth, consider the pinch of ground nutmeg, which is listed as an optional addition. The Italian parsley is divided, allowing you to use some in the sauce and save some for a fresh garnish right before serving.
Serve this rich Bolognese piping hot, generously spooned over your chosen pasta. Don't forget a shower of freshly-grated cheese on top to complete this classic, comforting dish.