Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

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Delicious and rich Bolognese Sauce is a perfect make-ahead recipe to have on hand for busy nights when you need something hearty and filling. With this recipe, you will make a large batch which you can freeze in portions and use as needed!

Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Lean ground beef
  • Red wine
  • Tomato paste
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Parsley flakes
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Beef bouillon cubes
  • Bay leaf
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cooked spaghetti

Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

How To Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

  1. Brown the ground beef along with the onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
  2. Place the cooked beef in the slow cooker and add the red wine, tomato paste, basil, oregano, parsley flakes, red pepper flakes, bouillon cubes, bay leaf, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

What’s The Best Way To Freeze Leftover Bolognese Sauce?

Let the sauce cool down completely before portioning it into freezer bags and freeze it for up to 3 months.

How Do I Reheat The Sauce After Freezing?

Let it thaw out completely in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave or in a pot on the stovetop.

Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

With this recipe you will make a large batch which you can freeze in portions and use as needed!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 SERVINGS
Calories: 243kcal
Author: Kathy

Equipment

  • Knife and cutting board
  • Large skillet
  • Slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 2 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 3 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp parsley flakes
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 -28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Cooked spaghetti for serving

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef along with the onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
  • Place the cooked beef in the slow cooker and add the red wine, tomato paste, basil, oregano, parsley flakes, red pepper flakes, bouillon cubes, bay leaf, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 803mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 21mg

Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Set & Forget Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

1. What If I Don’t Have Red Wine?

You can use chicken or beef broth and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in the same amount as the red wine. The flavor won’t be the same but will be good nonetheless.

2. Can I Skip Browning The Meat Before Putting It In The Slow Cooker?

It is not recommended to skip this step. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the sauce, which you cannot get by adding the raw meat to the slow cooker.

3. Can I Leave The Slow Cooker On While I Go To Work?

Absolutely! If you work 6 hours, this is the perfect recipe for you!

4. How Can I Prevent The Sauce from Being Too Watery Or Too Thick?

If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, put it on high and cook it for an additional 30 minutes with the lid off.

5. Is It Necessary To Use A Specific Type Of Pasta?

Traditional bolognese is eaten with spaghetti, but you can use your favorite pasta.

6. How Do I Ensure The Pasta Doesn’t Sit Together When Mixing With The Sauce?

Adding some of the pasta cooking water to the sauce before mixing it with the pasta prevents it from sticking together.

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