Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
2 Comments Mar 12, 2023
Updated May 28, 2025
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This Slow Cooker Bolognese is rich, hearty, and easy to make—just toss in a few staples and let it bubble away until it’s perfect for pasta night.
If you’re a fan of crockpot spaghetti sauce, this slow cooker Bolognese is a must-try. It’s a richer, heartier twist that might just replace your go-to pasta sauce for good.
The Magic Behind the Sauce
These are the star ingredients for making this sauce. The full ingredient list is in the recipe card.
- Ground Beef – Can’t have Bolognese without it—this is what makes it hearty.
- Red Wine – The secret flavor booster that gives it a slow-simmered taste.
- Crushed Tomatoes – Brings the sauce together with rich, velvety texture.
- That Herb Mix (aka Italian Seasoning) – Just the right combo to make it taste like you cooked all day.
Tips for making the Best Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
- For red wine to cook with, use cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, or merlot. Or use a red blend (that’s what we like)
- You can mix ground beef and ground pork, or use Italian sausage, if you’d like.
- Can’t use wine? Use more beef broth. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor.
- Want a thicker sauce. When the cooking time is up, remove the lid and cook for one hour longer.
My Serving Suggestions
Here is how to make the perfect pasta night meal:
- Serve the bolognese with the spaghetti noodles by mixing some of the sauce into the spaghetti and then pouring more over the top. Can’t have pasta? The sauce is great over rice.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh basil if desired.
- As for sides, pair this delicious pasta meal with a small side salad and garlic bread (or garlic sticks).
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 white onion, Diced
- 4 cloves garlic, Minced
- ½ cup red wine
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes, (two 28-oz. cans)
- 1 cup beef stock, or beef broth
- 4 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
For serving
- 16 oz dried spaghetti, uncooked
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked completely. Add the cooked ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker pot.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to burn off the alcohol. Pour the red wine and onions into the slow cooker with the ground beef.
- To the slow cooker, add the rest of the ingredients (not including the spaghetti) and stir. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours. During the last 20 minutes of cook time, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions on the stove top. Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.
- Serve the bolognese with the spaghetti by mixing some of the sauce into the spaghetti and then pouring more over the top.
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Slow Cooker Pasta Sauce Recipes
Venison Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and easy-to-make family favorite. Try my Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti for a creamy pasta meal.
For something a little different, try the smooth and savory Slow Cooker Tomato Butter Sauce or go classic with a simple Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce made with pantry staples.
If you’re craving something meaty and comforting, Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs and Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu are both satisfying, slow-simmered meals the whole family will love.
Will this be ok on low for 8 hours?
Yes, I think so.