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Weeknight Instant Pot Bolognese

Weeknight Instant Pot Bolognese: Quick Comfort Food Bliss

This Weeknight Instant Pot Bolognese is a quick, comforting dish that combines ground turkey and beef for a delicious family meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Quick Meals
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Substitute with extra virgin olive oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Provides aromatic sweetness; no direct substitute recommended.
  • 1 medium Carrot Contributes natural sweetness and color; swap with bell pepper for a different flavor.
  • 1 stalk Celery Adds texture and a slight earthiness; can be omitted if unavailable.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor; use minced shallots as an alternative.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (85/15) Offers a flavorful, hearty base.
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Creates a leaner sauce while maintaining flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Provides heat and depth.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Concentrates tomato flavor.
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine Adds acidity; omit or replace with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • 28 ounces San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes Key for authentic flavor.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Contributes aromatic flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk or Cream Adds creaminess; for dairy-free, omit or use coconut milk.
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Completes the sauce with richness.
For Serving
  • 12 ounces Cooked Pasta (e.g., tagliatelle or rigatoni) Base for serving the bolognese; gluten-free options are available.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil For garnish; substitute with parsley if unavailable.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Set your Instant Pot to 'sauté' mode and add unsalted butter, allowing it to melt. Stir in diced yellow onion, finely chopped carrot, and celery. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef, ground turkey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking apart the meat until it's no longer pink.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and mix well, then pour in dry white wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and whole milk, mixing thoroughly to combine.
  5. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Perform a manual pressure release once done.
  6. Open the lid and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve the bolognese over cooked pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This bolognese pairs well with various pasta shapes or as a filling for lasagna. Consider making a double batch to store in the freezer for easy weeknight meals.

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