Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/4/19
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

The Spruce / Karen Hibbard
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 6 hrs
Total: 6 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
521 Calories
16g Fat
63g Carbs
33g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 521
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 6g 29%
Cholesterol 67mg 22%
Sodium 317mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 63g 23%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Protein 33g
Calcium 115mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This is an old-world Bolognese style sauce, made with Italian sausage and ground beef, along with carrot, celery, tomatoes, and herbs and red wine. You won't believe this meaty, wonderful pasta sauce came from a slow cooker.

For extra zip, add about 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Also, fresh Parmesan cheese is fantastic in the sauce. There's also a recipe that is ready in just 30 minutes with this Instant Pot bolognese sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage (remove from casing)
  • 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
  • 1 small carrot (grated)
  • 2 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 1 large clove garlic (crushed)
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, or substitute with tomato juice or water)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 1 pound spaghetti, linguine, or a tubular pasta shape, such as mostaccioli

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce ingredients

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  2. Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet, breaking up the meat while it cooks.

    Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  3. Add the onion, carrot, and celery after five minutes; cook until onion is just tender and the beef and sausage are no longer pink. Drain well.

    Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the meat in the skillet

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  4. Transfer ground meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, except pasta and cheese. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours. Stir in the Parmesan cheese just before serving.

    bolognese sauce cooking in an instant pot

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  5. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti, mostaccioli, ziti, or another favorite pasta.

    Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce with pasta in a bowl

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  6. Sprinkle servings with more grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, or pass the Parmesan at the table.

    Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce with pasta in bowls, cheese on top

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard