As a busy home cook, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that effortlessly deliver big flavor, and my slow cooker is my trusty sidekick in this quest. Recently, I stumbled upon a gem of a recipe for Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce over at the delightful blog, Framed Cooks. Inspired by their creation, I couldn’t resist putting my own little spin on it, and the results were simply fantastic!

For those unfamiliar, Bolognese is a hearty, meat-centric pasta sauce that truly stands apart from your standard marinara. Think of it as the richer, more substantial cousin, boasting a satisfying depth of meaty goodness in every spoonful. What I particularly loved about this slow cooker version is that it yields a generous quantity – perfect for feeding a crowd or, as I discovered, providing delicious leftovers for another meal.

In fact, half of the batch went straight into the freezer, promising a future easy and flavorful dinner on a busy weeknight. If you’re looking to add a bit more of a kick to the sauce, I think substituting some of the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage would be a wonderful variation. However, my family devoured it exactly as it was, savoring the slow-simmered richness and comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

• GROUND BEEF
• ONION
• GARLIC
• CANNED CHOPPED TOMATOES
• TOMATO SAUCE
• TOMATO PASTE
• DRIED BASIL
• SUGAR
• DRIED OREGANO
• DRIED MARJORAM
• SALT AND PEPPER

Instructions for Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, crumble your ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor, so don’t skip it!

Slow Cooker Central: Gently transfer the browned beef into your trusty 5-quart slow cooker.

The Flavor Fiesta: Now, it’s time to introduce the rest of the amazing ingredients. Pour in your crushed tomatoes, diced onions, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried herbs (like oregano and basil), a bay leaf (for that subtle aromatic touch), a splash of red wine (if you’re feeling fancy!), and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Stir it Up: Give everything in the slow cooker a good stir to make sure all those wonderful flavors get to know each other.

Low and Slow Magic: Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for a leisurely 8 hours. The low heat and long cooking time are the secret to that incredibly tender meat and deeply developed sauce.

Pasta Perfection: Once the 8 hours are up, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma. Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions.

The Grand Finale: Ladle generous amounts of the slow cooker Bolognese over your hot pasta. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition.

Sigh with Contentment: Take a bite and savor the rich, comforting flavors. That’s the sound of pure culinary satisfaction!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you could certainly experiment with ground turkey, ground pork, or even a combination. Keep in mind that the cooking time might need slight adjustments depending on the fat content of the meat.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Many classic Bolognese recipes include finely diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, which add sweetness and depth. Before transferring everything to the slow cooker, you can sauté these with the beef.  

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs will add a brighter flavor. If using fresh herbs, it’s generally recommended to add them in the last hour of cooking or even right before serving, as their flavor can diminish during long cooking times. Use about three times the amount called for in the dried version.

How long will the Bolognese sauce last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover Bolognese sauce will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.  

Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat it on the stovetop.  

What kind of pasta is best with Bolognese sauce?
Hearty shapes like tagliatelle, pappardelle, rigatoni, and penne are excellent choices as their surface area and shape allow them to hold the rich, meaty sauce well.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY: 

• Simple Spaghetti Sauce
• Pizza Sauce
• Easy Alfredo Sauce
• Linguine with Clam Sauce