Looking for a rich, hearty, and authentic Bolognese sauce that’s surprisingly quick to make? Say hello to this Easy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce-a game-changer for busy weeknights, meal prep lovers, and pasta enthusiasts alike. Using your pressure cooker, you’ll get deep, slow-simmered flavor in under an hour-no stirring for hours required!
Ingredients :
1 tbsp olive oil
One pound (450 grams) of ground beef (80/20 for optimal taste)
½ lb (225g) ground pork (optional, but recommended for authenticity)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 carrots, finely grated
2 celery stalks, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup whole milk (key for tenderizing meat!)
½ cup dry red wine (like Chianti-or sub with beef broth)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method :
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add ground beef and pork. Break apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Deglaze & Build Flavor
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Scrape up any browned pieces from the bottom of the saucepan as you pour in the red wine. To cook off the alcohol, let it boil for two minutes.
Step 4: Simmer Under Pressure
Add crushed tomatoes, milk, oregano, basil, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and select Manual/Pressure Cook for 25 minutes on High Pressure.
Step 5: Natural Release & Finish
Once cooking ends, allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining steam.
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Return to Sauté mode for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring now and again, for a richer sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Toss with freshly cooked pasta, top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Pair with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete Italian feast.