Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker Bolognese sauce is a rich, comforting classic made easy with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy days, it simmers to develop deep flavors that pair beautifully with spaghetti for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup red wine
• 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two 28-oz. cans)
• 1 cup beef stock or beef broth
• 4 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 16 oz dried spaghetti (uncooked)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Transfer the browned beef to the bottom of the slow cooker pot.
2. Step 2: Using the same skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to burn off. Pour the wine and onion mixture into the slow cooker with the ground beef.
3. Step 3: Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.
4. Step 4: In the last 20 minutes of the cooking time, prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions on the stovetop. Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust salt or seasoning as needed.
5. Step 5: Serve the Bolognese sauce with the cooked spaghetti by tossing some sauce into the pasta and then spooning extra sauce over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, use a good quality red wine and let it reduce properly before adding.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes or add a bit more tomato paste.
• Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for extra richness.

Storage

Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but cooking time may be shorter, so monitor the sauce to prevent drying out.

Do I have to use a slow cooker for this recipe?

No, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Just be sure to stir occasionally and adjust the liquid if needed.

Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 89 reviews

This Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce recipe offers a rich and flavorful Italian classic made easy by using a slow cooker. Ground beef is browned and combined with sautéed onions, garlic, red wine, and a blend of tomatoes, beef stock, and seasonings, then simmered slowly to develop a deep, hearty sauce. Perfectly paired with spaghetti, this comforting dish is ideal for a fuss-free, delicious meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 2 lbs ground beef

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

• ½ cup red wine
• 1 cup beef stock (or beef broth)

Tomato Components

• 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two 28-oz. cans)
• 4 Tbsp tomato paste

Seasonings

• 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

Pasta

• 16 oz dried spaghetti (uncooked)

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary, then transfer the cooked beef to the bottom of the slow cooker pot.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic, Add Red Wine: Using the same skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes to evaporate the alcohol, then pour the mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients and Cook: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours, allowing flavors to meld into a rich sauce.
4. Cook Spaghetti: During the last 20 minutes of the sauce cooking time, prepare the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust salt or seasonings as desired. Mix some of the bolognese sauce into the cooked spaghetti and then ladle additional sauce over the top. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, use a good quality dry red wine.
• Make sure to brown the beef well to develop a rich base for the sauce.
• Slow cooking time can be adjusted depending on your schedule but do not reduce below 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low for best results.
• Adding a splash of heavy cream at the end can give a creamier texture if desired.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated; flavors will deepen when reheated.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Bolognese, Italian Sauce, Slow Cooker Dinner, Ground Beef Sauce, Easy Bolognese, Spaghetti Sauce