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Ultimate Slow Cooker Bolognese

Ultimate Slow Cooker Bolognese for Easy Hearty Family Meals

This Ultimate Slow Cooker Bolognese offers a comforting family meal with minimal prep and endless customization.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Vegetable oil can substitute.
  • 2 stalks Celery Fresh or frozen can be used.
  • 1 medium Carrot Fresh or frozen is acceptable.
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust per preference.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Chop finely.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Canned tomato sauce can substitute.
  • 1 cup Dry Red Wine Can be replaced with broth or omitted.
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can mix with turkey or pork for variety.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Substitute with cream or omit for lighter sauce.
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Diced tomatoes can be used for chunkiness.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust based on heat preference.
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg Optional for warmth and complexity.
  • 1 piece Parmesan Rind Optional.
For Serving
  • 1 lb Fettuccine Other shapes can also be used.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Basil
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Medium Pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium pan over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add chopped celery, carrot, and onion, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  2. Stir in finely chopped garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until aromatic but not browned. Remove from heat.
  3. In the same pan, add ground beef and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Transfer the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker. Add tomato paste, dry red wine, whole milk, and crushed tomatoes. Stir in oregano, basil, and thyme.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until thick and aromatic.
  6. Prepare fettuccine according to package instructions about 10-15 minutes before serving. Cook until al dente, then drain.
  7. Plate fettuccine and ladle the Bolognese sauce over the top. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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