This hearty Instant Pot beef ragu is a great recipe for cooler weather or when you want to make a versatile meat dish as part of your weekend meal prep. It's paleo and Whole30-friendly, gluten-free, high in protein and iron, and full of flavour.
Originating from northern Italy, ragu or ragù is a meat-based sauce that is commonly served with pasta. You may be more familiar with the most typical version called ragù alla bollognese (Bolognese sauce) made with ground pork or beef (or both), but there are many recipe variations depending on the region.
Today's recipe is inspired by the Neapolitan ragu, made with whole diced beef, more onion and vegetables, and more tomato puree. This Instant Pot ragu has a few other additions that make it incredibly hearty and delicious.
As with most meat stews and sauces, you can make this recipe on the stove or a slow-cooker, but let's face it, the advantage of making ragu in an Instant Pot is that you can achieve the most tender, juicy meat in a fraction of the time. Less time for meal prep, more time for fun!
We just ate this and it was absolutely delicious! The hubby and little one both ate it all up. I ate mine over cauliflower rice and it was really good! Thanks so much for a new family favorite.
Ingredients For Instant Pot Beef Ragu
We're keeping this recipe paleo and Whole30-friendly, so we're not using any added sugar or red wine. The sweetness comes from the sautéed vegetables and tomatoes. We're also adding a little chili for a kick, and cinnamon and star anise that enhance the heartiness and meat flavours in this dish. Seriously, if you've never added either of those to a meat stew, give it a go and you will be surprised by what these spices can do to a simple meat sauce.
We got some beef rump steak on special but you can use any cut of beef, such as stewing steak, chuck steak or other cheaper cuts of meat, which work well in this recipe. Pork or lamb could also be used if you're avoiding beef.
Freezing & Storing Beef Ragu
This pressure cooker beef ragu is perfect for freezing (2-3 months) or you can store the leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days. It's great with pasta, such as tagliatelle or penne, or zucchini or sweet potato noodles for those avoiding regular pasta. Rice and potatoes also work well. Leftovers can be reheated in the frying pan and served as a taco or wrap filling, or to top a salad.
MORE INSTANT POT BEEF RECIPES
- Instant Pot Balsamic Dijon Pot Roast
- Perfect Bolognese Sauce
- Instant Pot Shredded Beef
- Instant Pot Beef Tacos With Chorizo & Chipotle
- Healthy Sloppy Joes With Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Rate This Recipe
Instant Pot Beef Ragu
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 large carrot diced into small cubes
- 1 celery stick diced into small cubes
- ½ long red chili diced (or ½ teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne pepper)
- 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
- 3 large cloves of garlic finely diced
- 1.5 lbs. diced beef steak stewing steak, chuck steak, rib eye (700-750 g)
- 1 teaspoon black or white pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder mild or sweet
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano thyme or basil
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder optional, but adds warmth and depth
- 1 star anise optional
- 1 can diced tomatoes canned (400 g / 1.5 cups)
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or Tamari wheat-free soy sauce
- 1 cube of beef stock including water
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and press the Sauté function key. Add the olive oil, onions, carrots, celery, chili and salt and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring a few times, until softened.
- Add the beef and the rest of the ingredients and stir through. Press Keep Warm/Cancel.
- Place the lid and lock. Set to Manual, High pressure, and set for 30 minutes. After three beeps the Instant Pot will begin to build up pressure and start cooking. Once the cooking finishes, release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes before using quick release to let off the rest of the steam.
- Then open the lid and press the Sauté function again. Use a potato masher (that's the easiest way) to shred or mash the beef into smaller pieces. You will get something like shredded beef consistency. Cook for 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring every 2-3 minutes. Serve with pasta, vegetable noodles, or rice.
- Stove top method.Repeat the first two steps as above using a saucepan over medium heat. Once the beef and tomatoes are in, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered with a lid for 2 hours. After 2 hours, shred the beef, and cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed (you might not have as much liquid when cooking on the stove).
Nutrition
SAVE THIS BEEF RAGU TO PINTEREST
Dmitri
The recipe does not say to add any water, is that right?
instantpoteats
You want to use 1.5 C for the beef stock cube (or 1.5 C broth).
Lora
We just ate this and it was absolutely delicious! The hubby and little one both ate it all up. I ate mine over cauliflower rice and it was really good! Thanks so much for a new family favorite.
instantpoteats
Lora, so happy you enjoyed it! xx
Courtney
I'm having trouble understanding what you mean by a beef stock cube? Does this mean been bullion cube? Is there an equivalent to using normal beef stock? No bullion cubes I see are Whole30 compliant.
instantpoteats
Yes, and the equivalent is around 1.5 cups of broth 🙂 Just replace water in the recipe with broth if you come across that again.