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Slow Cooker Bolognese

Savory Slow Cooker Bolognese for a Cozy Family Feast

This Slow Cooker Bolognese transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty sauce, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 medium Brown Onions Use yellow or white onions for best results.
  • 2 stalks Celery Leeks can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 medium Carrots Parsnips serve as an alternative.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be omitted if using a non-stick slow cooker.
  • 1 pound Lean Beef Mince Ground turkey offers a leaner option.
  • 6 tablespoons Tomato Paste Tomato sauce can be substituted.
  • 1 cube Beef Stock Cube Vegetable stock can replace it.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Mixed Herbs Oregano and basil can act as substitutes.
  • 1 cup Red Wine Use beef stock or water for a non-alcoholic alternative.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remember to remove before serving.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Bolognese
  1. Begin by roughly chopping the brown onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. For a finer texture, pulse them in a food processor until they become finely chopped.
  2. In your slow cooker on the sauté setting or in a frying pan, add olive oil and heat. Add the lean beef mince and cook until browned for about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the finely chopped celery, onions, carrots, and garlic to the mixture in the slow cooker. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef stock cube, dried mixed herbs, red wine, and bay leaves. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
  6. After cooking, if the sauce seems too runny, switch the slow cooker to high and let it simmer uncovered for an additional hour.
  7. Remove the bay leaves and taste to adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the Slow Cooker Bolognese over your favorite pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Browning the meat and vegetables enhances the flavors. Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model.

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