Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/slow-cooker-bolognese-sauce-recipe/
