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Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Creamy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce

This creamy Instant Pot Bolognese sauce is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Natural Release Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Aromatics
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef or mix of beef and pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
Tomato Base
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • ½ cup red wine (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. 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

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Add ground beef (or meat mix) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and basil for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Pour in red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot by scraping browned bits for an extra flavor layer.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, season with salt and pepper, secure the lid, set valve to 'Sealing,' and select 'Manual' for 30 minutes.
  6. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch valve to 'Venting.'
  7. Open the lid and stir in heavy cream, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
  8. Serve over your favorite pasta, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This recipe highlights the importance of layering flavors at each step for a delicious outcome.