My slow-cooked take on the classic! Made with ground beef and simmered all day in the slow cooker, this homemade and hands-free bolognese sauce is rich, hearty, and a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for dinner.

slow cooker bolognese with fresh parsley

While you can make this comforting pasta sauce on the stovetop, using the slow cooker makes it a breeze, especially for a busy home chef! When you make bolognese in a slow cooker, you’re giving those flavors time to mingle together and develop properly. The gentle, consistent heat from the slow cooker means every ingredient has the chance to come together, leading to a sauce that’s richer and deeper in flavor than if you made it on the stovetop. Plus, the beauty of this method? You pretty much toss everything in – beef, tomatoes, spices, and all – and let it do its thing while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ve got a hearty sauce ready to enjoy. 

pasta with bolognese sauce on a pink plate

When it comes to nailing weeknight meals, convenience and flavor are key. This bolognese sauce checks both boxes. You prep your ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and by the time you’re wrapping up your day, a delicious, hearty sauce is ready to top your pasta, spaghetti, get layered in lasagna, or spooned atop polenta!

I’ve got tons of recipes with beef, but if you’re looking for a quicker bolognese recipe try my 30-Minute Ground Chicken Bolognese Sauce instead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients in bowls on a grey background

You know how I always preach about having a well stocked pantry. This recipe is no different. We’re using lots of pantry staples like, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, beef broth, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Keep items like this on hand and you’re already half way there!

How To Make Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

ingredients for sauce in a the slow cooker
Add your ingredients to the slow cooker.
bolognese sauce in a slow cookerx
Stir all together until evenly mixed. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-4 hours.
fresh parsley on bolognese sauce in a slow cooker
Stir in the freshly chopped parsley ladle over pasta.

Recipe Tips

  • If you can find them, San Marzano crushed tomatoes are known for their superior taste, making your bolognese even more tasty.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid of the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
  • The cinnamon provides a unique touch, but if you’re unsure about it, start with a pinch and adjust to your taste preference.
bolognese sauce on a pink plate served over spaghetti

Variations

  • Swap out the beef for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms to create a meatless version with a similarly hearty texture.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative to beef while still maintaining a meaty essence in the sauce.
  • For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to introduce a subtle heat to the dish.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Once you’ve prepared the bolognese, let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly sealed, the sauce can be refrigerated and will stay fresh for up to five days. 

Freezing: Ladle the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Ensure you squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date, and you can keep the sauce in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stove when ready to enjoy.

bolognese sauce over pasta on a pink plate
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Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce with Ground Beef

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Laney Schwartz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Simplify your weeknight dinners with this rich and hearty Weeknight Slow Cooker Bolognese. With robust flavors from ingredients like dried oregano, thyme, and a hint of cinnamon for warmth. Serve over your favorite pasta and sprinkle with parmesan for an effortlessly delicious meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 3 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ⅓ cup fresh chopped parsley
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Add the onion, carrot and garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. If you don’t have a food processor you can chop by hand. Set aside.
  2. In the bottom of the slow cooker add the ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano thyme, cinnamon, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and chopped veggies.
  3. Give a stir, then cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. Break up the meat before serving, stir in fresh, chopped parsley and serve over pasta with parmesan cheese.

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