Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6 · Technique: Instant Pot · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Quick Answer
This creamy Instant Pot Bolognese sauce is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday meals.
As the leaves begin to turn golden in New York City and the air takes on that crisp autumn bite, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the warmth of hearty comfort food. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I find myself leaning into rich, satisfying meals that not only bring joy but also a hearty dose of nostalgia. Today, I'm excited to share my creamy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce recipe-a dish perfect for festive gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.
A Hearty Holiday Favorite
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in the Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy flavor that elevates your traditional Bolognese sauce into something special.
- Perfect for both festive gatherings and cozy family dinners.
- Make-ahead friendly; it stores well in the fridge or freezer, deepening the flavors over time.
- Customizable with additional veggies or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make a delicious creamy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce:
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Creamy Finish
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Creamy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a rich and creamy Bolognese sauce that will elevate your meals.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function and adding the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. The aroma will transport you to a rustic Italian kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add the ground beef (or the meat mix you're using) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. For the best flavor, let it sit for a minute or two before stirring, allowing it to caramelize just slightly-this brings out a wonderful depth.
Step 3: Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and basil, allowing everything to mingle for about 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic.
Step 4: Deglaze
Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for that extra flavor layer. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the wine has reduced slightly.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" setting and set the timer for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Natural Release
Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining steam.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce
Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream for a luscious finish that beautifully complements the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Serve
Spoon the Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. The creamy texture paired with the robust flavors will have you and your guests coming back for seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the vegetables: Ensure you sauté them just until they're soft; you want to maintain their flavor.
- Neglecting seasoning: Be generous with salt and pepper at every stage to build true flavor; don't wait until the end.
- Skipping the natural release: Rushing the release can cause the sauce to splatter, and you could miss out on that beautifully developed flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with an equal amount of beef broth or use a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and nutrients.
- Spiciness: Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Substitute half of the crushed tomatoes with tomato sauce for a smoother consistency.
- Add a dash of cream cheese for an even creamier sauce.
How to Serve
- Spoon the Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Experimenting with this Bolognese sauce taught me the importance of layering flavors at each step. Each ingredient plays a vital role, and the creamy finish truly elevates the final dish. Trust me, this recipe is bound to become a seasonal staple in your home. Happy cooking!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~450 calories · 23g protein · 40g carbs · 25g fat
Recipe by:
Creamy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef (or meat mix) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and basil for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour in red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot by scraping browned bits for an extra flavor layer.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, season with salt and pepper, secure the lid, set valve to 'Sealing,' and select 'Manual' for 30 minutes.
- Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch valve to 'Venting.'
- Open the lid and stir in heavy cream, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
- Serve over your favorite pasta, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make this Bolognese sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Bolognese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
2. What can I serve Bolognese sauce with?
This creamy Bolognese sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle. It can also be served over rice or used in baked dishes.
3. Is the use of red wine necessary in the recipe?
While the red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, it is optional. You can substitute it with beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity if you prefer not to use wine.
4. Can I add vegetables to the Bolognese sauce?
Yes! You can sneak in finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and nutrients without compromising the flavor of the sauce.
5. How do I store leftover Bolognese sauce?
Store the leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
