Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
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Introduction
Looking for a rich, hearty meal that’s easy to make? This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking approach, your slow cooker slowly melds the flavors of savory meat, tomatoes, herbs, and spices into a luscious sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it delivers all the warmth and coziness of a home-cooked Italian-style meal—no stirring required!
Origin and Cultural Significance
Bolognese sauce (Ragù alla Bolognese) hails from Bologna, Italy, and is traditionally a slow-simmered meat sauce made with beef, pork, tomatoes, wine, and aromatics. While the authentic Italian version is often served with tagliatelle or used in lasagna, the American adaptation embraces spaghetti as the base. The slow cooker method modernizes this dish, maintaining the deep, layered flavors of the classic while making it more accessible for everyday cooking. It’s a testament to cultural fusion and the universal love of slow-cooked meals.
Ingredients Quantity
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup beef broth or red wine
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked separately
Optional Additions
- Chopped carrots or celery for added texture and nutrition
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie boost
- Splash of heavy cream or milk to make it a creamy Bolognese
- Crumbled bacon or pancetta for depth of flavor
Tips for Success
- Brown the meat first: This step adds flavor and improves texture.
- Deglaze the pan with broth or wine after browning to capture all the flavor bits.
- Use quality canned tomatoes for a richer sauce.
- Let it cook low and slow: 6–8 hours on low yields the best results.
- Stir occasionally if you’re around, to prevent sticking near the sides.
- Cook pasta just before serving and keep it separate to avoid mushiness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after slow cooking, especially salt and sugar balance.
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat. - Transfer to slow cooker:
Add the beef mixture to the slow cooker. - Add remaining ingredients:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), beef broth or red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine. - Slow cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the sauce is rich and flavorful. - Cook spaghetti:
Near the end of cooking time, boil the spaghetti noodles separately according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Serve:
Spoon the Bolognese sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan, if desired.
Description
This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is comfort in a bowl. Rich, meaty, and perfectly seasoned, the slow simmer draws out deep tomato and herb flavors that hug every strand of spaghetti. The aroma alone is enough to bring the family to the table. It’s simple, hearty, and soul-satisfying—ideal for cold nights, casual dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd with ease.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, makes approximately 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on specific products and portion size.
Conclusion and Recommendation
This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is a go-to meal for busy days and comfort-seeking nights. Its ease of preparation and hearty flavors make it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers even more delicious the next day. Pair it with garlic bread and a side salad for a full Italian-inspired meal.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. Choose lean ground turkey or beef, add extra veggies, and serve with whole grain or legume-based pasta for a more nutrient-dense option. Savor each bite, enjoy the warmth, and celebrate the beauty of homemade comfort food—slow-cooked with love.
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