instant pot pulled pork ragu

Tender pork that simmers in a hearty sauce made with Hunt’s San Marzano Style Tomatoes and broth, sautéed veggies, garlic and herbs. This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Ragu is beautiful to make on the weekends, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

I have a weakness for an Italian slow-cooked dinner. There’s just something so comforting about knowing how much time and love when into a dish, and how long you have to wait to enjoy said Italian slow-cooked dinner. But! Do you know what’s even better than an Italian slow-cooked dinner? A dinner that can be made in half the time using an Instant Pot. Now that’s real love.

What is pork ragu?

Any kind of ragu is just stewed meat that simmers in a tomato puree with broth or wine, and other seasonings. It’s hearty and sounds like it’s time consuming, but whether you make this pulled pork ragu in the instant pot, slow-cooker, or braise in the oven, it couldn’t be easier to make. After your pork is tender enough, it will easily shred with two forks.

This works well with pork shoulder (butt), pork tenderloin or similar beef cuts like chuck roast, short ribs, etc.

I love pork shoulder for this Instant Pot Pulled Pork Ragu recipe, but in today’s recipe I actually opted to use a lean pork tenderloin and it’s just as flavorful – I promise.

Any tomato sauce or puree will technically do for this Instant Pot Pulled Pork Ragu, but if you really want to up the flavor, I would use San Marzano Style Tomatoes. San Marzano Style tomatoes have a meaty texture and a thick juice that adds a rich, robust flavor to this ragu recipe. You can find them at Walmart in the same aisle as other canned tomatoes and pasta. Need more dinner inspo? Click here for more recipes using San Marzano Style Tomatoes.

The San Marzano Style Tomatoes bring this recipe together in a sweet but slightly chunky sauce that is perfect for eating on its own…or dipping with bread, if we’re being real here! These tomatoes are all natural, steam peeled, and offer a rich, robust flavor to tomato dishes.  They are grown in California and provide maximum flavor, which I’m into. And since these San Marzano Style Tomatoes are made by Hunt’s, trusted, national brand in our home, I feel good about using them in my ragu recipe.

Instant Pot Pork Ragu only needs 45-minutes to cook! Any other method takes 3-4 hours. But, please remember that it will take approximately 15-minutes for your Instant Pot to build pressure on manual, and then 15-minutes to naturally release, making the entire process truly 1 hour, 15-minutes.

What to serve with pork ragu

To be honest, most of the time I actually try to stay away from pasta (how I love thee), but this dish is worth the compromise! Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley is also a must! If you’re on a whole30, eat paleo or low-carb, you can make this pork ragu as-is, and it is completely compliant.

• zucchini noodles
• spaghetti squash
• pappardelle pasta
• rigatoni
• polenta
• this ragu is also perfect for sandwiches

The below recipe is made using a 2 1/2lb pork tenderloin. If you prefer pork shoulder, you will still follow the same cooking instructions. This ragu recipe will easily serve eight people. It’s perfect for weekend family dinners, or during the week with loads of leftovers – enjoy!

instant pot pulled pork ragu

Tender pork that simmers in a hearty sauce made with Hunt's San Marzano Style Tomatoes and broth, sauteed veggies, garlic and herbs. This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Ragu is beautiful to make on the weekends, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. 

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

instant pot pressure and release time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Nichole Crews

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 lb pork tenderloin
• 1 cup beef stock - or broth
• 1 28-ounce can Hunt's San Marzano Style Tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

• Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat the olive oil and add in yellow onion, celery and carrots. Stir until vegetables are soft. Add in minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove vegetables and garlic and set aside.
• Season pork with salt and pepper. Add pork and brown on sauté mode, 2 minutes on each side
• Add softened vegetables and remaining ingredients, squeezing the San Marzano Style Tomatoes with your hands to crush them before adding them and their juices. Close lid.
• Cook high pressure 45 minutes. Natural release, remove bay leaves, shred the pork with 2 forks. Serve over your favorite pasta or veggie noodles, or polenta.

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