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    Home » Freezer Friendly » Instant Pot Beef Ragu {Freezer Friendly}

    Instant Pot Beef Ragu {Freezer Friendly}

    Published: Oct 30, 2018 · Modified: Jan 4, 2023 by Steph · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · About 4 minutes to read this article.

    Instant Pot Beef Ragu
    45 Minute Instant Pot Beef Ragu | Meal Plan Addict
    Freezer Friendly Instant Pot Beef Ragu | Meal Plan Addict
    Melt in Your Mouth Instant Pot Beef Ragu | Meal Plan Addict
    Quick and Easy Instant Pot Beef Ragu | Meal Plan Addict

    It typically takes hours and hours of simmering to get a tender beef ragu, but not today. This Instant Pot Beef Ragu is fall apart, melt in your mouth tender in 45 minutes, and freezes well, so you better double up the recipe! 

    Instant_pot_ragu_hero

     

    Gone are the days of stew meat taking hours and hours to get tender.

    Enter Instant Pot. Taking tough meat and making it tender in a fraction of the time .... since 2013! 

    I have been buying a ton of stew meat and using this less expensive cut to experiment using my Instant Pot, and man I have finally nailed this Instant Pot Beef Ragu... and my food styling noodle twirl! YAAASS!!!

    Instant_pot_beef_ragu_3

     

    This Instant Pot recipe is tender and delicious, yes, but it is also a meal preppers dream.

    You can either prep all of the ingredients raw and freeze or fully cook it and freeze. This recipe is even better on reheat!

    This Instant Pot Beef Ragu sauce is now in hot competition for my popular Sneaky Veggie Meat Sauce.

     

    Instant_pot_beef_ragu_overhead

    Ragu is great on pappardelle noodles like I have done, but feel free to shake it up to meet the needs of your family.

    Try it on zucchini noodles, spaghetti noodles, rice - I would even pour this all over a baked potato for stuffed potato heaven. 

    Stock up your freezer and you have options for a few dinners, using one sauce!

    EXPERT TIP | Frozen beef? No problem. Cook this from a frozen ice block, just increase the cook time to 60 minutes. 

     

    Instant_pot_beef_ragu_close up sauce

    Instant_pot_beef_ragu_3
    Print Pin
    4.58 from 7 votes

    Instant Pot Beef Ragu {Freezer Friendly}

    It typically takes hours and hours of simmering to get a tender beef ragu, but not today. This Instant Pot Beef Ragu is fall apart, melt in your mouth tender in 45 minutes, and freezes well, so you better double up the recipe! 
    Course Instant Pot
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Instant Pot Meal Prep, Ragu
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes
    Total Time 50 minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 179kcal

    Equipment

    • 6 Quart Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound Stew Beef
    • 769ml can Diced Tomatos
    • 3 Garlic cloves minced
    • 1 small onion diced
    • 1 tbsp dried oregano
    • 1 tbsp Balsamic reduction or high quality balsamic vinegar
    • ½ tsp Red chili pepper flakes adjust to taste
    • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
    • 2 tsp Sugar
    • 1 tsp Salt

    Instructions

    Make it Now

    • Combine all ingredients into the base of your Instant Pot. Stir to combine. Do not sub tomato sauce for diced tomatoes or the sauce may scorch. 
    • Secure the lid to your Instant Pot. Set the valve to sealing. Set the machine to 45 minutes, high pressure. 60 minutes if your beef is frozen. 
    • When the pressure cycle is complete, let it naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. You don't want tomato sauce on your roof! 
    • After 10 minutes, carefully quick release the remaining pressure. 
    • Using 2 forks, shred the beef up a bit, or leave it in the pieces, your choice!
    • Serve your ragu on a bed of pasta noodles of choice! 

    Make it a Freezer Meal Prep

    • Place all of the ingredients into a gallon size freezer zip bag.
    • Label the bag, and lay flat to freeze.
    • Store frozen for up to 4 months.
    • To cook, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge, and then follow the "make it now" instructions above.

    Notes

    Do not sub out the diced tomatoes for crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. The sauce will be too thick and will be at risk fro scorching to the bottom of the Instant Pot. The volumes of liquid are important in this recipe. 
    This recipe has not been tested in the 8 quart Instant Pot. I would be inclined to double the recipe if I was using an 8 quart. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g

    So, there you have it. Amazingly tender Instant Pot Beef Ragu... for your belly and your freezer! 

     

    « Instant Pot Veggie Loaded White Cheddar Soup
    Instant Pot Chicken Yakitori Meal Prep »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stacy says

      March 05, 2019 at 6:57 am

      How would you reheat cooked from frozen in instant pot?

      Reply
      • Steph says

        March 08, 2019 at 7:37 am

        I haven't tried that, but I imagine that would take at least 30 minutes.

        Reply
    2. Lissa Mangano says

      December 09, 2019 at 10:54 am

      Hi! Mine is really watery - is there anything you can recommend to fix it?

      Reply
      • Steph says

        December 09, 2019 at 11:06 am

        Just drain excess liquid!

        Reply
    3. Julie ormsby says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:25 am

      Can you do this with a 4qt insta pot? I only have 4 quarts and I was wondering if it would work in there

      Reply
    4. Jack says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:47 am

      Can u add carrots to this?

      Reply
      • Steph says

        December 28, 2019 at 9:29 am

        You can, but they will be really mushy.

        Reply
    5. Melinda says

      April 27, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      Your note about serving over potatoes has me dreaming! Spouse is on a diet but ragu-stuffed sweet potato or avocados would make the cut! Adding to the to-do list...

      Reply

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