Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce is a hearty and flavorful Italian classic made easy with the convenience of a slow cooker. This rich meat sauce simmers gently to develop deep flavors, perfect for pairing with spaghetti for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup red wine
• 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two 28-oz cans)
• 1 cup beef stock or beef broth
• 4 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 16 oz dried spaghetti (uncooked)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the onion is translucent. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to burn off the alcohol, then add the mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.
4. Step 4: About 20 minutes before the sauce is done, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions on the stove top. Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.
5. Step 5: Serve by mixing some of the sauce into the cooked spaghetti and then spooning extra sauce over the top for a classic, satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use a good quality red wine like Chianti or Merlot.
• Try adding finely chopped carrots and celery with the onions for a traditional soffritto base.
• Substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for extra depth.
• If you want a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce without red wine?

Yes, you can omit the red wine and substitute it with extra beef stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar to maintain depth of flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Prepare it a day ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 117 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and hearty Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, red wine, and Italian herbs, simmered to perfection for hours. This comforting Italian classic is easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with spaghetti for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup red wine
• 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two 28-oz. cans)
• 1 cup beef stock or beef broth
• 4 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

Pasta

• 16 oz dried spaghetti (uncooked)

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Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, cooking it completely until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the bottom of the slow cooker pot.
2. Sauté onion and garlic with wine: Using the same skillet, cook the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent. Pour in the red wine and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes to burn off the alcohol. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the ground beef.
3. Add remaining sauce ingredients and slow cook: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours.
4. Cook the spaghetti: About 20 minutes before the sauce is done, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions on the stovetop until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve: Before serving, taste the bolognese sauce and adjust salt or seasoning if needed. To serve, mix some sauce into the cooked spaghetti and then pour additional sauce over the top.

Notes

• Using red wine adds depth to the sauce but you can substitute with extra beef broth if preferred.
• Cooking the sauce low and slow in the slow cooker enhances the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
• Drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning to avoid greasy sauce.
• The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• This sauce freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-7 hours on LOW
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: slow cooker bolognese, bolognese sauce, slow cooker sauce, Italian meat sauce, spaghetti sauce, easy bolognese