0 from 42 votes
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!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
6 hrs
Total Time
6 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 324 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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
% 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.