Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

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If you’re looking for a rich, hearty dinner that tastes like it simmered all day, this Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce is one of those favorite recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Prep Time15

Cook Time4

Total Time4 15

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: beef, Crockpot, Italian, pork, Slow cooker

Servings:

Calories: 376kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

1½ TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
2 ribs celery finely chopped
1 large carrot finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
3 TBSP tomato paste
1½ pounds lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
56 oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
1 cup half and half room temperature
1½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Pasta of choice for serving
Optional: fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
In the same large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, cooking for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add tomato paste and stir until all the vegetables are coated. This step builds that deep, traditional bolognese sauce flavor and is worth the extra few minutes.
Transfer the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker insert (you can use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup).
Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
After 2 hours, stir in the half and half. Continue cooking for another 2 hours on medium-low heat or HIGH depending on your crock pot.
Remove bay leaves and serve the sauce over pasta. Top with parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. pounds lean ground beef.
Store for later use or serve right away with your favorite pasta!

Nutrition