Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce
Try this Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 medium carrots diced small
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 large brown onion finely diced
- 2 celery sticks diced small
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1/2 long red chilli finely diced (can be omitted)
- 2.2 lb / 1 kg grass-fed ground been (i used 10-15% fat be
- 4 cloves of garlic diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 2 tablespoons tamari gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (don’t worry you can’t taste it)
- 2 bay leaves1 star anise (optional)
- 2 x 400 ml cans organic chopped tinned tomatoes (wit
- Carbohydrate 3.04011854131241 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0895772916612158 g
- Fiber 0.727556263710095 g
- Protein 0.406062499982461 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0201839374984834 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (200g)
- Sodium 1551.80154166662 mg
- Sugar 2.31256227760231 g
- Trans Fat 0.0178882083307794 g
- Calories 13 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn the pressure cooker on. It should display OFF. Press Sauté function key (it will show Normal, 30 minutes). The Instant Pot will beep 3 times to let you know it’s ready to cook.
- Add the olive oil, onion, carrot, celery and chilli to the instant pot. Keep the lid off. The heat will increase within a minute or two and you will hear the sautéing sounds. Sauté for a further 5 minutes, stirring a couple of times.
- In the meantime, prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- After 5 minutes, add the beef and break it apart using a wooden or a silicon spatula. Stir it through with the vegetables, then add the rest of the ingredients except for bay leaf and tomatoes, and stir through.
- Cook on Sauté for 5 minutes to brown off the meat, stirring a few times.
- Once the meat has changed the colour, add the chopped tomatoes (juices including) and stir through.
- Press Keep Warm/Cancel to stop the sautéing process.
- Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Check that the lid knob is turned to Sealing.
- Select Manual function key (High Pressure) and set the time to 20 minutes.
- Wait for the Instant Pot to beep three times to let you know it’s getting to work. You can now walk away and do your thing.
- After about 5 minutes you will see and hear the steam coming out of the valve. Once enough pressure builds up in the pot, the valve will pop to the top. At this stage you won’t be able to open the lid. During the cooking process, you will hear some hissing but don’t worry about it.
- When time is up, you can let the pressure release naturally or use the quick pressure release method before opening the lid. Our bolognese sauce should be thick and glossy.
- If you find that the stew is too watery, simply set the Sauté function back on and cook the sauce uncovered for 5-10 minutes, stirring a few times. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the ragu sauce to thicken more.
- Serve with zucchini noodles or your favourite pasta, rice or potatoes. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
My Go-To Instant Pot Bolognese: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early mornings, school runs, demanding deadlines, and trying to squeeze in a workout (some days!), finding time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal often feels impossible. But I’ve found a lifesaver in my Instant Pot, and this bolognese recipe is a testament to its magic. It’s incredibly versatile, allows for easy meal prepping, and tastes better than anything I could whip up in hours on a stovetop. Forget takeout – this is my go-to weeknight dinner!
This isn't just any bolognese; it's a symphony of flavour, packed with rich, savory beef and vibrant vegetables. The Instant Pot perfectly tenderizes the beef while developing that deep, umami flavour we all crave. And the best part? The cleanup is a breeze! No more scrubbing stubborn sauce off pots and pans – just a quick wipe down of the Instant Pot insert, and I'm done. I can focus on enjoying quality time with my family instead of spending hours in the kitchen.
Why this recipe works:
- Speed and Efficiency: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of herbs and spices creates a depth of flavour that rivals hours of simmering on the stovetop.
- Easy Cleanup: The Instant Pot makes cleanup a cinch, saving you precious time and energy.
- Versatility: Serve it over pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for endless variations.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Double the recipe and freeze portions for even busier weeks ahead.
This recipe has become a staple in our household. My kids love it, and honestly, so do I. It's a comforting, familiar taste, elevated by the convenience of the Instant Pot. It's a win-win-win – delicious food, minimal time in the kitchen, and happy family dinners. What more could a busy mom ask for?
Beyond the Weeknight: This isn't just a weeknight warrior; it's also perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend, portion it out, and you'll have delicious lunches or dinners ready to go all week long. I often double the recipe, freeze half, and pull it out when I need a quick and easy meal on a particularly hectic day. This flexibility makes it a true lifesaver in the constant juggling act that is motherhood.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
So, if you’re a busy mom (or anyone, really!) looking for a delicious, easy, and time-saving dinner recipe, give this Instant Pot Bolognese a try. You won't be disappointed! It's become a cherished part of our family's routine, and I’m confident it will become a favorite in yours, too. Enjoy!
