Slow Cooker Bolognese

This slow cooker bolognese is a hearty and flavorful recipe, perfect for busy weekdays or intimate weekend dinners. We love it served over pasta, lasagna or paired with roasted vegetables.

Slow cooked Bolognese

Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of rich, slow-cooked Bolognese sauce. With this Crockpot recipe, getting that depth of flavor is easier than ever. There are so many evenings when I’m too busy to cook, and that’s when I love turning to this slow cooker bolognese. Whether you’re making dinner for a busy week or a meal for the week ahead, this recipe is the perfect solution. Plus, it’s freezer-safe, making it a lifesaver for those nights when you need dinner in a pinch. If you’re as obsessed with slow cooker meals as I am, don’t forget to check out my slow cooker recipes for even more inspiration! And if you don’t have a slow cooker, use my stovetop Bolognese recipe or this Instant Pot Bolognese recipe.

Why make Bolognese in a slow cooker?

Bolognese sauce needs to cook slowly and at a low temperature for several hours, so the slow cooker is the perfect appliance to use. Here are some reasons why this method is a game changer:

• Tender Meat: Since I use lean ground beef, slow cooking ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful.
• Convenience: With minimal preparation, you can let the slow cooker do the work on your day.
• Suitable for preparing meals: This recipe makes enough for multiple meals and freezes beautifully, so you can always have a homemade dinner ready to go.

Ingredients you will need

To create this delicious slow cooker bolognese, gather the following ingredients (see recipe card below for exact measurements).

• Center cut bacon or pancettachopped for smoky flavor
• Butter or olive oil for wealth
• Large white onionchopped for sweetness
• Celery sticks, chopped for depth
• carrots, chopped (about 3/4 cup) for natural sweetness
• Lean ground meat for a hearty base, use your favorite ground beef here
• White wine to enhance the flavor
• Crushed tomatoes (I love Tuttorosso) for the sauce
• Bay leaves to add earthy aroma
• Salt and fresh black pepper season
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Half and half cream for creaminess

How to prepare Bolognese sauce

Step by step instructions to prepare slow cooked Bolognese. See recipe card below to print.

1. In a large, deep skillet, brown the bacon over low heat until the fat renders, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the butter, onions, celery and carrots and cook over medium-low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Increase heat to medium-high; add the meat, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain the fat then add the wine; cook until reduced, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Transfer to the slow cooker. Add tomatoes, bay leaves, salt and pepper; cover and set slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours.
4. After 6 hours, season with salt and pepper, add half and half and the parsley; mix and serve over your favorite pasta or spaghetti.

Tips for the best Crockpot Bolognese

• Can I skip the wine? Yes, replace it with beef broth or water.
• Do I have to sauté the herbs? While not necessary, sautéing adds depth to the sauce, I highly recommend it for any slow cooker recipe.

How to serve slow cooked bolognese

This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:

Warehousing

Store in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Leftovers can be frozen for future meals in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

More slow cooking recipes

If you love this recipe, don’t forget to explore mine Slow cooking recipes page. You’ll find everything from hearty soups to comforting main courses, all designed to make your life easier and tastier.