Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Say hello to the Instant Pot American Style Bolognese! This rich and hearty sauce, packed with flavors of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and luscious crushed tomatoes, will transport you straight to Italy in just 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe yields six generous servings, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your loved ones with this culinary masterpiece—read on to discover how to whip up this scrumptious Bolognese in no time!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of red wine, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 pound of spaghetti.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Allow it to heat for a few minutes until the display indicates it's hot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds flavor to your sauce.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes to the pot, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove for the spaghetti.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid of the Instant Pot and stir the Bolognese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- To serve, plate the spaghetti and top it with a generous portion of the Bolognese sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your Instant Pot American Style Bolognese with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onion and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can jump right into cooking when you're ready!
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ground beef and canned tomatoes for the best flavor. If possible, opt for San Marzano tomatoes—they're sweeter and less acidic.
- Deglaze the Pot: When adding the red wine, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful browned bits. This step adds depth to your sauce.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce after cooking and feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your palate. A touch of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
- Perfect Pasta: Cook your spaghetti al dente according to package instructions for the best texture. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water; it can help loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the finishing touches! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley will enhance the dish and add a pop of color.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your Bolognese with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
