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Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

A rich, slow-simmered Italian meat sauce made easy in the slow cooker. Tender beef, creamy tomato richness, and deep, comforting flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Dinner, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

Bolognese Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 2 carrots finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup milk whole
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 0.5 cup red wine optional
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet with olive oil.
  2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Transfer beef and vegetables to slow cooker.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, milk, broth, wine, seasonings, and bay leaf.
  5. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  6. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in heavy cream at the end.