Dinner

Instant Pot Bolognese Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound extra lean ground beef; 1 onion, diced (about ½ cup); 1 clove garlic, minced; 6 ounces spaghetti, uncooked, broken in half; 20 ounces tomato pasta sauce (1 jar); 1 cup water; ¾ cup red wine; ¼ cup milk; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼-½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese

ByThomas Greene November 6, 2025November 6, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Bolognese is a quick and easy twist on a classic Italian favorite. Combining tender ground beef with rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty dish without the wait.

A white bowl filled with spaghetti covered in a thick, rich reddish-brown meat and tomato sauce, placed on two stacked white plates. On top, there is a generous layer of thin, light yellow shaved cheese and small sprigs of fresh green parsley scattered over the dish. In the background, a small clear glass bowl holds more pale yellow shaved cheese, resting on a wooden board, with a green textured cloth partially visible on the right side, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound extra lean ground beef
1 onion, diced (about ½ cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
6 ounces spaghetti, uncooked and broken in half
20 ounces tomato pasta sauce (1 jar)
1 cup water
¾ cup red wine
¼ cup milk
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼–½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Select the SAUTE setting on the Instant Pot. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or meat chopper until the beef is browned. When done, press CANCEL.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato pasta sauce, water, and red wine until well combined. Add the broken spaghetti and stir again to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Step 3: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure.
Step 4: Stir in the milk and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the pot and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes to thicken. Serve topped with shredded parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

For added depth, use a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Try adding chopped mushrooms or bell peppers during the saute step for extra veggies.
If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream instead of milk at the end.
Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free, adjusting cooking time slightly if needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. You can also freeze the Bolognese in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.