Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, irresistible aroma of a classic Italian sauce that's been simmering all day long. This Crockpot Spaghetti Bolognese is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves incredible home-cooked meals, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- To the skillet with the cooked ground beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the crockpot. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried basil. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. It's best to start with a small amount of salt and pepper, as you can adjust the seasoning later.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the sauce to cook for 6 hours. This slow cooking will help develop rich flavors.
- After 6 hours, check the sauce for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite pasta. This recipe yields about 8 servings, so it's perfect for a family meal or for meal prep.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade Crockpot Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, brown your ground beef thoroughly before adding to the crockpot. This creates a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best sauce texture and flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The 6-hour slow cook is crucial for developing rich, deep flavors.
- If possible, let the sauce cool and refrigerate overnight. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork.
- Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to elevate the dish.
- Freeze extra portions for up to 3 months for an easy future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
