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If you’re craving a hearty, rich Italian classic with the ease and speed modern cooking offers, this Instant Pot Fettuccine Bolognese Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender fettuccine noodles swimming in a deeply flavorful, savory tomato and beef sauce, infused with a melody of Italian herbs and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar—all ready in under 30 minutes. It’s like having your favorite trattoria dish served right at your own kitchen table, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when comfort food is calling your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Fettuccine Bolognese Recipe plays a crucial role, combining to deliver bold flavor, balanced texture, and vibrant color. These simple pantry staples work together to create a sauce that’s simultaneously hearty and smooth, with noodles that soak up every delicious bit.
- 1 pound ground Sirloin: Offers a rich, lean meat base that browns beautifully and lends a meaty depth to the sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps caramelize the onions for extra flavor.
- 1 large sweet onion: Provides natural sweetness and a tender bite once caramelized.
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic: Brings an aromatic punch that upgrades the sauce instantly.
- 32 ounces tomato sauce: Forms the velvety foundation of the Bolognese’s signature red sauce.
- 28 ounces stewed tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh tomato tang that brightens the dish.
- 16 ounces tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, giving the sauce body and richness.
- 2 cups water: Balances the sauce consistency and hydrates the fettuccine perfectly during pressure cooking.
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning: An aromatic blend that layers in classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon sweet basil: Infuses a subtly sweet, peppery note that complements the tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano: Offers a slightly earthy, robust herbaceous flavor.
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground garlic salt: Enhances savory notes while seasoning the dish perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: Balanced seasoning that lifts all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and warmth.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that cuts acidity and enriches the sauce.
- 1/2 pound fettuccine: Wide noodles that soak up the luscious sauce, creating a satisfying texture contrast.
- Parmesan cheese: To sprinkle on top, delivering that irresistible salty, nutty finish.
- Finely chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, green burst of color and flavor as a simple garnish.
How to Make Instant Pot Fettuccine Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Flavors
Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function and melt the butter, which is the first step to layering flavor. Once melted, add the chopped onion and stir continuously until it becomes golden brown and caramelized—this takes a few minutes but forms the sweet backbone of your sauce. The transformation of the onions at this stage is key to unlocking that deep, rich taste everyone loves.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Sirloin
Add the ground sirloin to the Instant Pot. Break it up with your spoon and cook until every morsel is perfectly browned and no pink remains. This step develops savory flavors through the Maillard reaction, making the meat tender and flavorful while also creating a great base for the sauce. Don’t rush it—browning creates the flavor foundation.
Step 3: Mix in the Aromatics and Sauces
Turn off the SAUTE function to stop cooking, then stir in the minced garlic followed by the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, and tomato paste, making sure everything blends evenly. Next, pour in the water to keep things saucy and add the Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, garlic salt, seasoned salt, seasoned pepper, and brown sugar. Mixing thoroughly now ensures every bite has that perfect harmony of herbs, spices, and a hint of sweetness.
Step 4: Add and Submerge the Fettuccine
Carefully place the fettuccine into the pot, breaking it in half if necessary to fit and fully submerge it beneath the sauce. If the noodles aren’t quite covered, add a little more water (about 1/2 cup) so they cook evenly. This step is crucial because the noodles absorb all those wonderful flavors under pressure, making the whole dish sing in unison.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pasta and Sauce
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to SEALING. Press the MANUAL button and set the timer for 8 minutes. This short, intense cooking melds the sauce and pasta quickly while locking in flavor and moisture so every bite feels homemade and satisfying. It’s amazing how this step delivers such authentic taste in so little time.
Step 6: Release Pressure and Final Seasoning
When cooking finishes, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve from SEALING to VENTING. Once the float valve drops and it’s safe to open, remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Take a moment to taste the sauce—it often needs just a touch of extra seasoning at this point. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed and stir to blend, ensuring your sauce is perfectly balanced.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Dish the fettuccine Bolognese into plates or bowls and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. These last touches add vibrant color and that salty, cheesy punch that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Instant Pot Fettuccine Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese introduces that creamy saltiness that ties the dish together. Add a handful of finely chopped parsley for a fresh contrast that brightens every forkful. Bonus points for cracked black pepper for an added kick!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty, toasted bread to mop up every bit of sauce. A crisp, green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also complements the richness by adding lightness and crunch, making your meal both balanced and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Bolognese in shallow pasta bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens to wow your guests visually. Or layer leftovers in a baking dish, sprinkle cheese over the top, and broil for a cheesy Bolognese pasta bake—comfort food elevated!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Fettuccine Bolognese Recipe is a perfect candidate for leftovers because the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and you’ll have an easy, ready-to-reheat meal waiting for you.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce and pasta combo in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, and make sure to press out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
For the freshest taste, gently reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring often to avoid sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too, just cover loosely and stir halfway through for even warm-up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef, pork, or even turkey can work well. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but the Instant Pot handles them beautifully, keeping the sauce rich and delicious.
Do I need to break the fettuccine before adding it?
Breaking the fettuccine helps it submerge fully in the sauce for even cooking. If your pot is wide enough and the noodles fit without sticking out, you can keep them whole, but usually breaking them in half makes the process easier.
Is the brown sugar necessary in the recipe?
The brown sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes and adds a subtle depth of flavor. You can reduce it if you prefer less sweetness, but it really brings harmony to the sauce’s bold flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can definitely adapt it! Swap the ground sirloin for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to mimic that meaty texture, and you’ll still enjoy a robust, comforting sauce.
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?
The pasta cooks in the sauce during pressure cooking, so the timing is crucial. Follow the recipe timing closely and check the texture right after cooking—you want it tender but still with a slight bite, not mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making a classic Italian dish that feels like it belongs in a cozy trattoria yet comes together quickly in your Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Fettuccine Bolognese Recipe invites you to savor every bite of robust, comforting flavors without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, invite your loved ones to the table, and enjoy a homemade experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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Instant Pot Fettuccine Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Instant Pot Fettuccine Bolognese is a rich and hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish made with ground sirloin, a blend of tomatoes, and a flavorful mix of herbs and spices. Prepared quickly using the Instant Pot, this recipe delivers tender pasta submerged in a robust, savory sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an easy weeknight dinner or family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground Sirloin
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- Parmesan Cheese, for topping
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
Tomato and Sauce Ingredients
- 32 ounces tomato sauce
- 28 ounces stewed tomatoes
- 16 ounces tomato paste
- 2 cups water, plus more if needed
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon sweet basil
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon seasoned pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Pasta
- 1/2 pound Fettuccine (can be broken in half to fit)
Garnish
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot on to the SAUTE setting and melt the butter inside the pot to create a flavorful base.
- Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped sweet onion and cook until caramelized or golden brown, which enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground sirloin to the pot and cook until it is well browned with no pink remaining, ensuring full flavor development.
- Turn Off Sauté Mode: Switch off the SAUTE setting to stop cooking while you add the remaining ingredients.
- Add Aromatics and Sauces: Stir in minced garlic, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, sweet basil, ground oregano, garlic salt, seasoned salt, seasoned pepper, and brown sugar to build the rich sauce.
- Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Combine all the ingredients well to make sure the sauce base and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the Pasta: Add the fettuccine noodles, making sure they are completely submerged in the sauce; break the noodles in half if necessary to fit them easily.
- Adjust Liquid if Needed: If the pasta is not fully covered, add an additional 1/2 cup of water to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Seal the Instant Pot: Place the lid on the pot and set the pressure valve to SEALING to prepare for pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook the Pasta: Press the MANUAL button and set the timer for 8 minutes to cook the fettuccine and sauce together perfectly.
- Release Pressure Quickly: When cooking is complete and the pot beeps, carefully quick release the pressure by turning the valve to VENTING.
- Open and Stir: Once all pressure is released and the float valve drops, remove the lid and stir the pasta and sauce to combine; taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Season to Taste: Add any extra seasonings or salt and pepper, then mix well to incorporate the flavors evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the fettuccine Bolognese in bowls or on plates, then top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for color and flavor.
- Enjoy Your Meal: Pair this comforting dish with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete, satisfying dinner experience.
Notes
- You can break the fettuccine noodles in half to fit better in the Instant Pot and ensure even cooking.
- If the sauce is too thick after cooking, you can stir in a little extra water or broth to reach desired consistency.
- Adjust the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or on the stovetop.
