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Instant Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Sauce

A cozy, rich, and hearty beef ragu that is easy to make in the Instant Pot, delivering deep flavor similar to a slow-cooked meal in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lb chuck roast or stew beef Cut into large cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds richness
  • 0.5 cup red wine Optional, for deglazing
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes Big can
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 pinch sugar If tomatoes are sharp
  • 1 piece parmesan rind Optional, for added flavor
  • to taste salt For seasoning

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Salt and pepper the beef cubes generously.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode, heat the olive oil and brown the beef in batches.
  3. Remove the beef and add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft.
  4. Add the tomato paste and cook for one minute.
  5. Pour in the red wine and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom.
  6. Return the beef to the pot along with the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, oregano, parmesan rind, and sugar.
Cooking
  1. Lock the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure for 45 minutes.
  2. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, or until you're ready.
  3. Shred the beef with forks, stir well, and taste for additional salt.

Notes

For thickening, switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode with the lid off for 5-10 minutes. Serve over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread. Leftovers taste even better the next day.