Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

“This easy slow cooker Bolognese sauce is rich, hearty, and full of authentic Italian flavors. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of white wine, this homemade Bolognese is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Simply set it and forget it—let your crockpot do all the work! Serve this classic meat sauce over spaghetti, pappardelle, or your favorite pasta for a delicious, family-friendly meal. This slow cooker Bolognese recipe is freezer-friendly, meal-prep perfect, and guaranteed to be a hit!”

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 celery sticks, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, grated
• 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 15%-20% fat content)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley (plus more for serving)
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes (or canned whole tomatoes, crushed)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

To Serve:

• Pasta of choice
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan or your favorite Italian cheese

What You’ll Need:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Slow cooker

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

1. In a large, deep pan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until softened (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and 1/2 cup parsley and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

1. In the same pan (without washing it), add ground beef.
2. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper and sauté until fully cooked and no longer red (6-10 minutes).
3. For a leaner sauce, remove excess fat, leaving about 3 Tbsp of oil in the pan.
4. Pour in 1 cup white wine and cook over medium-high heat until it completely evaporates (8-10 minutes).
5. Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook the Sauce:

1. Add 1 cup milk, bay leaf (if using), 1 Tbsp sugar, and both cans of crushed tomatoes with juice to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. If the sauce is too thin, uncover and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed (about 1 tsp more may be required).
2. Serve generous portions of Bolognese over cooked pasta.
3. Top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.

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Tips

• Use high-fat ground beef (15%-20%) for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
• If using whole canned tomatoes, crush them with your hands or a spoon before adding to the slow cooker.
• For a smoother sauce, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before serving.
• Letting the sauce sit for a few hours after cooking enhances the flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef for a mix of ground pork, veal, or turkey.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the milk or replace it with unsweetened almond milk.
• Gluten-Free: Serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or gluten-free pasta.
• Vegetarian: Use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives instead of beef.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simmer the sauce on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Q: Can I use red wine instead of white?
Yes! Red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon adds a deeper, richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with spaghetti, pappardelle, or rigatoni for a hearty meal.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Spoon over mashed potatoes or polenta for a comforting twist.
• Top with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
• Rich and Flavorful: A deep, savory sauce with layers of complexity.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

Enjoy this slow cooker Bolognese sauce for an easy, comforting, and flavorful meal!