I love my Instant Pot. I really do. It makes life so much easier – especially when it comes to dinner. I can throw everything in there, set it and forget it, and come back to a perfectly cooked meal. Today, I’m going to share one of my favorite Instant pot recipes with you: One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese.
There’s something about a big pot of spaghetti Bolognese that just feels like home. Maybe it’s the comfort of a hearty, meaty tomato sauce, or the fact that it’s so easy to make. Whatever the reason, this dish is a favorite and thanks to the Instant Pot, it’s easier than ever to make.
If you’re looking for an easy, one-pot meal that the whole family will love, then this is the recipe for you!
One pot spaghetti Bolognese – Instant pot method
Ingredients
- 1 x pound ground beef/ pack of beef mince
- 1 x onion, diced
- 3 x cloves garlic, minced
- 1 x can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- OR 1 x can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes & onions
- 2 tbsp. x tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. x sugar
- 1 tsp x salt
- 1/2 tsp x black pepper
- 1/2 tsp x dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp x dried basil & thyme
- 1/4 tsp x cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup x chopped fresh parsley
- 1 x pound/ packet of slightly salted parboiled spaghetti
- 1/2 cup x grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish with rosemary leaves
#Optional
- Add extra cheeses as well (1/2 gouda or 1/2 cheddar)
- Instead of sugar and tomato paste add 1/2 tomato-bought bottle sauces mixed with chutney
- Add a splash of cream or milk
- 1 x finely grated carrot
- 1 x finely chopped celery stalk
Instructions
- To use your Instant Pot, select the “Sauté” function or ‘meat’ function and add your beef, your onions and garlic (or carrots and celery). Make sure to cook until softened.
- Add the sugar (if using the sugar option), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir it well to combine all those flavors.
- Wait for the beef to brown and simmer. Use a fork to separate the ground beef so that it ‘minces’ properly.
- Now, add in your can of crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes mix, and tomato paste/ tomato-chutney mix.
- Stir it well to combine everything.
- Pour in the red wine, add generously but add most in the pot not just your mouth 😉
- Allow simmering and bubble so some of the alcohol can evaporate, leaving only the gorgeous flavors. (Maybe add splash of milk or cream).
- Start adding the spaghetti in stages.
- Mix well until the sauce becomes one with all the spaghetti.
- Finally, add in your seasonings (I like to use mixed herb spice).
- Grate the cheeses generously onto your decadent pasta pot.
- Mix up all that cheesy goodness.
- Add lid then press the ‘cancel’ function and let the sauce as well as the spaghetti simmer for a few minutes.
- Open the pot and give everything a good stir. Plate it up and top it with rosemary (or some more grated cheese), then serve!
Instant pot spaghetti Bolognese sauce
The Instant Pot has quickly become one of the most popular kitchen appliances and it’s no wonder why. The multi-functional cooker can make everything from perfectly cooked rice to a flavorful spaghetti Bolognese sauce. This dish is a common comfort food and a family favorite in my house, the Instant Pot just makes it so much easier to prepare.
The key to good spaghetti Bolognese is in the sauce, and the Instant Pot really allows the flavors to meld together. As mentioned above I show my method however, I love to add tomato-bought bottle sauce mixed with a bit of chutney instead of sugar. I feel that adds more tomato yummy-ness that everyone in my household loves.
Minced beef vs. ground beef
1. What is minced beef?
Minced beef is a type of ground beef that has been finely chopped. It is made from scraps of meat that are left over from other cuts, such as the chuck or round. Minced beef is a cheaper alternative to ground beef and is often used in dishes such as hamburgers, meatballs, and sauces.
2. What is ground beef?
Ground beef is a type of minced beef that has been ground up into smaller pieces. It is made from trimmings of meat that are left over from other cuts, such as the chuck or round. Ground beef is a cheaper alternative to minced beef and is often used in dishes such as hamburgers, meatballs, and sauces.
3. Difference in texture
One of the main differences between minced beef and ground beef is the texture. Minced beef has a coarser texture because it is made from larger pieces of meat that have been chopped up. Ground beef has a finer texture because it is made from smaller pieces of meat that have been ground up.
4. Difference in flavor
Another difference between minced beef and ground beef is the flavor. Minced beef has a stronger flavor because it contains more fat than ground beef. Ground beef has a milder flavor because it contains less fat than minced beef.
5. Difference in price
The final difference between mince vs ground is the price. Minced beef is typically more expensive than ground beef because it contains more fat. Ground beef is typically less expensive than minced beef because it contains less fat.
Herbs and spices for Bolognese
Spices and herbs are a necessary part of any good Bolognese sauce. They help to add depth of flavor and complexity to the dish. The most common spices used in Bolognese are oregano, basil, thyme, and sage. However, there are many other spices that can be used to create a unique flavor profile. For example, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can add a warm, spiced flavor to the sauce.
Alternatively, fennel seeds, aniseed, and star anise can add a licorice-like flavor. No matter what spices you use, be sure to add them sparingly at first. It is always easier to add more spice than it is to take it away. With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect spice blend for your Bolognese sauce.
Wine for Bolognese sauce
There are many different types of wines that can be used for cooking pasta in an instant pot or even cooking pasta in a skillet. Wine is particularly great for Bolognese sauce, but the most common wine used is red wine. Red wine adds a deep, rich flavor to the sauce and also helps to tenderize the meat.
However, white wine can also be used, and it will give the sauce a brighter flavor. If you’re trying to decide which wine to use, it’s important to consider the other ingredients in your sauce.
For example, if you’re using a lot of fresh herbs, you might want to use white wine so that the herbs don’t get lost in the flavor of the red wine. On the other hand, if you’re using a traditional Bolognese recipe that calls for tomatoes and not many other ingredients, red wine will likely be your best bet.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to experiment and see what you like best. Try different wines until you find the perfect one for your sauce.
Cheese for spaghetti Bolognese
There are so many types of pasta out there, and each one works best with a different sauce. This is especially true for cheese sauces, which can be finicky and require just the right balance. For a classic spaghetti Bolognese, I like to use a sharp cheddar cheese. The cheddar adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the sauce without overwhelming the other ingredients. Just a small amount is all you need to really take your Bolognese to the next level.
If you’re looking for something a little different, you could also try using a Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan will give the sauce a nutty flavor that is simply irresistible. No matter what cheese you choose, be sure to grate it fresh for the best results. Pre-grated cheese can be dry and powdery, which will not give you the smooth, creamy sauce you’re looking for. Trust me, fresh is always best!
FAQs: One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
What does adding milk to Bolognese do?
Any good cook knows that the key to a successful dish is in the ingredients. And while there are many debates about the best way to make a Bolognese, one thing is for sure: adding milk will make it richer and creamier. But why does milk have this effect?
It all has to do with the fat content. Milk is made up of water, fat, proteins, and lactose. When you add milk to Bolognese, the fat creates a barrier between the water and the pasta, giving the sauce a richer texture. Additionally, the proteins in milk help to bind the sauce together, making it more thick and velvety. And finally, the lactose in milk adds a touch of sweetness that takes the sauce to another level.
So next time you’re making Bolognese be sure to add a splash of milk. Your taste buds will thank you!
How does Gordon Ramsay cook spaghetti Bolognese?
Gordon Ramsay is a world-renowned chef, and his cookware is just as iconic as his personality. So, what makes Gordon’s Bolognese so special? For starters, he always uses high-quality ingredients. He also emphasizes the importance of cooking the sauce slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly [1].
In addition, he often adds a splash of red wine to the mix, which really brings out the flavor of the tomatoes. Of course, no Bolognese would be complete without a healthy dose of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Another thing he adds to his dish that is not very common but seems to be the norm in Britain is Worcestershire sauce [2]. He claims that it adds “a little heat and spice while darkening the mince meat”. Well, it must be true; he is famous after all so I think I may try it sometime.
And maybe someday Gordon Ramsay will share his other cooking secrets with me, I mean, the world 🙂
Wrapping up: One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
I’m glad the internet exists because now I can share this life-changing spaghetti Bolognese recipe with all of you. This is not your average pot of pasta – it’s so much better. The flavor is deep and rich, the meat is perfectly cooked, and it’s ready in under an hour. And clean up is a breeze because everything goes in one pot.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese a try and let me know how you like it! And if anyone asks, just tell them your secret ingredient is love (and maybe let the red wine do the talking).
Buon appetito!
Charlene Gallant
Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.