Bolognese sauce is a rich, hearty meat sauce traditionally served with pasta. When prepared in a slow cooker, the flavors have time to develop, making this an easy and delicious meal for any day of the week. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful, comforting sauce that pairs beautifully with spaghetti, tagliatelle, or any pasta of your choice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or red wine
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for added richness
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, tagliatelle, etc.)
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Crusty bread
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Vegetables
- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Transfer the browned meat, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, grated carrot, beef broth or red wine, oregano, basil, thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine well.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Bolognese
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the Bolognese sauce on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the whole milk or heavy cream (if using) to add creaminess to the sauce.
Step 4: Serve the Bolognese
- Once the sauce has thickened and developed rich flavors, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Meat: A mixture of ground beef and ground pork will give the sauce more depth of flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra beef broth or water. If it’s too thin, leave the lid off the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to allow it to reduce.
Variations
1. Spicy Bolognese
Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the sauce a bit of heat.
2. Vegetable Bolognese
For added nutrition, you can mix in zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
3. Creamy Bolognese
Stir in ½ cup of ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking for an extra creamy and rich sauce.
4. White Wine Bolognese
Substitute the red wine or beef broth with white wine for a lighter, more delicate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce actually tastes better when made in advance. You can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I freeze Bolognese sauce?
Yes! This sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: What pasta goes best with Bolognese?
Traditional tagliatelle or fettuccine are often served with Bolognese, but you can use spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle. Hearty pasta shapes work best to catch the sauce.
Q: Can I make this Bolognese sauce without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can simmer the sauce on the stovetop in a large pot over low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
This Simple Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce is a hearty and flavorful meal that requires minimal prep and can simmer away all day, filling your kitchen with delicious aromas. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying dinner. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
