Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce 

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Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Hearty, wholesome, and meal-prep friendly!
This Slow Cooker Bolognese is a rich and savory meat sauce that simmers to perfection without pork or wine. Ideal for pasta night or freezer meals, this Italian-inspired dish is made with lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy finish. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for your weekly rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No pork or alcohol – just clean, comforting ingredients.
  • Effortless slow cooker method – perfect for busy days.
  • Incredibly versatile – pairs beautifully with pasta, zoodles, or baked potatoes.
  • Freezer-friendly – makes a big batch to enjoy now or later.

 Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this hearty sauce. Exact quantities in the recipe card below.

  • Olive oil – for sautéing and richness
  • White onion, celery & carrots – classic aromatic base
  • Lean ground beef – 90% lean or substitute with turkey/chicken
  • Beef broth – replaces wine and adds depth
  • Crushed tomatoes – creates the hearty tomato base
  • Dried bay leaves – infuse earthy flavor
  • Salt & black pepper – to season
  • Half & half cream – optional, but gives a luscious finish
  • Fresh parsley – for color and brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 2 – Brown the beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat, then drain excess fat.

Step 3 – Deglaze
Pour in the beef broth and stir for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 4 – Slow cook
Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and more salt and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.

Step 5 – Finish and serve
Remove bay leaves. Stir in half & half and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over pasta, spaghetti squash, or your favorite base.

 Serving Suggestions

This slow-cooked Bolognese is incredibly versatile. Try it:

  • Over rigatoni, tagliatelle, or fettuccine
  • Spooned onto baked potatoes
  • Layered into lasagna or baked ziti
  • With zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb meal

Storage & Freezing

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on LOW until hot.

Tips & Variations

  • Dairy-free option: Skip the cream or replace with a splash of unsweetened non-dairy milk.
  • Vegetarian version: Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Extra rich: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste while sautéing for deeper tomato

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