Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
324 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Description
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce begins with crisping chopped bacon to add a smoky depth, followed by browning ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. Onions and carrots are softened in the same pan, then garlic and Italian herbs are briefly cooked to release aroma before all ingredients, including marinara and tomato sauce, are combined in a slow cooker.
The extended low heat cooking, typically 4 to 6 hours, allows the flavors to meld, producing a rich sauce with tender meat and softened vegetables infused with tomato and herb notes. The bacon contributes a savory undertone often found in traditional Bolognese.
This sauce pairs well with pasta dishes, providing a comforting and filling mainstay for dinner. It can be prepared in advance, saving time on busy days.
Using 90% lean ground beef balances flavor with moderate fat; higher fat meat requires draining excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce. Pancetta can be substituted for bacon for a more authentic flavor if preferred.
Ingredients
- 6 lices 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 Italian seasoning dried
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce such as Newman's Own
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a large pan over medium high heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and place on paper towels to drain.
- Spoon off some of the excess bacon grease in the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Add the ground beef to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula into small pieces, for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the onion and carrot to the pan. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until vegetables have softened.
- 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.
- Place the bacon and beef and vegetable mixture in a slow cooker (at least 4 quart size).
- Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Uncover the slow cooker and give the sauce a stir. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor without excess grease; drain if using higher-fat meat.
- Bacon adds smoky flavor, but pancetta can substitute for more traditional taste.
- Slow cooking for 4 to 6 hours melds flavors and tenderizes ingredients for a rich sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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