Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

A slow cooker is the perfect appliance to create a rich and flavorful Bolognese sauce. This hearty meat sauce, packed with tender ground beef and aromatic vegetables, simmers to perfection all day long. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes to taste

Cooking Guide:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
3. Combine ingredients: Transfer the beef and vegetables to the slow cooker. Stir in red wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, carrots, celery, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. Stir occasionally.
5. Adjust taste: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.

Tips:

• Better flavor: For a deeper flavor, sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow the liquid to evaporate.
• Serve with pasta: Bolognese sauce is traditionally served over pasta, but it’s also delicious with polenta or mashed potatoes.
• Freeze leftovers: This sauce freezes well for later use. Let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce!

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Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce