Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Try this Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 small yellow onion minced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms diced
- 12 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 cup dry white or red wine
- 1 (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomato mashed into small pieces
- Carbohydrate 4.83410375049189 g
- Cholesterol 30.640785025036 mg
- Fat 6.11995034080795 g
- Fiber 0.854624991185637 g
- Protein 9.96438380566711 g
- Saturated Fat 2.41538597156651 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (103g)
- Sodium 206.331227875753 mg
- Sugar 3.97947875930625 g
- Trans Fat 0.687673406483414 g
- Calories 115 calories
Step-by-step
- In a Dutch oven or large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over high heat.
- Add onion, carrots and celery; cook until slightly softened, stirring frequently for about five minutes.
- Add the mushrooms, garlic and tomato paste and cook until garlic is fragrant, about one minute.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat with a spoon until no longer pink, about five minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, oregano and thyme and stir until combined.
- Add milk and bring sauce to a simmer until liquid is completely absorbed, about five minutes.
- Add wine and stir, simmering again until liquid is evaporated again, for about 10 minutes.
- At this point, meat should be nice and browned and sauce should be thickening.
- Meanwhile, place tomatoes in the bowl of a slow cooker.
- Add the beef mixture to the slow cooker and stir until everything is combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for six to eight hours.
- Sauce will be ready to eat immediately or refrigerate in an air-tight container until you’re ready to reheat on the stovetop and serve.
- When sauce is almost done (or reheating), cook your favorite pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions; drain.
- Toss pasta with the meat sauce and serve sprinkled with cheese.
- Leftovers will keep for 3-5 days or can be frozen up to three months in individual portions.
My Simple Slow Cooker Bolognese: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the ever-present struggle to put a healthy and delicious meal on the table before everyone melts down. That's where my trusty slow cooker becomes my culinary superhero. It's the unsung champion of efficient cooking, allowing me to create flavorful, satisfying meals without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. And this Slow Cooker Bolognese? It’s the epitome of that efficiency.
The aroma alone is enough to make everyone's day a little brighter. The rich, savory scent of simmering tomatoes, herbs, and ground beef wafts through the house, promising a comforting, hearty meal. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious yet is shockingly easy to make. I often start it in the morning before heading off to work, and by the time dinner rolls around, the house is filled with this incredible smell, and dinner is practically ready. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It's also incredibly versatile. I’ve served it over spaghetti, used it as a filling for lasagna, or even tossed it with zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it's about quality ingredients transforming into a delicious experience. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a sauce that is rich, complex, and utterly satisfying. The slow cooker works its magic, gently breaking down the tough connective tissues in the beef, yielding a tender, flavorful result. It's a testament to the power of simple, thoughtful cooking, proving that a delicious meal doesn't have to be complicated.
Beyond the ease and taste, this Bolognese is also a great vehicle for leftovers. It freezes beautifully and makes fantastic lunches for busy workdays. The leftovers are just as tasty as the original, and sometimes even better, the flavors having melded even further in the refrigerator. What’s not to love? So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal, try my Slow Cooker Bolognese. I think you'll find it becomes a weeknight staple in your house too.
Beyond the Recipe: My Slow Cooker Adventures
My slow cooker isn't just for Bolognese; it's a versatile workhorse in my kitchen. I use it to make everything from hearty stews and pulled pork to tender chicken and even decadent desserts. It's truly a kitchen staple. The ability to set it and forget it is a godsend for someone juggling work, family, and a social life. I’ve experimented with countless slow cooker recipes over the years, learning new techniques and tweaking ingredients to create my own personalized versions. It's a journey of culinary exploration, driven by the desire to create delicious and convenient meals.
What I love most about slow cooking is the sense of anticipation. The promise of a delicious meal simmering away while I tend to other tasks is a unique pleasure. It's a reminder that good things take time and that even in the midst of a busy schedule, there’s always time for a comforting and delicious meal. And while the process is straightforward, the results are anything but ordinary. Each bite is a testament to the subtle alchemy of slow cooking, the gentle transformation of ingredients into a harmonious whole. It's about creating a sensory experience, a meal that pleases the palate and nourishes the soul. The slow cooker has become more than just an appliance; it's a symbol of simple pleasures and efficient cooking, a testament to how even the busiest life can find time for delicious food.
This Slow Cooker Bolognese is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of efficient cooking and flavorful meals. It's the recipe I turn to when I need a comforting, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. And it's a recipe I'm happy to share with you, hoping it becomes a favorite in your home too. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
