Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Name: Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500 g lean ground beef; 1 onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup carrots (diced); 1 cup celery (diced); 2 cans crushed tomatoes (400g each); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup milk

495 min 6 servings Easy

All Recipes

Enjoy a rich and hearty Bolognese sauce made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for spaghetti or your favourite pasta.

Prep

15 min

Cook

480 min

Total

495 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta. Traditionally simmered on the stove for hours, this slow cooker version makes the process more convenient while still delivering the deep, savoury flavours that are characteristic of this beloved dish. By using a slow cooker, you can easily prepare this sauce in the morning and have it ready by dinner time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients

Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots and celery.

Pro tip: Uniformly sized vegetables ensure even cooking.

Brown the meat

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F / 71°C by probing the thickest part of the meat. Drain excess fat.

Pro tip: Browning the meat adds depth of flavour.

Combine ingredients in slow cooker

Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Pro tip: Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Cook the sauce

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.

Pro tip: Slow cooking allows flavours to develop fully.

Add milk

About 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, stir in the milk for a creamy texture.

Pro tip: Milk softens the acidity of the tomatoes.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice, with grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro tip: Garnish with fresh basil for extra flavour.

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Tips & Tricks

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
For a richer flavour, brown the meat before adding to the slow cooker.
Add a splash of milk for a creamier texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook spaghetti sauce in a slow cooker?

Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Can I make spaghetti sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, slow cookers are ideal for making rich and flavourful spaghetti sauce.

What temperature is best for slow cooking bolognese?

Use the low setting for 8 hours or high setting for 4 hours.

Can I freeze bolognese sauce?

Yes, bolognese sauce freezes well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What pasta goes best with bolognese sauce?

Spaghetti is a classic choice, but fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle also pair well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your slow cooker Bolognese sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an authentic touch. To store, keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months for future meals. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.