Slow Cooker Bolognese

Introduction

This recipe for Slow Cooker Bolognese is seriously dreamy.Image: Body + Soul Great for family dinners or weekend meal prep. This tasty sauce that packs a huge flavour punch can be left to simmer in the Crock Pot, so you hardly need do anything except leave it to bubble away while getting on with your day.

Why Make This Recipe

Easy and Delicious Slow Cooker Bolognese (Only 7 Ingredients) It is an excellent way to enjoy classic French comfort foods without the fuss of taking hours in the kitchen. It also makes the house smell wonderful when it cooks!

How to Make Slow Cooker Bolognese

Making Slow Cooker Bolognese is easy! Just follow these steps and enjoy the deliciousness.

Ingredients:

• Pancetta chopped or 4 oz. center cut bacon
• 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil)
• 1 large white onion (minced)
• ¾ cup minced celery (equivalent of 2 stalks)
• Three medium-sized carrots (approximately 3/4 cup, diced)
• 2 lbs 90% lean ground beef
• ¼ cup white wine
• Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes (I prefer Tuttorosso)
• 3 dried bay leaves
• The larger the better) Kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup half & half cream

Directions:

1. In a large deep skillet, saute the pancetta over low-heat until the fat melts out – about 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Put the butter, onion, celery and carrot in on low for about 5 minutes till soft.
3. Raise the heat to medium-high and put in ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through for 5 minutes; drain. Pour off most of the fat, and deglaze with wine (3-4 minutes).
4. Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Put the lid on it and put slow cooker in LOW mode for 6 hours.
5. Stir in half & half and parsley; check for salt, pepper or seasoning one more time as it sits then serve over your favorite pasta course (or if you prefer spaghetti squash!)

Serving the Slow Cooker Bolognese

Crock Pot Bolognese is perfect served over a pile of steaming hot pasta for the classic meal you crave. Serve it on crusty bread, or over spaghetti squash if you want a lower carb option. Finish these gorgeous vegan mushroom steaks on a bed of mashed potatoes — oh, and remember to garnish them with more parsley.

Store Slow Cooker Bolognese

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The Bolognese can also be frozen, in a sealed container or bags for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge before reheating

How to Make Slow Cooker Bolognese Notes

• Season well to taste and leave it to simmer for awhile so that the flavors can develop, Taste again in a better 10-15 minutes. What sucks about that is everyone tastes buds are different, so what I personally may love or hate someone else might not.
• Option to sub beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Don't hesitate to add vegetables like capsicums or zucchini for additional nutrition.

Variation

You can use fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for a slight flavor change. Add red pepper flakes for some heat too if you prefer your dressing with a little kick!

FAQs

1. Is it okay to use different meats in this recipe?
If you want to use ground turkey, chicken or pork that is definitely an option too.

2. How long does it take to cook Bolognese in a slow cooker?
It cooks on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH about 3 hour.

3. Do ahead of the chocolate recipe?
Absolutely! It can be made a day ahead and reheated for dinner. AND, the flavors only get even better on day 2!