There’s something magical about the aroma of a rich, simmering sauce wafting through your kitchen. Imagine tender ground beef and savory tomatoes mingling with fragrant herbs, all in an Instant Pot Bolognese that practically cooks itself. The anticipation builds as you envision a plate of spaghetti topped with this heavenly sauce, ready to impress family and friends.
Now, picture this: You’re settled on the couch after a long day, dreaming of comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Instant Pot Bolognese comes into play—effortless yet exquisite, it’s perfect for those cozy nights or when unexpected guests drop by. cozy cowboy casserole hearty lentil and potato soup. For more inspiration, check out this cozy tomato soup recipe recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”]This Instant Pot Bolognese is quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The flavor is rich and comforting, like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Its vibrant colors make for an impressive presentation that will wow your dinner guests. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, in lasagna, or even as a hearty filling for stuffed peppers.[/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this dish; my kids declared it the “best spaghetti ever,” which instantly elevated my status to culinary hero in their eyes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to your sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic goodness; crush them for maximum flavor.
Canned Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best texture and taste.
Carrot: Adding shredded carrot gives natural sweetness and balances acidity from the tomatoes. pumpkin carrot cake dessert.
Red Wine: A splash of red wine enhances the richness; choose one you enjoy drinking.
Italian Seasoning: This blend brings all those delightful herb flavors together in harmony.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it elevates the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your personal taste preference.
Pasta of Choice: Spaghetti is traditional, but feel free to use any pasta that tickles your fancy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Add Ground Beef**: Next, add ground beef to the pot. Brown it until it’s no longer pink; this step builds flavor that makes your sauce unforgettable.
Mix in Vegetables**: Stir in shredded carrots along with Italian seasoning. Let them mingle for a couple of minutes until softened and aromatic.
Pour In Tomatoes and Wine**: Carefully add crushed tomatoes and red wine into the mix. Scrape up any bits stuck at the bottom—those are flavor gold!
Pressure Cook**: Close the lid on your Instant Pot, set it to manual high pressure for 20 minutes, then let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before venting.
Toss with Pasta**: While your Bolognese simmers away, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the sauce before serving hot with a sprinkle of parmesan.
Now that you’ve made this delightful Instant Pot Bolognese, sit back and relish in the joy of cooking without all the fuss! Enjoy every bite as you savor its heartwarming flavors.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Mastering Instant Pot Bolognese is a game-changer; it’s quick, rich in flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone think you spent hours cooking. Plus, it’s an easy dish to impress dinner guests! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavorful base, then brown the meat before adding tomatoes and spices. This sequence ensures all flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add mushrooms for a veggie boost. A splash of red wine can elevate the dish further!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Always use fresh herbs for added depth; they brighten flavors significantly. Avoid overcooking meat by checking doneness early, ensuring a tender texture. Lastly, let the sauce sit for a bit after cooking for the best flavor infusion! [/info_box]
Sharing my first attempt at Instant Pot Bolognese always makes me chuckle; I accidentally set it to sauté instead of pressure cook and ended up with a delicious, albeit slightly dry, meat sauce. delicious chicken tortilla.
FAQ
What is the best type of meat for Instant Pot Bolognese?
Ground beef or pork works well, but feel free to mix meats for flavor.
Can I make Instant Pot Bolognese gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta or serve it over zucchini noodles instead.
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Bolognese?
It takes about 30 minutes under pressure, plus time to sauté initially.
Instant Pot Bolognese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the magic of homemade Bolognese without the hours in the kitchen. This Instant Pot recipe combines tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for a rich sauce that’s perfect over spaghetti or as a filling for lasagna. Ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (high quality)
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pot; brown until fully cooked.
- Stir in shredded carrots and Italian seasoning; cook for a few minutes until aromatic.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and red wine, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before venting.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and combine with the Bolognese sauce before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
