Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe for a Quick Big Batch Dinner

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic comfort food loved by many, but making a large batch can often take hours. What if you could prepare a big, flavorful batch in just 30 minutes? Using an Instant Pot, this recipe delivers a rich, hearty Bolognese sauce that serves eight generously, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. It’s budget-friendly, freezes well, and pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta.

Spaghetti Bolognese is everyone's favorite and you can make it in 30-45 minutes!

Ingredients You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 onions, finely diced

• 2 celery sticks, finely diced

• 2 carrots, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced or quartered (optional)

• 1 tablespoon mixed herbs

  (fresh or dried oregano, thyme, basil, or marjoram)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 pound ground beef

• ¾ to 1 pound ground pork

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 large can of tomatoes, whole or diced

• ¾ cup red wine (optional)

• ⅔ cup stock

• Cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice

• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

• Optional: Heavy Cream or Marscapone Cheese, to taste.

This combination of ingredients creates a

deep, layered flavor that makes the

sauce stand out. The mix of beef and pork adds richness, while the vegetables build a natural sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heating the olive oil. Add the finely diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the vegetables soften but do not brown. If you choose to include mushrooms, add them now and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until their liquid evaporates. Finally, stir in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes to release its aroma.

Step 2: Add Herbs, Meat, and Liquids

Next, stir in the mixed herbs and bay leaves. Let them cook briefly until fragrant. Crumble in the ground beef and pork, stirring to break up the meat. Cook until the meat is lightly browned. Squeeze in the tomato paste and mix well. Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking up whole tomatoes with your spoon. Add the red wine and stock, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Turn off the sauté function, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Once cooking is complete, carefully release the pressure and open the lid. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For a creamy twist, stir in ½ cup of cream or a small tub of mascarpone. This step is optional but adds a smooth texture and richness.

Serve the sauce hot over drained spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.

Instant Pot Cooking is fast and delicious!

Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

• Use fresh herbs if possible for a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well too.

• Don’t skip the sauté step; it builds the base flavor by softening vegetables and browning the meat.

• Red wine adds depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with extra stock.

• Make a big batch and freeze leftovers in portions for quick meals later. This recipe freezes well for up to 4 months.

• If the sauce is too watery after pressure cooking, adjust the consistency by simmering it with the lid off for a few minutes.

  
  

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

This Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing taste. It cooks a large quantity in about 30 to 40 minutes, including prep and pressure cooking time. That means you can have a hearty meal ready on a weeknight or prepare meals ahead for the week.

The recipe serves eight generously, making it ideal for families or meal prepping. At under $10 per meal for four people, it’s also budget-friendly. Using the Instant Pot reduces active cooking time and cleanup, freeing you up for other tasks.

Spaghetti Bolognese with grated Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese recipe combines convenience, flavor, and value. It’s a reliable way to quickly prepare a big batch of classic Italian comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning meals for the week, this recipe delivers satisfying results with minimal effort.