Slow Cooker Bolognese

5 from 1 vote

Create this delicious slow cooker bolognese any night of the week! It’s a low-effort recipe that results in a smooth, but hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.

Prep Time15

Cook Time4

Total Time4 15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Calories: 281kcal

Author: Ryan Allen

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 medium yellow onion finely diced½
2 carrots peeled and finely diced
2 stalks celery finely diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 (15 ounce) cans of tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes do not drain
3 teaspoons garlic minced
2 cups low sodium beef broth
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup milk

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground sausage and ground beef. Cook until completely browned, 7-10 minutes. Then drain and add to the slow cooker.
Add onion, carrots, celery, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined.
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours and on low for 7-8 hours.
Add 1 cup of milk and stir into sauce.
Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley.

Notes

Brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker to render the fat and enhance the flavor and texture. The result is a more flavorful sauce with tender meat that isn’t mushy.
Cook your pasta for 2 minutes less than the recommended time for al dente consistency. Stir it directly into the bolognese with pasta water to emulsify the sauce and thoroughly coat each noodle.
Low and slow is always best to allow the flavors to meld and the fat from the meat to thoroughly render.
Always stir the milk in after the sauce is cooked to avoid curdling.

Nutrition