This Spaghetti Bolognese is a slow cooker masterpiece! Ground beef simmers with tomatoes, herbs, and veggies into a hearty, flavorful sauce. Tossed with spaghetti, it’s an effortless take on the Italian classic. Perfect for busy days, this dish brings deep, savory comfort to your table with little hands-on time.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Brown the Meat: Searing the beef first adds richness—don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up those browned bits with broth or wine for extra flavor.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low lets the sauce develop that deep, melded taste.
- Pasta Timing: Cook spaghetti just before serving to keep it firm and fresh.
- Taste Test: Adjust salt and herbs at the end for perfect balance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, you’re going to adore this Spaghetti Bolognese straight from your slow cooker! Picture this: a rich, meaty sauce simmering all day, filling your home with the warm, inviting aroma of tomatoes, herbs, and beef—without you lifting a finger after the prep. You’ll love how the crockpot takes a classic Italian favorite and makes it so easy, letting the flavors deepen into something truly special while you go about your day.
It’s hearty, comforting, and absolutely packed with that slow-cooked goodness that makes every bite feel like a treat. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing friends, or just craving a cozy night in, this recipe delivers big-time satisfaction with almost no fuss. Spoon it over spaghetti, sprinkle some Parmesan, and watch everyone dig in—it’s love at first forkful!
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
Rich, meaty Bolognese sauce slow-cooked to perfection, served over spaghetti—crockpot comfort made easy.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh basil/oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Hey, let’s whip up a Bolognese that’ll make your slow cooker the star of the show! If you’ve got a few minutes, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown your ground beef—about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until it’s nice and crumbly. That golden crust? Flavor central! Once it’s done, toss it into your crockpot. (No skillet? You can brown it right in the crockpot on sauté mode if yours has it!)
- Now, add the chopped onion, carrot, and minced garlic to the beef—they’re about to melt into sauce magic. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a good scoop of tomato paste. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if you like it a little sweeter. Give it all a big stir—look at that rich, red goodness already! Pop the lid on, set it to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 if you’re pressed), and let it bubble away. The smell will have you counting down the minutes!
- When it’s ready, the sauce should be thick and fragrant—give it a taste and tweak the salt or herbs if it needs a little love. While that’s resting, cook your spaghetti in a big pot of boiling, salted water—usually 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. Drain it, then pile a generous scoop of Bolognese over each plate of pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and some fresh parsley for that Italian flair. Grab a fork, twirl it up, and enjoy—this is slow-cooked comfort at its best!
Notes
- Stir halfway through if you can—it helps the flavors meld evenly.
- If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth; too thin, let it sit uncovered for a bit.
- Freeze sauce separate from pasta for best texture when reheating!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 296Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 76mgSodium 193mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 28g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Ground Beef: Lean (80/20) is perfect—flavorful but not too greasy; ground turkey works too.
- Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are the base; San Marzano adds a sweet, authentic touch.
- Onion and Carrot: Finely chopped, they melt into the sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that punch; powder subs in a pinch.
- Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor; low-sodium keeps it balanced.
- Tomato Paste: A dollop thickens and intensifies the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme simplifies the herbs; fresh works too.
- Spaghetti: Classic choice; whole wheat or gluten-free pasta adapts it easily.
Variations and Substitutions
This Bolognese bends to your whims! Swap ground beef for pork, sausage, or a beef-pork mix for a twist—each brings its own vibe. Vegetarian? Lentils or plant-based crumbles soak up the sauce beautifully. No crushed tomatoes? Use diced tomatoes and blend them slightly, or lean on extra tomato paste with broth. Add a splash of red wine for richness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Gluten-free? Pair with zucchini noodles or GF spaghetti. For a creamy edge, stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end. Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies—this sauce loves to play! It’s all about making it yours.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store sauce (without pasta) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sauce in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Warm sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
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Until you can read, Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff