Ultimate Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese: Rich and Flavorful

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Prepare yourself for a delectable journey into the heart of Italian comfort food with this classic Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese recipe. This dish is a time-honored favorite that brings together a rich medley of flavors, slowly developed over hours of cooking. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at the end of a long day, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a fan of extra tomatoes or a meatier sauce, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients:

• 750g beef mince (also known as ground beef)
• 2 large carrots (peeled and finely diced)
• 2 cans (400g each) chopped tomatoes
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (finely chopped)
• 2 red capsicums (bell peppers) (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 1 cup beef stock

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by peeling the carrots and chopping them into small pieces. For an even finer texture, use a food processor to dice them as finely as possible. This step ensures that the carrots blend seamlessly into the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture.

2. Brown the Beef: In a large non-stick pan, brown the minced beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. As you brown each batch, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

3. Combine Ingredients: Once all the beef is browned and drained, transfer it to your slow cooker. Add the finely diced carrots, canned chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, diced red capsicums, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.

4. Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, fresh basil, and bay leaf (if using). Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

5. Add the Beef Stock: Pour in the beef stock to give the sauce a rich, savory depth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of stock or let the sauce reduce slightly by cooking it longer.

6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a deep, rich Bolognese sauce.

7. Final Adjustments: After the cooking time is complete, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra basil leaves. Pair it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal that will satisfy your family and guests alike.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 800.2
• Fat: 44.6g
• Saturated Fat: 16.2g
• Cholesterol: 133.1mg
• Sodium: 306mg
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 25.4g
• Sugar: 11.1g
• Protein: 41.6g

Enjoy the process of making this comforting dish and the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen as it cooks. This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when given time and care, can create a meal that’s both heartwarming and satisfying.