This Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese takes a classic Italian comfort food and transforms it into a quick, one-pot wonder that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Rich with savory marinara, tender spaghetti, and hearty ground meat, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when time is short but cravings are high.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers big on taste in under 30 minutes. The pressure cooker works its magic to lock in bold flavors, resulting in a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Full Recipe:
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1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
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½ cup diced onions
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8 ounces spaghetti pasta
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1 cup water
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3 cups marinara sauce
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Optional: ½ cup sliced mushrooms
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Optional: ½ cup shredded carrots
Directions:
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Press the SAUTÉ button on the Instant Pot. Once hot, add the ground beef or sausage. Break up the meat as it cooks.
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Stir in the diced onions and any optional vegetables. Cook for about 5 minutes until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
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Spread the meat mixture in an even layer. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and layer them over the meat.
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Pour the water and marinara sauce evenly over the pasta. Do not stir.
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Press CANCEL, then secure the lid and seal the pressure valve.
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Set to HIGH PRESSURE for 8 minutes.
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Once done, perform a QUICK RELEASE. Carefully open the lid, keeping your face away from the steam.
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Stir well and serve hot. Garnish with grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, or fresh basil if desired.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Kcal: 338 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
History and Origin
Bolognese sauce, or ragù alla Bolognese, hails from Bologna, Italy, where it has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries. The origins of Bolognese are believed to date back to the late 18th century, though there is some debate over the exact timeline. The traditional sauce is typically made with a combination of ground meats (such as beef or pork), vegetables, and a long, slow-cooked tomato-based sauce. It’s often paired with wide pasta like tagliatelle, which can hold the hearty sauce well.
Over the years, Bolognese sauce has evolved as it made its way beyond Italy’s borders, with various countries putting their own twist on the dish. In the United States and other parts of the world, the sauce is commonly served with spaghetti, which has become more iconic than the traditional tagliatelle. While the use of pasta may vary across regions, the rich, meaty sauce remains the star of the dish.
The Instant Pot version of Bolognese takes the best parts of this traditional sauce, ensuring the flavor is rich and satisfying, but with the convenience of modern pressure cooking. This modern adaptation is perfect for those who want the same deep, savory taste but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Variations and Adaptations
As with any classic dish, there are countless variations of Bolognese sauce. Depending on the region, family traditions, and personal preferences, the ingredients and preparation methods can change. Here are some common variations:
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Meat Choice: While ground beef is the most common meat used in Bolognese, variations include using ground pork, turkey, or a blend of different meats. For those looking for a richer flavor, Italian sausage or veal may be substituted. In fact, some chefs prefer a combination of pork and beef to get a more complex flavor profile.
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Vegetable Additions: Traditional Bolognese typically includes onions, carrots, and celery, which are finely chopped and sautéed at the beginning to form the “sofrito” base. However, you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
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Wine and Dairy: Many classic Bolognese recipes use wine (often red) to deglaze the pot after browning the meat, adding a depth of flavor. Additionally, a splash of milk or heavy cream can be added toward the end of cooking for a smoother, creamier finish.
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Spicy Bolognese: For those who love a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers can turn this into a spicy Bolognese. This is especially popular in regions of Italy where spicy flavors are more prominent.
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Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations: For those on plant-based diets, you can swap the ground meat for lentils, mushrooms, or even plant-based meat substitutes. The rich, savory tomato sauce remains the base, and with the right seasonings, you can achieve the same comforting flavor without any meat.
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Low-Carb Alternatives: To make this dish more suitable for low-carb or keto diets, you can substitute traditional pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. These options still provide the “noodle” feel but with far fewer carbs.
The beauty of Bolognese is its flexibility, and the Instant Pot version can easily be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Nutritional Information
Bolognese is a hearty, filling dish that offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, making it a great choice for a main meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value based on a typical serving with lean ground beef:
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Calories: Approximately 338 kcal per serving
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Protein: 21g
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 6g
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Cholesterol: 51mg
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Sodium: 635mg
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Potassium: 691mg
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Vitamin A: 531 IU
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Vitamin C: 10mg
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Calcium: 41mg
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Iron: 3mg
The dish provides a healthy dose of protein and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for refueling after a long day. The fat content is mainly from the ground meat and any added cheese, so you can adjust it by choosing leaner meats or using less cheese for a lighter option. Additionally, the vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making the dish a well-rounded meal.
If you opt for a vegetarian or vegan version using lentils or plant-based meat, the nutritional profile will vary, with higher fiber content and lower fat. Using zucchini noodles or other low-carb pasta alternatives will also significantly reduce the carbohydrate content, making it suitable for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Spaghetti Bolognese is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some creative serving ideas:
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Side Dishes:
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Garlic Bread: A classic Italian pairing, garlic bread complements the rich sauce and helps to soak up the extra sauce.
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Salads: A fresh, crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta. Try a simple Caesar salad, a tangy Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella, or a green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted green beans, asparagus, or even roasted Brussels sprouts make a delicious and healthy side dish to balance the richness of the pasta.
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Drink Pairings:
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Red Wine: A glass of dry red wine like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot is an ideal pairing for Bolognese. The wine’s acidity helps to balance the richness of the meat sauce.
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Sparkling Water: If you prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with a slice of lemon offers a refreshing contrast.
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Light Beer: A crisp, light beer such as a pilsner or pale ale works well with the dish, especially if you’re serving it on a casual evening.
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For Dessert:
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Tiramisu: A traditional Italian dessert like tiramisu or panna cotta would make the perfect sweet ending to an Italian-themed meal.
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Gelato: For something lighter, a scoop of creamy gelato in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or pistachio provides a sweet contrast to the savory meal.
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Tips and Tricks for Success
To make sure your Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
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Don’t Stir the Ingredients: It’s important not to stir the pasta and sauce layers before cooking. This helps prevent the sauce from burning at the bottom of the Instant Pot and ensures the pasta cooks evenly in the sauce.
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Use Lean Ground Meat: To avoid excess grease, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. If using a fattier cut of meat, make sure to drain the fat after sautéing.
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Break the Noodles: Breaking the spaghetti in half before layering it in the pot ensures that the noodles cook evenly and prevents them from clumping together.
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Quick Release: When the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to prevent the pasta from overcooking. Allowing the pressure to release naturally can lead to mushy noodles.
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Garnish Well: Don’t forget to garnish your Bolognese with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs, or fresh basil to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
Potential Health Benefits
While Spaghetti Bolognese is certainly a hearty and indulgent meal, it can offer several health benefits, particularly when made with lean meats and a variety of vegetables. The ground beef provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune function. Carrots and onions, often included in the sauce, are rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the dish contains iron from the meat, which is important for transporting oxygen in the blood. For those who opt for a vegetarian version, lentils or beans can provide a plant-based source of protein and fiber. When served with nutrient-rich vegetables and a side salad, the dish becomes a well-rounded, satisfying meal that can nourish the body while pleasing the palate.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is an irresistible, easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of traditional Italian cooking into the modern kitchen. Its versatility in ingredients and customization options makes it a perfect choice for a variety of diets and preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this dish will satisfy and delight. With rich, savory sauce, tender pasta, and a touch of Italian flair, Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Don’t be afraid to try different variations or add your personal twist. Whether you enjoy it as is or prefer to experiment with a spicy kick, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, fire up your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade Bolognese tonight!