Slow-Cooker Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion
chopped
- 2 large carrots
chopped
- 3 celery stalks
chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 1 oz. can crushed tomatoes
28-oz.
- 1 tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 tbsp. dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 c. whole milk
- 1/4 c. dry red wine
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- 1
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic and cook until tender, 6 minutes. Add tomato paste and stir until combined, then add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer mixture with a slotted spoon to slow cooker.
- 2
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, milk, and red wine. Season with pepper and stir until combined.
- 3
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Discard bay leaf.
- 4
Serve over cooked pasta.
Slow-Cooker Bolognese
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About this Recipe
Imagine a rich, deeply flavored Bolognese, slow-simmered to perfection, waiting for you at the end of a long day. This Slow-Cooker Bolognese recipe brings that comforting vision to life, transforming simple ingredients into a complex, satisfying meal with minimal hands-on effort.
This recipe works wonders by harnessing the power of slow cooking. The extended cook time allows the flavors of the ground beef, aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, along with robust herbs, to meld together beautifully. It’s the kind of deep, savory flavor you usually only get from hours spent stirring a pot, but with the convenience of your slow cooker.
Expect a deeply savory, robust sauce with a comforting aroma that fills your home. The ground beef becomes incredibly tender, enveloped in a rich tomato base brightened by a touch of red wine and mellowed by whole milk. The texture is hearty and satisfying, perfect for clinging to your favorite pasta. It's a classic, comforting dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly prepared.
While the core flavors are perfectly balanced, you can easily adjust the seasoning to your preference. Feel free to add more kosher salt or freshly ground black pepper after tasting. If you prefer a more pronounced herbal note, a bit more dried oregano or dried thyme can be added. The beauty of a slow-cooked sauce is its forgiving nature.
This Slow-Cooker Bolognese is a fantastic centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a delightful meal to share with friends. Serve it generously over your favorite pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce.