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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

This comforting dish fills your home with an incredible aroma while it cooks and features a rich flavor that is loved by all.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 medium onion, chopped For flavor base
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For flavor base
  • 1 pound ground beef Use 80/20 for best flavor
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes Look for San Marzano for the best flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 cup beef broth For sauce consistency
  • 1 pound spaghetti For serving
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For serving
Spices and Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent—about 5 minutes.
  3. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Move the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker.
Building the Sauce
  1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf until everything is mixed well.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
  2. About 20 minutes before serving, cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
Serving
  1. Remove and discard the bay leaf from the sauce.
  2. Serve the bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For the best results, use high-quality tomatoes and consider making a double batch of sauce to freeze for later. Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the meat.