Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce is a staple in my home! A slow cooked ragu made with lean ground beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, wine, and cream is one of my favorite Italian sauces.
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce is a staple in my home! A slow cooked ragu made with lean ground beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, wine, and cream is one of my favorite Italian sauces.
- 1/4 cup white wine
- salt and fresh pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 leaves
- 1 large white onion minced
- 4 oz pancetta chopped (or center cut bacon)
- 2 oz cans crushed tomatoes (i love tuttorosso)
- 1 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 2 stalks (about 3/4 cup) minced
- 2 carrots (about 3/4 cup) minced
- 2 lb 95% lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup half & half cream
- Carbohydrate 0.852766569356823 g
- Cholesterol 6.4069922206 mg
- Fat 2.29847556186508 g
- Fiber 0.152580003235084 g
- Protein 2.27942793132752 g
- Saturated Fat 0.757740223045048 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (63g)
- Sodium 146.179234173991 mg
- Sugar 0.700186566121739 g
- Trans Fat 0.263938225874735 g
- Calories 34 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large deep saute pan, saute pancetta on low heat until the fat melts, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add butter, onions, celery and carrots and cook on medium-low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Increase flame to medium-high; add meat, season with salt and pepper and saute until browned.
- Drain the fat then add wine; cook until it reduces down, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add to crock pot.
- Add tomatoes, bay leaves, salt and pepper; cover and set slow cooker to LOW 6 hours.
- After the 6 hours, adjust salt and pepper to taste, add half & half and parsley; stir and serve over your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash.
My Favorite Weeknight Crock Pot Bolognese
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be quick, easy, and, of course, delicious. That's why my crock pot has become my absolute best friend. It's a lifesaver, transforming simple ingredients into amazing meals with minimal effort. This Crock Pot Bolognese is a perfect example. It's rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying – the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, especially on a chilly evening.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You simply saute the aromatics – onions, carrots, and celery – with pancetta for a wonderfully savory base. Then, you brown the lean ground beef, adding depth and richness to the sauce. A splash of white wine deglazes the pan, capturing those delicious browned bits. Everything then goes into the crock pot, where it simmers gently for six hours, developing a complex and intense flavor that's impossible to achieve with quicker cooking methods. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a sauce that is both robust and comforting.
I love using a good quality crushed tomato – Tuttorosso is a personal favorite – to create a bright, vibrant sauce. The addition of half-and-half at the end adds a touch of creaminess that perfectly balances the richness of the pancetta and beef. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a final layer of flavor. It's the perfect finishing touch.
This Bolognese is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic served over spaghetti, fettuccine, or even polenta. I often use spaghetti squash for a lighter option. Leftovers are a dream – perfect for meal prepping for busy lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the crockpot. And because the recipe makes about ten cups, freezing leftovers is easy. A freezer-friendly meal ready to go is a busy mom's secret weapon.
More than just a recipe, this Crock Pot Bolognese represents my commitment to creating simple, delicious, and satisfying meals for my family. It's a testament to the power of slow cooking – a technique that allows even the busiest of individuals to enjoy flavorful and heartwarming home-cooked food without sacrificing precious time.
This recipe isn't just a dinner; it's a warm embrace after a long day, a comforting aroma that fills the house, and a shared experience around the dinner table. It’s a reminder that even amid the chaos of daily life, there’s always time for delicious food and cherished moments.
So, the next time you’re short on time but long on the desire for a delicious and satisfying meal, reach for your crockpot and try this recipe. I'm confident it will quickly become a staple in your home, too. You’ll find the process surprisingly relaxing, and the result will be well worth the effort.
Beyond the Bolognese: Exploring Slow Cooker Magic
The crock pot isn't just limited to Bolognese sauce; it's a versatile kitchen tool with endless possibilities. Think about the convenience: you can throw everything in, set it, and forget it! This frees up your time to focus on other things – whether it's spending time with family, tackling errands, or simply relaxing. Here are a few more ideas to inspire your slow-cooking adventures:
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: A classic for a reason! The slow cooking melts the pork, resulting in tender, juicy strands perfect for sandwiches or tacos.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Chili: A hearty and warming chili that's perfect for a chilly evening. Customize it with your favorite beans and spices.
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth – what could be better on a cold day?
- Slow Cooker Oatmeal: Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of oatmeal made in the crock pot. Add your favorite fruits and nuts.
- Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken: Shredded chicken with amazing salsa flavor – perfect for tacos, salads, or just on its own.
The possibilities are truly endless! Experiment with different recipes, flavors, and ingredients to discover your own slow cooker favorites. It’s a journey of culinary discovery, one delicious meal at a time.
