(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Oregano
Basil
Salt
Black pepper
Bay leaves
Spaghetti
Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Directions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
About 20 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta and serve topped with the slow-cooked Bolognese sauce.
Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
Variations
Add mushrooms for extra depth and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Stir in a splash of cream or milk for a richer sauce.
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta if desired.
Include spinach or bell peppers for more vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
The sauce freezes very well for up to 3 months. Freeze separately from the pasta for best texture.
FAQs
Can I put raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker?
It’s best to brown the beef first for better flavor and texture.
What pasta works best with Bolognese?
Spaghetti is classic, but tagliatelle, fettuccine, or penne also work well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors develop further.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, Bolognese sauce freezes exceptionally well.
How do I thicken the sauce if needed?
Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of red wine adds excellent depth of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats very well and stores nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
What vegetables are traditional in Bolognese?
Onion, carrots, and celery are classic ingredients.
How long should I cook the sauce in the slow cooker?
Cooking on low for 6–8 hours gives the richest flavor.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is a comforting and flavorful meal that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty sauce through slow cooking. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings, this classic pasta dish is always satisfying and delicious.
This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is a rich and hearty pasta dish made with tender ground beef simmered slowly in a flavorful tomato sauce with herbs, garlic, and vegetables. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings, this easy slow cooker Bolognese delivers deep homemade flavor with minimal effort.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:6–8 hours
Total Time:6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
1½ pounds ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 bay leaves
12 ounces spaghetti
Parmesan cheese, grated for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
About 20 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta and serve topped with the slow-cooked Bolognese sauce.
Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
Browning the beef first creates deeper flavor and better texture.Cooking the sauce low and slow develops the richest taste.Add a splash of red wine for extra depth and complexity.Remove the lid during the final 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.Freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for best texture when reheating.
