Slow Cooker Bolognese
Try this Slow Cooker Bolognese recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Bolognese recipe.
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 tbsp olive oil olive oil ol-iv oyl probably the most wi olive oil is pressed from fresh olives. it's…
- parmesan to serve parmesan parm-ee-zan parmesan is fruity flavour. it…
- 8 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 tbsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 1/2 kg lean minced beef (or use half beef half pork mince)
- 6 tbsp tomato purã©e
- large glass red wine (optional)
- 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 6 smoked bacon rashers chopped bacon bay-kon bacon is pork that has been cured one of two ways: dry or wet. it can be bought as both rashers…
- 4 onions, finely chopped onion un-yun onions are end
- 3 carrots, finely chopped carrot ka-rot the carrot with its distinctive bright orange colour, is one of the most versatile root…
- 4 celery sticks finely chopped celery sell-er-ee a c thick, juicy stalks around a central, tender heart, celery ranges in…
- 500 g mushrooms sliced mushroom mush-room the mushroom i
- 4 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes tomato toe-mart-oh a peppers and chillies), tomatoes are in…
- 1 tbsp sugar sugar shuh-ga honey and syrups made from con …
- cooked spaghetti to serve
- Carbohydrate 1.47448880453614 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.03476625 g
- Fiber 0.216737495467067 g
- Protein 0.26371625 g
- Saturated Fat 0.006325625 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (181g)
- Sodium 2.74811454051686 mg
- Sugar 1.25775130906907 g
- Trans Fat 0.01017 g
- Calories 7 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the bacon and mince in batches until browned. Add to your slow cooker.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, tomato puree, herbs, wine (if using), vinegar, sugar and seasoning to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, then uncover, turn to High and cook for another hour until thick and saucy.
- Serve with cooked spaghetti and grated or shaved parmesan.
My Simple Slow Cooker Bolognese: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and hearty meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they’re my secret weapon for creating flavorful, satisfying meals with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Bolognese is a prime example.
This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights. It's incredibly versatile; I can easily adjust the ingredients based on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, other times I use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex sauce that’s far superior to anything I could whip up quickly on the stovetop. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the meat perfectly, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
The Magic of the Slow Cooker: I’ve been experimenting with slow cooker recipes for years. What I’ve discovered is that they’re not just about convenience; they’re about creating depth of flavor that you simply can’t replicate with faster cooking methods. The low and slow cooking allows the ingredients to break down and release their full potential, resulting in a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and intensely satisfying. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! Most of the ingredients go straight into the slow cooker, minimizing the number of dishes I have to wash.
Beyond the Bolognese: This recipe isn’t just for weeknights; it’s also perfect for entertaining. Imagine serving this rich, flavorful Bolognese to your friends and family – it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker allows you to prepare the dish hours in advance, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of entertaining. You can even prepare the ingredients the night before, making the cooking process even easier on the day of your gathering.
Serving Suggestions: I usually serve my Slow Cooker Bolognese over spaghetti, but it’s also delicious with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even lasagna noodles. A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. You can also serve it over polenta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for dipping.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simplicity and efficiency in the kitchen. It's a reminder that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little help from my trusty slow cooker, I can enjoy a hearty and flavorful dinner without sacrificing precious time with my family.
Tips for Success:
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add your own favorite vegetables or herbs to customize the flavor.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your Bolognese will be enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Adjust the seasoning to your liking as you go. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference.
- Let it simmer: The longer the Bolognese simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become.
So, the next time you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and easy weeknight meal, give my Slow Cooker Bolognese a try. You won’t be disappointed!
