Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

User Reviews

5.0

42 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    6 hrs

  • Total Time

    6 hrs 10 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    324 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

This slow cooker bolognese sauce is a blend of ground beef, bacon and vegetables, all simmered together with tomato sauce in a crock pot. An easy meat sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti and makes a great filling for lasagna!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 6 slices Bacon or pancetta, coarsely chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup carrot peeled and finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 24 ounce jar marinara sauce such as Newman's Own
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
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Instructions

  1. Place the bacon in a large pan over medium high heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crispy.
  2. Remove the bacon from the pan and place on paper towels to drain.
  3. Spoon off some of the excess bacon grease in the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula into small pieces, for 4-5 minutes.
  6. Add the onion and carrot to the pan. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until vegetables have softened.
  7. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning, then cook for 30 seconds. If you're using beef with a higher fat content than 90% lean, you'll want to drain off any excess grease.
  8. Place the bacon and beef and vegetable mixture in a slow cooker (at least 4 quart size).
  9. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
  10. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  11. Uncover the slow cooker and give the sauce a stir. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.

Notes

  • Pancetta is a traditional addition to bolognese sauce. I typically have bacon on hand most of the time, so I started making this dish with bacon and never looked back, because the bacon adds a great smoky, savory flavor. For a more authentic sauce, feel free to use pancetta.
  • I make this dish with 90% lean ground beef. I find it has great flavor but isn't overly greasy. If you use a beef with a higher fat content, you'll want to drain off any excess grease before you cook it.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 324kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 95mg (32%) Sodium 675mg (28%) Potassium 1275mg (36%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 3677IU (74%) Vitamin C 19mg (21%) Calcium 66mg (7%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 324 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 324kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 95mg 32%
Sodium 675mg 28%
Potassium 1275mg 27%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 3677IU 74%
Vitamin C 19mg 21%
Calcium 66mg 7%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5.0

42 reviews
Excellent

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