Slow Cooker Bolognese

This slow cooker Bolognese sauce starts out in a skillet and finishes up hands-free in the crockpot. It's perfect for ladling over a plate of hot pasta.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 4 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 245 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup finely chopped baby carrots
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1.5 cups whole milk, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, and garlic; sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add ground beef; cook and stir, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2

Pour in 1 cup milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until milk is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Step 3

Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker and set to High. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and cook for 2 hours. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk and Parmesan cheese until well combined; continue to cook for 2 more hours.