Pot Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This rich, hearty dish combines ground beef, vegetables, and tomatoes, creating a savory sauce that’s perfect for pasta or even on its own. Using an Instant Pot allows for a quick preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. I love how this recipe captures authentic Italian flavors in just 50 minutes, making it a go-to for family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Pot Bolognese Sauce

This Pot Bolognese Sauce is not just any meat sauce; it’s a culinary delight packed with flavor. Here are some reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for beginners looking to master how to make Bolognese sauce.
• Rich and savory, this sauce embodies the essence of classic Italian Bolognese sauce.
• Versatile, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even on baked potatoes.
• Healthy variations can be incorporated, making it suitable for various diets.
• Perfect for meal prep, as it stores and reheats well for busy weeknights.
• This recipe delivers a comforting, satisfying meal that your family will love.

Ingredients for Pot Bolognese Sauce

Gather these items:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup chopped carrots
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, optional

How to Make Pot Bolognese Sauce Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Step 3: Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Step 5: Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Step 6: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaf.
7. Step 7: Cancel the sauté function. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 20 minutes.
8. Step 8: After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
9. Step 9: Remove the bay leaf. Stir the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Step 10: Optionally, stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Pot Bolognese Sauce

Keep these in mind:

• Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
• For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer longer on low heat.
• Experiment with adding different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Pot Bolognese Sauce

Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Serve over your favorite pasta for a classic Spaghetti Bolognese recipe.
• Use it as a filling for lasagna or stuffed shells.
• Top baked potatoes or polenta with the sauce for a comforting twist.

How to Store and Reheat Pot Bolognese Sauce

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. This is a great meal prep recipe since it can easily be doubled and frozen for later use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pot Bolognese Sauce

What’s the secret to perfect Pot Bolognese Sauce?

The key to a great Bolognese sauce lies in the slow cooking of the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t rush the sautéing process; take your time to develop those rich flavors.

Can I make Pot Bolognese Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to deepen. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pot Bolognese Sauce?

One common mistake is not browning the meat properly. Ensure that you break it up and let it brown before adding vegetables. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.

Variations of Pot Bolognese Sauce You Can Try

There are many ways to customize this recipe:

• For a healthy Bolognese sauce variation, replace some of the beef with ground turkey or add more vegetables.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils and use vegetable broth.
• Add a splash of cream or a bit of cheese for a richer flavor.

Pot Bolognese Sauce: 5 Steps to a Flavorful Classic

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This Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce is a rich, hearty, and savory meat sauce made quickly using a pressure cooker. It features ground beef, vegetables, and tomatoes for a classic Italian flavor in a fraction of the time.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup chopped carrots
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, optional

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Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaf.
7. Cancel the sauté function. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 20 minutes.
8. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
9. Remove the bay leaf. Stir the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Optionally, stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg