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 bay leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes (see note)
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced or coarsely grated
- 2 stalks celery finely diced or coarsely grated
- 2 medium carrots finely diced or coarsely grated
- 21/2 – 3 pounds ground beef (i used 85% lean) (see note
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1-28 ounce can san marzano tomatoes
- 1-14 ounce can diced tomatoes drained
- 1-2 parmesan rinds
- 1/4 cup parsley roughly chopped (plus more for serving)
- 3/4 cup half and half (or heavy cream!)
- Carbohydrate 36.9535975789919 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 162.796019717344 g
- Fiber 6.24517741136534 g
- Protein 6.3034902239077 g
- Saturated Fat 21.2032021337401 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1584g)
- Sodium 151.033152131514 mg
- Sugar 30.7084201676265 g
- Trans Fat 7.99003463115198 g
- Calories 1601 calories
Step-by-step
- Finely dice or coarsely grate one medium yellow onion and two stalks of celery.
- Finely dice or coarsely grate two medium carrots.
- Mince three tablespoons of garlic.
- Roughly chop 1/4 cup of parsley (plus more for serving).
- In a slow cooker, brown 2 1/2–3 pounds of ground beef (85% lean recommended). Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the slow cooker and cook until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add 1/4 cup of tomato paste, 3 tablespoons of oil, and 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Add 2 1/2 pounds of fresh tomatoes (or use canned San Marzano tomatoes and diced tomatoes), two bay leaves, salt and pepper to taste, and 1-2 Parmesan rinds.
- Stir in 3/4 cup of half-and-half (or heavy cream).
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the Parmesan rinds and bay leaves before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
My Simple Slow Cooker Bolognese: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the ever-present to-do list. That's why I've become a devout follower of the slow cooker – it's my secret weapon against weeknight dinner dilemmas. And this slow cooker Bolognese sauce is a testament to its power.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about creating a comforting, flavourful meal that the whole family will love. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that you simply can't achieve with quicker methods. The rich, meaty sauce clings perfectly to pasta, and the subtle sweetness of the carrots and celery adds a delightful counterpoint to the savory beef. Honestly, the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water – it fills the entire house with a warm, inviting scent that promises a delicious meal ahead.
I've adapted this recipe over the years, tweaking it to suit my family's preferences and my busy schedule. Sometimes, I'll add a splash of red wine for an extra layer of complexity, or a pinch more red pepper flakes for a little heat. Other times, I'll use different types of tomatoes, depending on what's in season at the market. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; it's a blank canvas that you can personalize to your liking. And that, my friends, is the magic of home cooking.
Beyond the convenience, this Bolognese offers a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that I've created a delicious, homemade meal from scratch, even on a hectic weeknight, is incredibly rewarding. It's a small act of self-care, a way to nourish my family and myself with something delicious and wholesome. The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing me up to focus on other things – whether it's spending quality time with my children, catching up on emails, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
This slow cooker Bolognese is more than just a recipe; it's a symbol of resourcefulness, a testament to the power of simple ingredients, and a delicious reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time for a comforting, homemade meal. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by a busy week, remember this recipe. It's a lifeline, a promise of a flavorful, heartwarming dinner that requires minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Use different types of tomatoes: Experiment with different canned tomatoes, such as fire-roasted or crushed tomatoes, for variations in texture and taste.
- Add herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can add a wonderful aromatic touch.
- Serve it up: Serve over your favorite pasta, polenta, or even mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition!
This slow cooker Bolognese is a true weeknight hero, a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Try it once, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your family’s dinner rotation.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this slow cooker Bolognese. Your family (and your sanity) will thank you for it!
