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
Scale
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.
