Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese: Quick, Easy & Delicious Recipe

Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese: craving a hearty, flavorful Italian classic but short on time? Look no further! Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti, coated in a rich, deeply savory meat sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. That’s the magic of this Instant Pot recipe, and trust me, it’s about to become your new weeknight staple.

Bolognese, a meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy, has a history as rich and complex as its flavor profile. Traditionally, it’s a slow-cooked masterpiece, requiring hours of patient simmering to develop its signature depth. But let’s be honest, who has time for that on a busy weeknight? That’s where the Instant Pot comes in, offering a modern twist on a timeless classic.

People adore Spaghetti Bolognese for its comforting, satisfying nature. The combination of tender pasta, a robust meat sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. The beauty of this Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is that it delivers all that comforting flavor in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking magic infuses the sauce with incredible depth, creating a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash – a win-win in my book! Get ready to experience the ultimate in flavor and convenience with this easy and delicious recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 4 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preparing the Bolognese Sauce:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) to the Instant Pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor in your Bolognese. Make sure to crumble the meat well so it cooks evenly.
3. Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the Instant Pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Incorporate Tomato Products: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The tomato paste will add depth and richness to the sauce, so don’t skip it!
5. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
6. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth (or water). Use a spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to loosen any browned bits (fond) that may be stuck. This is important to prevent the “Burn” notice from appearing during pressure cooking.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. Break the Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half (or thirds, if you prefer shorter strands) and add it to the Instant Pot. Spread the spaghetti evenly over the sauce. Do not stir! This is important to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together and causing the “Burn” notice.
2. Ensure Spaghetti is Submerged: Gently press the spaghetti down into the sauce, ensuring that it is mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more beef broth or water to cover the spaghetti. However, be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can result in a watery sauce.

Pressure Cooking:

1. Seal the Instant Pot: Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
2. Set the Cooking Time: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 8 minutes. This cooking time is based on the standard rule of thumb: half the cooking time listed on the spaghetti package, minus 2 minutes.
3. Pressure Cook: Let the Instant Pot come to full pressure. This may take 10-15 minutes, depending on your Instant Pot model and the amount of liquid in the pot.

Releasing Pressure and Finishing:

1. Quick Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a Quick Release by moving the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam that will be released. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.
2. Check for Doneness: Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Check the spaghetti for doneness. If it is still too firm, you can close the lid and cook for another minute or two on “Sauté” mode, stirring frequently.
3. Stir and Thicken: Stir the spaghetti and sauce well to combine. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it on “Sauté” mode for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving:

1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Optional Additions: You can also add a dollop of ricotta cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and richness.
3. Enjoy!: Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe this Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or anyone craving a hearty, flavorful Italian classic without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it coaxes out deep, rich flavors in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. The meat becomes incredibly tender, the sauce thickens beautifully, and the pasta cooks perfectly al dente, all in one pot! What’s not to love?

This isn’t just about convenience, though. It’s about creating a truly delicious and satisfying meal that your whole family will rave about. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage provides a wonderful depth of flavor, and the aromatic vegetables and herbs create a symphony of tastes that will transport you straight to Italy (at least in your mind!). I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit.

But don’t just take my word for it! I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is. And the best part? Clean-up is a breeze! One pot means less washing up, which is always a win in my book.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While this Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it’s simmering. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must, of course! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess.

If you’re looking to add some vegetables, feel free to toss in some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the other vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. And if you’re not a fan of spaghetti, you can easily substitute it with your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, rigatoni, or even lasagna noodles. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you’re using.

Another great serving suggestion is to pair this Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. A glass of red wine would also be a perfect accompaniment. For a complete meal, you could even add a side of roasted vegetables.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of the Instant Pot for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers. So go ahead, grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious and unforgettable meal. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese as much as I do!