Contents
Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and rich flavor that will elevate any pasta dish, this Instant Pot Bolognese recipe is a must-try. With a perfect blend of meats, aromatics, and spices, it delivers a hearty sauce that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. The use of an Instant Pot not only saves time but intensifies the flavors, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
1 sweet onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery rib, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
½ pound ground pork
4 ounces pancetta, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ cup dry red wine
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup beef stock
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Serves 6
This Instant Pot Bolognese is not only easy to prepare but also offers a truly satisfying and delicious experience. Serve it over pasta for a delightful meal that your family and friends will love. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot® to the high sauté setting. Melt the butter; add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2
Add the ground beef, ground pork, pancetta, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-10 minutes, making sure to crumble the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3
Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4
Pour in the red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook until the wine is reduced, about 2 minutes.
Step 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef stock. Select the manual setting; adjust the pressure to high, and set the time for 20 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 6
Select the low sauté setting; simmer the sauce uncovered, stirring often, until it thickens to the desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 7
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8
Serve immediately over your choice of pasta.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving the Bolognese sauce with different types of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle.
Storage
Leftover Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Wine Pairing
Pair the Bolognese with a glass of dry red wine like Chianti or Merlot for a complete meal experience.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, you will sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they are softened and the onions are translucent. This technique develops flavors that enhance the overall dish.
Browning Meat
Browning meat is essential for building flavor. When the ground beef, ground pork, and pancetta are cooked until browned, they create a Maillard reaction that adds depth to the Bolognese sauce.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a hot pan to loosen browned bits stuck to the bottom. In this recipe, red wine is used to deglaze the pot, which not only enhances the sauce flavor but also adds acidity.
Pressure Cooking
Using the Instant Pot to cook under high pressure allows the flavors to meld quickly and tenderizes the meat. This method reduces the cooking time significantly while ensuring a rich and hearty sauce.
Simmering
Simmering the sauce uncovered after pressure cooking helps to thicken it to the desired consistency. This technique allows for the flavors to concentrate, resulting in a more robust Bolognese sauce.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use a mix of your favorite ground meats.
Is it possible to make this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The Bolognese sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later use.
What should I serve with Bolognese sauce?
Bolognese sauce is traditionally served over pasta, but it can also be paired with polenta, lasagna, or used as a filling for stuffed peppers.
Can I omit the wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional beef stock or broth for a non-alcoholic version.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or incorporate hot Italian sausage for an extra kick. Adjust to your personal preference!
Conclusion
Indulging in a rich and hearty Instant Pot Bolognese is a delightful culinary experience. The combination of meats, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of spices creates a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. With its quick preparation and ability to develop deep flavors in a short time, this dish is a perfect option for family dinners or entertaining guests.
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