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Slow Cooker Bolognese: 6-8 Hour Flavor Bomb

Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

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This easy slow cooker Bolognese sauce is rich, hearty, and full of authentic Italian flavors. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of white wine, this homemade Bolognese is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Simply set it and forget it—let your crockpot do all the work! Serve this classic meat sauce over spaghetti, pappardelle, or your favorite pasta for a delicious, family-friendly meal. This slow cooker Bolognese recipe is freezer-friendly, meal-prep perfect, and guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and white wine to the slow cooker.
  6. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
  8. Stir the slow cooker Bolognese sauce before serving.
  9. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf to the slow cooker and remove it before serving.
  • This sauce freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Adjust seasoning to your taste.

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