Slow Cooker Bolognese

4.6
(278)
200 Reviews
30 Photos

A very thick and hearty Bolognese meat sauce simmered in the slow cooker.

Submitted by VD711
Updated on June 3, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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a serving of Bolognese sauce on rigatoni pasta in a white bowl
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
4 hrs 30 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 cup finely chopped baby carrots

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 ½ cups whole milk, divided

  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, and garlic; sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add ground beef; cook and stir, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off excess fat from the skillet.

  2. Pour in 1 cup milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until milk is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

  3. Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker and set to High. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and cook for 2 hours. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk and Parmesan cheese until well combined; continue to cook for 2 more hours.

Recipe Tip

You can use a beef, pork, and veal meatloaf mix instead of the ground beef if you prefer.

Editor's Note:

Please note the differences in cooking instructions when following the magazine version of this recipe.

478 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

245 Calories
13g Fat
18g Carbs
16g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 245
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 44mg 15%
Sodium 547mg 24%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 16g 33%
Vitamin C 17mg 19%
Calcium 145mg 11%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 798mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.