Hearty Italian Slow Cooker Bolognese
Introduction: Indulge in the rich, comforting embrace of our Hearty Italian Slow Cooker Bolognese, a dish that elevates your dinner to a level of sophistication without sacrificing ease. This recipe boasts a symphony of flavors, with the heartiness of ground beef complemented by a medley of chopped vegetables, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but sneakily nutritious. The slow cooker magic tenderizes the meat and veggies, resulting in a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to savor the warmth of an authentic Bolognese without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 onion, finely minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and sausage, ground pork, or ground turkey)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
To serve:
- 1 pound fettuccine
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil, chopped, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Directions:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add celery, carrot, and onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are softened, then add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to reduce slightly.
- Brown the Meat: In the same skillet, push the vegetables to the side and add the remaining olive oil. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Break the meat into crumbles.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the vegetable and meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add whole milk, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and the optional Parmesan rind.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Serve the Bolognese over the pasta, garnishing with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and parsley.
Conclusion: Experience the culinary allure of our Hearty Italian Slow Cooker Bolognese, a dish that transcends the ordinary and brings the comfort of Italian cuisine to your table. The melding of flavors in the slow cooker creates a sauce that’s both luxurious and healthily robust. So, dive into a bowl of this delectable creation – a symphony of taste that gets better with every passing hour in the slow cooker. Freeze the surplus, or share the love with family and friends. Buon appetito!
image source : the pioneer woman
