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

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Transfer browned beef to a slow cooker, scraping any bits from the skillet into the slow cooker.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. About 20 minutes before serving, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
8. Stir the sauce occasionally while the pasta cooks.
9. Once spaghetti is ready, drain it and set aside.
10. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce before serving.
11. Serve the Bolognese sauce over spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

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!