Description

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings the comforting flavors of Italy to your dinner table with minimal effort, look no further than this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese. This recipe, which I affectionately call Grandma’s Secret Sauce, combines the rich, savory goodness of slow-simmered beef and tomatoes with a blend of Italian herbs, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—though it tastes like it’s been cooking for hours, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Perfect for busy days, this dish will fill your home with the mouthwatering aroma of a classic Italian dinner, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or a comforting meal after a long day.

Paired with pasta, topped with Parmesan cheese, and served alongside a fresh salad or crusty garlic bread, this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Let’s dive into this hearty and flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• For the Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• For the Spaghetti:
• 1 pound spaghetti
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Preparation Method

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The garlic and onion are the foundation of your sauce, releasing savory aromas that are sure to make your mouth water.

Once the onion is softened, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step ensures that the beef cooks evenly and absorbs the rich flavors of the onion and garlic. After the beef has browned, transfer it to the slow cooker, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the skillet and add them to the mix.

To the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine and ensure that the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely depth of flavor, making the sauce even more savory and irresistible.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your time constraints. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, so I highly recommend the low setting if you have the time. Don’t worry about stirring too often—the slow cooker will do all the work for you!

About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, check on your sauce, stirring occasionally. By now, your kitchen will smell incredible, and the sauce should be rich and thick. Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it and set it aside.

Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf from the sauce. This little step ensures that the bay leaf doesn’t end up on anyone’s plate! Serve the hot, hearty Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti, topping it with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and indulgence.

Tips and Conclusion

To add a touch of freshness to this hearty dish, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These add a light contrast to the rich Bolognese sauce. For extra texture and flavor, you can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the spaghetti before serving, giving it a little kick if you like things spicy.

This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and satisfying, yet so easy to prepare. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a flavorful meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share it with your loved ones, and be sure to check out our other easy and delicious recipes for more dinner inspiration. Happy cooking!