Description
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. 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
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, white wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sauce is rich and flavorful.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve this slow cooker Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of milk or cream at the end of cooking.
- This slow cooker Bolognese sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg