Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Try this Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce recipe.
- 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
- Add oil to the slow cooker.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add fresh tomatoes, canned San Marzano tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and Parmesan rinds.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove bay leaves and Parmesan rinds.
- Stir in half-and-half and parsley.
- Serve over pasta, polenta or gnocchi.
My Favorite Slow Cooker Bolognese: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, wholesome meals can often feel like a Herculean task. Juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and endless to-do lists leaves little time for elaborate recipes. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes; they're my secret weapon for creating flavorful, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker Bolognese is a prime example. It's incredibly easy to throw together in the morning, and by the time dinner rolls around, you're greeted with a rich, hearty sauce that's perfect for pasta, polenta, or even spooned over creamy mashed potatoes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires no fancy ingredients or techniques; just a few pantry staples and a good quality ground beef. I typically use 85% lean, which provides a nice balance of flavor and leanness. But feel free to experiment; 90% lean works just as well if you prefer a lower-fat option. The slow cooker does all the work, gently simmering the sauce for hours until the flavors meld together beautifully. The result is a deep, complex sauce that's far superior to anything you could whip up in a hurry on the stovetop. It's rich and savory, with a touch of sweetness from the tomatoes and a hint of tang from the apple cider vinegar. The Parmesan rinds add a depth of umami that’s simply irresistible.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. I often make a double batch on the weekend, storing half for immediate consumption and freezing the other half for a quick weeknight meal. It freezes beautifully and thaws just as easily, making it a lifesaver on those busy evenings when you’re short on time but crave a comforting, home-cooked meal. I’ve also experimented with adding different vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, depending on what’s in season. A splash of red wine adds another layer of complexity, too, but is totally optional. The possibilities are endless! This truly is a versatile and adaptable recipe that fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this Bolognese holds a special place in my heart. It’s a recipe I’ve perfected over years of experimenting in my kitchen, and it evokes warm feelings of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. It's more than just a meal; it's a comforting hug in a bowl, a testament to the simple pleasures of good food and good company. This isn't just a recipe; it's a tradition in the making, a testament to the power of slow cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Serving Suggestions: This Bolognese is incredibly versatile. Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni. It's equally delicious spooned over polenta, creamy mashed potatoes, or even used as a filling for baked ziti. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips and Tricks:
- For an even richer flavor, use high-quality ground beef.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Some people prefer a spicier Bolognese, while others prefer it milder.
- If you don’t have Parmesan rinds, you can omit them or use a teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese instead.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking and let some of the liquid evaporate.
- Make it ahead! This Bolognese tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance.
Enjoy this simple, yet incredibly flavorful, Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce. It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
