This Crock Pot Beef Bolognese is a hearty and rich recipe, which uses lean ground beef and crushed tomatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Crock Pot Beef Bolognese Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 yellow onions, diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup red wine or chicken or beef broth
- 2 (28 ounce each) cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces spaghetti
How To Make Crock Pot Beef Bolognese
- Cook garlic and onion: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook until translucent and sweet, about 7 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet. Increase heat to high and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook in batches if needed. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze with wine: Lower the heat to medium, add red wine to the skillet, and scrape up the brown bits. Bring to a simmer and pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours.
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil a large pot of water and cook spaghetti until just before al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Return spaghetti to the pot with 2 1/2 to 3 cups of Bolognese sauce and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Serve: Serve hot with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Can I use a different meat? Yes, ground turkey or pork can work well in place of beef.
- How to make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Can I skip the wine? Absolutely. Substitute with beef or chicken broth if preferred.
- How to thicken Bolognese sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes, or reduce more in the pot when tossing with pasta.
- How long does it last? Stored properly, it can last up to 4 days in the fridge.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Beef Bolognese
This rich and meaty pasta dish pairs well with simple sides:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli
- A glass of red wine
- Grated parmesan and fresh basil as toppings
How To Store Crock Pot Beef Bolognese
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Beef Bolognese Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 343
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 816mg
- Potassium: 653mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 3.9mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to peel and blend them first. Use about 3-4 pounds of fresh tomatoes.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too watery?
Avoid covering the slow cooker entirely during the last hour or cook the sauce down on the stovetop.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough. Adjust cooking time if needed.
Is this Bolognese freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely and store in airtight containers.
Why add pasta water to the sauce?
It helps the sauce cling to the pasta thanks to the starch in the water.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Beef Bolognese
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6-8
servings15
minutes6
hours343
kcalA rich, hearty slow cooker Bolognese made with lean ground beef and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting pasta dinner.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 yellow onions, diced
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup red wine or chicken or beef broth
2 (28 ounce each) cans crushed tomatoes
4 tablespoons tomato paste
3 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
3 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces spaghetti
Directions
- Heat oil and cook garlic and onions until soft. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Brown the beef in batches, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Deglaze skillet with wine and pour into slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir. Cook on Low for 6 hours.
- Boil spaghetti until almost al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
- Return pasta to pot with sauce and reserved water. Toss for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with grated parmesan if desired.