Slow Cooker Bolognese

This slow cooker bolognese is a classic, family friendly recipe that is perfect served over spaghetti or bucatini for a rich and hearty dinner any day of the week. Let the slow cooker take care of the simmering while you work, and come home to the most incredible smells and enjoy this cosy and comforting meal without the fuss.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Australian, Italian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 15

Servings servings

Calories 235kcal

Author Sally

Equipment

Ingredients

2 brown onions
4 sticks celery
3 carrots
4 cloves garlic
½ tablespoon olive oil
1 kilogram lean beef mince/ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 beef stock cube
2 tablespoons dried mixed herbs
1 cup red wine
2 bay leaves

Instructions

Roughly peel and chop the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic, then place them in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
If your slow cooker has a sauté function, set it to high. Otherwise, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then add the beef mince, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned.
To the beef, add the finely chopped vegetables and continue to sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker if you’re using a frying pan and add in the tomato paste, beef stock cube, dried mixed herbs, red wine and bay leaves. Stir well and cover. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
Once done, remove the lid and cook for another hour on high, or switch the slow cooker back to the sauté function and simmer for 30 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over pasta for a classic spaghetti bolognese.

Notes

Nutritional information is for the Bolognese sauce only, not including pasta for serving.

Nutrition