Name: Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 1 celery stalk, finely chopped; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoon olive oil

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a comforting, rich, and deeply flavorful dinner, this Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce is just what you need. It's a hearty, slow-simmered Italian classic that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, cozy weekends, or impressing your guests at family gatherings. Set it, forget it, then come home to the irresistible aroma of authentic Bolognese. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

It's a true set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy schedules.
The slow cooking develops a rich, deep flavor and velvety texture.
Perfect for freezing or making ahead for future meals.
Versatile enough to serve over pasta, polenta, or even zucchini noodles.
Satisfies even the pickiest eaters with its classic, cozy taste.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 pounds ground beef (80-85% lean)
8 ounces ground pork
½ cup dry red wine
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef and ground pork to the skillet. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned—about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the vegetable and meat mixture to your slow cooker (at least 6-quart size). Stir in red wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, milk, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours), stirring occasionally. The sauce will become thick, rich, and aromatic.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Discard bay leaf, stir in chopped basil, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, topped with parmesan and extra basil.

Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips

Sautéing the meat and aromatics adds flavor depth but can be skipped for a true dump-and-go meal; the sauce will still be delicious!
For an ultra-silky sauce, stir in a splash of cream at the end of cooking.
Need more tips on tomato selection? Check out this guide to the best canned tomatoes.