Name: Weeknight Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork (optional); 1/2 cup dry red wine; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (optional); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish); Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instant Pot Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food fix for busy nights, combining all the rich, slow-simmered flavors of classic Italian meat sauce in a fraction of the time—right in your trusty electric pressure cooker. With tender ground meat, a medley of aromatic vegetables, a luscious tomato base, and just the right splash of wine, this { is equally at home ladled over a tangle of spaghetti as it is spooned onto crusty bread. Whether you’re warming up after a long day or looking to impress friends with fuss-free Italian, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Weeknight Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this { is in its beautiful balance of simple, essential ingredients—each one building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature Italian heartiness. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why each element matters.

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing veggies and developing savory flavor.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce as it softens.
Carrots: Bring gentle sweetness and a hint of earthiness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Celery stalks: Essential for that classic soffritto flavor, rounding out the aromatic base.
Garlic: Lends aromatic punch and classic Italian flair.
Ground beef: Hearty protein and a rich, meaty taste that forms the backbone of the sauce.
Ground pork (optional): Adds extra tenderness and nuanced flavor—feel free to skip for a lighter version.
Dry red wine: Brings depth and a touch of acidity, making the sauce taste like it’s simmered all day.
Crushed tomatoes: The saucy base—go for good quality to get the boldest tomato flavor.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with robust tomato richness.
Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that infuses every bite with rustic aroma.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, woodsy undertone.
Bay leaf: Slow perfumes the sauce as it cooks, then gets removed at the end.
Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
Whole milk or heavy cream (optional): Swirled in at the end, this makes the { extra velvety and balanced.
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Lifts the finished dish with fresh, bright flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): A shower of cheese turns every bowl into something truly irresistible.

How to Make

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and drizzle in the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them together for about 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then until they’re soft, fragrant, and starting to turn golden. This soffritto is the backbone of a good {, infusing the sauce with gentle sweetness and a hint of complexity.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. You want to catch that heavenly aroma as soon as it rises—don’t let it brown! This small step packs a punch, building a savory note right at the foundation of your {.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef and, if you’re using it, the ground pork. Crumble and stir until the meat is browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. Browning here layers in that robust, meaty flavor characteristic of a true Bolognese, but thanks to the Instant Pot, you get all that depth fast.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the dry red wine and use your spoon to scrape up any browned, flavorful bits clinging to the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes; this not only draws up the delicious fond but reduces the rawness of the wine, leaving only lush, savory undertones in your {.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is evenly combined. Cancel the ‘Sauté’ mode so you’re ready for the main event—pressure cooking!

Step 6: Pressure Cook the Bolognese

Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and choose ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 20 minutes. Put your feet up, let the pressure work its magic, and look forward to a sauce that tastes like it’s simmered for hours instead of minutes.

Step 7: Release Pressure and Add Dairy (if using)

Once the time’s up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure. If you’d like an extra silky, rich {, stir in the milk or cream now, then taste and adjust your seasoning as needed. Make sure to remove the bay leaf!

Step 8: Serve with Garnishes

Ladle your hot, savory Bolognese over al dente pasta, and finish with clouds of grated Parmesan and a scattering of fresh herbs. That first bite will make the whole { experience worth it!

How to Serve

Garnishes

There’s nothing quite like a tangle of pasta topped with steaming-hot Bolognese, but the magic’s in the finishing touches. Shower each serving with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, then add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color and a burst of herby brightness. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little good olive oil or add a grind of fresh black pepper—these little upgrades take your from wonderful to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This pairs beautifully with Italian sides that sop up every last drop of sauce. Try serving crusty bread (think ciabatta or sourdough), a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or buttery garlic breadsticks. If you want to keep dinner light, a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan cuts through the richness deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Instant Pot Bolognese over creamy polenta or cheesy risotto instead of pasta. Spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for a rustic appetizer, or use it as the base for a hearty baked pasta casserole. Leftovers also make a gorgeous { panini—just add a few slices of mozzarella and grill until melty and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This { keeps beautifully, making it a lifesaver for make-ahead meals. Let the sauce cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors just keep deepening as it sits!

Freezing

Freezing your { is a fantastic way to ensure a homemade meal is always within reach. Portion the cooled sauce into freezer-friendly containers or resealable bags, flattening them for easy storage. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

For reheating, simply warm your { gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If you find the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or a drizzle of milk to loosen it up. It microwaves well, too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every minute for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use only ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef alone makes a delicious Instant Pot Bolognese. The addition of pork simply adds a bit of extra flavor and tenderness, but it’s no problem to go all-beef if preferred (or if that’s what you have on hand).

What kind of pasta goes best with ?

Long, sturdy noodles like spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle are classic for holding onto the rich sauce, but honestly, any pasta shape you love will work just fine. Even penne or rigatoni do a great job catching bits of meat and sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply skip the step where milk or cream is added at the end. You still get a luscious, fully flavored sauce, and you can always use a plant-based milk for extra creaminess if you’d like.

Is it okay to use white wine instead of red?

If you only have white wine, it’ll work in a pinch and will make your { a touch lighter in flavor. Red wine adds a classic richness, but feel free to substitute according to taste or what’s in your pantry.

How can I make this even healthier?

Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter sauce, add extra carrots or even bell peppers for more veggies, and skip the cream. Serve it over whole wheat or legume-based pasta to boost nutrition and fiber while enjoying that classic Italian comfort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s simple to make, deeply satisfying, and bursting with Italian flair, this { is sure to be your new go-to. Whether you serve it over mountains of pasta or tuck it into a cheesy baked dish, I can’t wait for you to share this bowl of comfort with your family and friends—it might just become your next little kitchen tradition!