Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever yearned for a dish that combines warmth, richness, and a hint of indulgence? The Instant Pot Beef Ragu: Scrumptious Comfort in Just 1 Hour delivers just that. Picture tender beef simmering in a sauce bursting with savory flavors, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Each bite offers an explosion of taste, making it a comforting classic in any home cook’s repertoire.
This delightful dish is more than just a meal; it evokes memories of Sunday dinners spent around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather and enjoy. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive occasion, the Instant Pot Beef Ragu promises to become a staple in your cooking lineup. Get ready for an amazing culinary experience that will have your loved ones asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients For Instant Pot Beef Ragu: Scrumptious Comfort in Just 1 Hour
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Chuck Roast: This cut of beef is perfect for braising due to its rich marbling, which ensures tenderness and flavor.
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Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the ragu, enhancing the overall flavor profile as it caramelizes during cooking.
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Carrots: Diced carrots contribute sweetness and texture, balancing the savory elements in the sauce.
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Celery: Chopped celery adds freshness and additional layers of flavor to the ragu.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic qualities that elevate the dish’s taste.
For the Sauce:
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Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for a rich base; they create a luscious sauce when combined with other ingredients.
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Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels while ensuring robust flavor.
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Red Wine: A splash of red wine adds complexity and depth; choose one you would enjoy drinking.
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Dried Oregano: This herb enhances the Italian flavors typical of ragu dishes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Instant Pot Beef Ragu: Scrumptious Comfort in Just 1 Hour
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Sear the Beef
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat up. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust.
Second Step : Sauté Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Third Step : Deglaze with Wine
Pour in half a cup of red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom while allowing the wine to reduce slightly for about two minutes.
Fourth Step : Add Remaining Ingredients
Return the seared beef to the pot along with canned tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Fifth Step : Pressure Cook
Seal your Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Manual’ mode at high pressure for 45 minutes. Ensure that you allow natural pressure release for about ten minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
Sixth Step : Serve
Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return shredded beef back into the sauce for even distribution. Serve over pasta or polenta with grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch.

Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Choose Quality Beef: Opt for grass-fed or organic chuck roast if possible; it tends to have better flavor and texture.
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Use Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance freshness when garnishing before serving.
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Adjust Consistency: If your ragu turns out too thick after pressure cooking, simply stir in a bit more broth until desired consistency is achieved.
Presentation Ideas
This Instant Pot Beef Ragu: Scrumptious Comfort in Just 1 Hour is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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Pasta: Serve this rich beef ragu over fresh fettuccine or pappardelle. The wide noodles capture the sauce beautifully, making every bite a savory delight.
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Polenta: Creamy polenta acts as a fantastic base for the beef ragu, providing a comforting texture that complements the robust flavors of the dish.
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Bread: A rustic loaf or garlic bread makes an excellent side. Use it to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance your dining experience.
Storing Tips
To keep your Instant Pot Beef Ragu: Scrumptious Comfort in Just 1 Hour fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover Instant Pot Beef Ragu, reheat it gently. You can warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Instant Pot Beef Ragu with a crisp side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. A glass of red wine also complements this hearty dish beautifully. Consider topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant finish.
FAQs
What is Instant Pot Beef Ragu?
Instant Pot Beef Ragu is a savory Italian dish made by slow-cooking beef in a rich tomato-based sauce until tender. Using an Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time without compromising flavor. This comforting meal embodies warmth and satisfaction, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
How long does it take to make Instant Pot Beef Ragu?
With the Instant Pot, you can prepare this sumptuous beef ragu in just one hour. The pressure cooking feature allows it to develop deep flavors quickly while ensuring that the meat becomes incredibly tender. This method makes it easier than traditional slow-cooking methods that can take several hours.
Can I use different meats for my beef ragu?
Yes! While traditional recipes call for beef chuck roast or brisket, you can experiment with other meats like pork or turkey if you prefer. Each type brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat’s tenderness to achieve optimal results.
Is Instant Pot Beef Ragu healthy?
Instant Pot Beef Ragu can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. It contains protein from the beef and nutrients from tomatoes and vegetables used in the sauce. To make it healthier, consider using lean cuts of meat and adding more vegetables into your ragu blend, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
Instant Pot Beef Ragu
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Instant Pot Beef Ragu is a hearty dish that brings the warmth of Italian comfort food to your table in just one hour. This savory ragu features tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, combined with aromatic vegetables and fragrant herbs. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta or creamy polenta, creating an irresistible meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chuck roast
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat olive oil. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper; sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return the beef to the pot along with crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and stir well.
- Seal the lid and cook on 'Manual' high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Shred the beef with two forks and mix back into the sauce. Serve over pasta or polenta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg