Rich and Creamy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce
This Rich and Creamy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce offers a flavor-packed twist on a classic Italian favorite. Using a combination of pancetta, ground pork, and beef, this sauce is simmered to perfection in your Instant Pot for a quick yet decadent meal. The inclusion of aromatic vegetables and a splash of dry red wine infuses depth, while a final touch of heavy cream rounds out the dish with luxurious creaminess. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. Serve it up with grated Parmesan for a truly authentic experience that your family and friends will love.
6
Servings
370
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (none)
pancetta
3 ounces (finely chopped)
ground pork
1/2 lb (preferably high fat content)
ground beef
1/2 lb (preferably high fat content)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
small carrots
2 (finely chopped)
stalk celery
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (finely chopped)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
ground fennel
3/4 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh thyme
4 sprigs (none)
dry red wine
1 1/4 cups (none)
chopped San Marzano tomatoes
1 can (28-ounce) (none)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preheating the Instant Pot using the sauté setting. Once hot, add the olive oil and unsalted butter, swirling them to coat the bottom.
2
2. Add the chopped pancetta, ground pork, and ground beef to the pot. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until the meat is browned and most of its liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
3
3. Incorporate the finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, ground fennel, red pepper flakes, and thyme sprigs. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
4
4. Pour in the dry red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to reduce by three-fourths, which should take about 6 minutes.
5
5. Add the can of chopped San Marzano tomatoes, giving everything a good stir. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before securing the lid on the Instant Pot.
6
6. Set the pressure to high and cook for 35 minutes. Once finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to vent any remaining steam.
7
7. After opening the lid, switch the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring frequently. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8
8. Serve the Bolognese sauce hot over pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Information
22
Fat
12
Carbs
23
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many servings does this Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How long do I need to pressure cook the sauce?
The sauce should be cooked on high pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of 3 ounces of finely chopped pancetta, 1/2 lb of ground pork, and 1/2 lb of ground beef.
Can I substitute the pancetta if I don't have it?
While pancetta provides a specific cured flavor, you can substitute it with finely chopped bacon if necessary.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 370 calories.
Do I need to use a specific type of tomato?
For the best flavor, the recipe recommends using one 28-ounce can of chopped San Marzano tomatoes.
How much wine is required for the sauce?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of dry red wine.
When should I add the heavy cream?
The heavy cream is stirred in at the very end, after the pressure cooking is complete and the lid has been removed.
How long should I sauté the sauce after adding the cream?
After adding the heavy cream, switch the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting and cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
Which vegetables are included in the base of the sauce?
The base (soffritto) includes 1 medium onion, 2 small carrots, 1 stalk of celery, and 3 garlic cloves, all finely chopped.
What spices are used to season the Bolognese?
The sauce is seasoned with ground fennel, red pepper flakes, fresh thyme sprigs, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 22 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this sauce provide?
This Bolognese sauce provides about 23 grams of protein per serving.
What should I do if there are browned bits on the bottom of the pot?
When you pour in the red wine, use a spoon to scrape those browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot to incorporate that flavor and prevent a 'burn' notice.
What is the purpose of the ground fennel in this recipe?
Ground fennel adds a subtle aromatic sweetness and traditional Italian flavor profile that complements the pork and beef.
Can I use low-fat meat for this recipe?
While you can, the recipe suggests using ground pork and beef with a higher fat content for the richest flavor and best texture.
Is this sauce spicy?
It contains 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes which provides a very mild heat, but it is generally considered a savory, creamy sauce.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve the sauce hot over your favorite pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates (excluding the pasta it is served with).
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, if substituting dried thyme for the 4 fresh sprigs, use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What is the total preparation time for the vegetables and meat sautéing before pressure cooking?
Sautéing the meat takes about 10 minutes, the vegetables take about 5 minutes, and reducing the wine takes about 6 minutes, totaling about 21 minutes of active prep.
Do I need to add butter and oil?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and unsalted butter to start the sauté process for maximum richness.
Why do I need to reduce the wine?
Reducing the wine by three-fourths concentrates the flavor and ensures the sauce doesn't taste overly acidic or thin.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight?
Yes, while it tastes like it has simmered all day, the Instant Pot significantly speeds up the process, making it great for weeknights.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to provide a concentrated tomato base; tomato sauce would be too thin for this step.
What type of red wine should I use?
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chianti works best for this Bolognese.
How do I handle the steam release?
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes first, then perform a quick release for any remaining steam.
Does the recipe contain fiber information?
Fiber content is not specified for this recipe.
Is there a specific way to chop the ingredients?
The onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and pancetta should all be finely chopped to create a cohesive, smooth sauce texture.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
It is a twist on a classic Italian favorite, utilizing modern Instant Pot techniques while keeping traditional flavors like soffritto, wine, and cream.