Instant Pot Bolognese with Penne

Name: Instant Pot Bolognese with Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs lean ground beef; 12 oz penne pasta; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 medium carrots, finely diced; 2 stalks celery, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup red wine (or additional beef broth); 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup fresh basil for garnish

A rich, meaty Bolognese sauce pressure-cooked in a fraction of the traditional time. Ladle over penne for a hearty Italian dinner that feeds the whole family.

PROTEIN 28g

CALORIES 426

P:E RATIO 6.6

TIME 35m

YIELD 6

Bowl of penne pasta topped with rich meat Bolognese sauce garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan

P:E 6.6

ELITE DENSITY

1.5 lbs lean ground beef 28G PROTEIN

12 oz penne pasta CARB BASE

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes PRODUCE

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste PRODUCE

1 medium onion, finely diced FLAVOR

2 medium carrots, finely diced PRODUCE

2 stalks celery, finely diced PRODUCE

4 cloves garlic, minced FLAVOR

1/2 cup red wine (or additional beef broth) 28G PROTEIN

1/2 cup beef broth 28G PROTEIN

2 tablespoons olive oil FLAVOR

1 teaspoon dried basil FLAVOR

1 teaspoon dried oregano FLAVOR

1/2 teaspoon salt FLAVOR

1/4 cup fresh basil for garnish FLAVOR

Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bolognese sauce freezes perfectly for up to 3 months (freeze without pasta).
Batching: Finely dice the vegetables (mirepoix) — they melt into the sauce and add sweetness and depth.
Reheat: Microwave for 2–3 minutes. Stovetop: simmer sauce and add pasta, stirring to coat.

EXECUTION STEPS

HIGH HEAT SEAR

Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat olive oil and cook onion, carrots, and celery for 4 minutes until softened.

HIGH HEAT SEAR

Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking into crumbles, until browned. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

VEGGIE STEAM-SAUTÉ

Pour in red wine and scrape up browned bits. Let simmer for 1 minute.

THE ASSEMBLY

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, and salt.

STEP 5

Lock lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 15 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes.

STEP 6

While sauce cooks, boil penne according to package directions and drain.

STEP 7

Stir sauce and season with additional salt if needed.

STEP 8

Divide pasta and Bolognese among 6 containers. Garnish with fresh basil.

1,506 COMMUNITY PREPS THIS WEEK

Instant Pot Bolognese with Penne

INVENTORY LIST

MEAL PREP LOGISTICS

EXECUTION STEPS

HIGH HEAT SEAR

HIGH HEAT SEAR

VEGGIE STEAM-SAUTÉ

THE ASSEMBLY

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

PRIMARY CATEGORY

RELATED INGREDIENTS

FULL EXECUTION PLANS