Instant Pot: Bolognese Sauce

I love bolognese! It is usually what I will order on the menu at an Italian restaurant. (my younger self is in shock!) Since I don’t usually eat pasta unless I am out on the town (this is very rare lol) I decided to make it healthier and serve it with Spaghetti Squash (click here for how to cook spaghetti squash!).

SKINNYTASTE ADAPTATION

I adapted this recipe from Skinnytaste (click here to view the original & stovetop instructions) however I changed a bunch of the proportions and also the cooking method. Per usual I start by browning the meat in a saute pan and then transferring to the Instant Pot. I don’t like sauteing in the Instant Pot (although you certainly can) because if you get any bits stuck to the bottom of the IP it can cause your machine to malfunction while pressure cooking (BURN notification).

NUTRITION

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto friendly! Per serving (about 9) it has 405 calories, 22g fat, 22g carbs and 25g protein! You can easily cut this recipe in half if you don’t want to make as much OR put it in a ziploc bag and freeze it for future use!

SERVE WITH

I served this bolognese sauce over spaghetti squash because it is healthier for you than regular pasta. It makes this dish low carb and perfect for a weeknight meal. If you have trouble cooking spaghetti squash click here for my easy instructions. I topped this with grated Parmesan cheese because I’m Italian that’s why! We put Parmesan cheese on everything! LOL

WHERE TO BUY

I buy my organic ground beef & grass fed butter at Costco and my tomatoes and bacon at Von’s (CA local market). The rest I usually buy at Trader Joes because it is the cheapest I have found for singular items (like onions or sweet potatoes) and of course $2 buck chuck (wine).  I am sure you can find any and all of these products at your local grocer!

Hope you enjoy!

Products I like to use while making this recipe:

Instant Pot

Calphalon Saute Pan

Mini Food Processor (to dice the carrots and celery)

Wine Enthusiast Electric Wine Opener

Print

Instant Pot: Bolognese Sauce

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

1 hr

 

Course: main

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: bolognese sauce

Servings: 9

Calories: 405 kcal

Ingredients

• 4 oz center cut bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 large onion
• 2 celery stalks, minced
• 3/4 cup carrots, minced
• 2.5 lb organic ground beef
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (I used 2 buck chuck pinot grigio)
• 2 28oz cans, crushed tomatoes
• 3 bay leaves
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper, divided
• 1/2 cup half and half cream

TOPPINGS

• chopped parsley
• grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. in a large saute pan over medium heat, cook bacon for 4-5 minutes until fat melts

   

2. add the butter, onion, carrots and celery to the saute pan and cook for about 2 minutes

   

3. add the meat to the saute pan and season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground pepper. Saute for about 3 minutes breaking up the meat and stirring constantly. 

   

4. add the white wine to the saute pan until it reduces down about 2 minutes. 

   

5. spray Instant Pot with cooking spray. transfer contents of saute pan to the Instant Pot. 

   

6. add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cover, make sure vent is set to sealed and set Instant pot with manual pressure on high for 15 minutes. 

   

7. use quick release method (immediately press cancel and release steam). remove bay leaves, add half and half and stir. 

   

8. serve over spaghetti squash (click here for how to cook) and garnish with parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy! 

   

Recipe Notes

• Cal: 405
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 22g
• Protein: 25g