**Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe**
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### **Introduction:**
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta dish, known for its rich, hearty flavors and comforting appeal. The traditional Bolognese sauce, or **ragù alla Bolognese**, is made with a slow-cooked mixture of ground meat, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, creating a deep, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. By preparing this dish in a **slow cooker**, you can allow the flavors to meld and develop over time, creating a dish that’s even richer and more flavorful with minimal hands-on effort. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a crowd, this **Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese** is the perfect solution for an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance:**
The origins of **Spaghetti Bolognese** are linked to **ragù alla Bolognese**, a traditional meat sauce originating from the city of Bologna, Italy. While Italian chefs would typically serve ragù over fresh egg pasta such as **tagliatelle**, the dish became internationally popularized in the mid-20th century, with various countries adapting it to their tastes. In many places, particularly in English-speaking countries, it is commonly paired with spaghetti.
Bolognese sauce is known for its long cooking time, which allows the flavors of the meats, vegetables, and tomatoes to intensify. The use of a slow cooker in this recipe simplifies the cooking process while still honoring the time-tested traditions of the dish. The **slow cooking method** ensures a tender, flavorful sauce that’s the perfect complement to al dente spaghetti.
In many cultures, spaghetti Bolognese is seen as a comfort food, often served during family gatherings, special occasions, or as a quick and satisfying weekday meal.
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### **Ingredients & Quantity:**
#### **For the Bolognese Sauce:**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **1 onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 medium carrots**, diced
– **2 celery stalks**, diced
– **1 lb (450g) ground beef** (or a combination of beef and pork for extra richness)
– **1/2 cup red wine** (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
– **1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes**
– **1 can (6 oz/170g) tomato paste**
– **1/4 cup milk** (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon dried basil**
– **1/2 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1/2 teaspoon sugar** (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes** (optional, for heat)
#### **For Serving:**
– **1 lb (450g) spaghetti** (or your favorite pasta)
– **Freshly grated Parmesan cheese** (for garnish)
– **Fresh basil or parsley** (optional, for garnish)
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### **Optional Additions:**
– **Mushrooms**: Add 1-2 cups of chopped mushrooms for a deeper, umami flavor.
– **Zucchini**: Grated zucchini can be added for extra vegetables and moisture.
– **Bay leaves**: Add 1-2 bay leaves during cooking for a subtle, aromatic touch.
– **Balsamic vinegar**: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a bit of tangy sweetness to the sauce.
– **Fresh herbs**: If you prefer, use fresh herbs such as basil or oregano instead of dried.
– **Bacon or pancetta**: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté diced bacon or pancetta along with the vegetables.
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### **Tips for Success:**
1. **Brown the meat**: Browning the meat in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker will enhance the flavor of the sauce. It creates a Maillard reaction that deepens the savory notes.
2. **Use a variety of meats**: For a richer sauce, use a combination of **beef, pork, and/or veal**. Pork adds sweetness, while veal offers tenderness.
3. **Let the sauce cook low and slow**: For the best flavor, let the sauce cook for at least 6 hours in the slow cooker on low. The longer it cooks, the more developed the flavors will be.
4. **Add a splash of wine**: A bit of red wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, but you can skip it if you prefer.
5. **Adjust seasoning**: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference.
6. **Cook the pasta al dente**: To avoid mushy pasta, cook the spaghetti just until al dente, and toss it with the sauce right before serving.
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### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the sauce base**: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. **Brown the meat**: Add the ground beef (and pork, if using) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. **Deglaze with wine**: If using wine, pour it into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook off for a minute or two.
4. **Transfer to the slow cooker**: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, milk, oregano, basil, thyme, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5. **Cook the sauce**: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors over time.
6. **Cook the pasta**: About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water for later if needed.
7. **Serve**: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if you prefer a looser sauce. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
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### **Description:**
This **Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese** is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the classic richness of Bolognese sauce with the convenience of slow cooking. The slow cooker allows the meat and vegetables to simmer together for hours, infusing the sauce with deep, savory flavors that would be difficult to achieve in a short amount of time. The result is a comforting meal with tender meat, a slightly creamy sauce, and a complex, layered flavor profile that pairs perfectly with al dente pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing meal for family dinners.
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### **Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):**
– **Calories**: 450-500
– **Fat**: 18-20g
– Saturated Fat: 7-9g
– **Carbohydrates**: 45g
– Fiber: 5g
– Sugars: 8g
– **Protein**: 30g
– **Cholesterol**: 60mg
– **Sodium**: 600-800mg
– **Vitamin A**: 30% DV
– **Vitamin C**: 10% DV
– **Calcium**: 8% DV
– **Iron**: 15% DV
*Note: Nutritional values will vary based on portion sizes, specific ingredients, and optional garnishes.*
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### **Conclusion:**
**Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese** is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of a traditional Italian ragù with the convenience of a slow cooker. With minimal effort, you can prepare a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or meal prep. The slow cooking process ensures a deep, savory flavor, while the tender sauce complements the spaghetti beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, this recipe will always be a crowd-pleaser.
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### **Recommendation:**
For a complete meal, serve **Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese** with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. Pair it with a medium-bodied red wine like **Chianti** or **Sangiovese** to complement the savory sauce. If you’re looking to reduce the calories, you can serve the Bolognese sauce over zucchini noodles or whole-wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Embrace the joy of a hands-off cooking method while enjoying the indulgence of a rich, hearty meal. Perfect for busy days or festive occasions, this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese will become a family favorite.