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

Dietary & Allergen Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 15

Servings servings

Calories 236kcal

Author Sally

Equipment

Ingredients

2 brown onions/yellow onions
4 sticks celery
3 carrots
4 cloves garlic
½ tablespoon olive oil
1 kilogram lean beef mince/ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 x 400 gram cans crushed tomatoes
1 beef stock cube
2 tablespoons dried mixed herbs
250 ml red wine
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Roughly peel and chop the 2 brown onions/yellow onions, 4 sticks celery, 3 carrots, and 4 cloves 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 ½ tablespoon olive oil, then add the 1 kilogram lean beef mince/ground beef, 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 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 x 400 gram cans crushed tomatoes, 1 beef stock cube, 2 tablespoons dried mixed herbs, 250 ml red wine and 2 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 salt and pepper if needed. Serve over pasta for a classic spaghetti bolognese.

Notes

Gluten free option: check your beef stock cube is gluten free, and serve with a gluten free pasta.

Wine free option: replace the red wine with beef stock.

Storage instructions: keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.

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

Nutrition