#Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce
Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce is an excellent choice if you are looking for a simple yet tasty recipe to transform your pasta nights. Being able to set it and forget it in the slow cooker makes it a perfect meal for busy weekdays or weekends. The total time of making this dish is 6 hours and 15 minutes where preparation takes only 15 minutes and cooking time is 6 hours.
#Why Make This Recipe?
This Bolognese sauce recipe is a simple, hassle-free version of the traditional slow-cooked Italian sauce. It requires minimal prep but still gives you that rich, hearty flavor everyone loves in a Bolognese. Additionally, using a crock pot means you can let the sauce simmer to perfection while you go about your day.
#How to Make Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce
The process is straightforward and can be quickly done even by inexperienced cooks. The method involves sauteing the onions and garlic, browning the meat, simmering with wine, adding the remaining ingredients to the crock pot, slow cooking, and finally adding milk for creaminess.
#Ingredients
The ingredients include 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 lb ground beef and pork, 1 cup red wine, a can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, carrot, celery stalk, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, half a cup of whole milk, and fresh basil for garnish.
#Directions
Following the right order of preparation and adding the appropriate ingredients at a given time will ensure the perfect rich taste of this sauce. Always remember, in the end, to stir in the milk or heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking to enhance the creaminess of the sauce.
#How to Serve Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce
You can serve this Crock Pot Bolognese sauce over any pasta you prefer. Toss it with your favorite pasta, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil for an ideal savory Italian dish.
#How to Store Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce
You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer freezing it for a longer storage time, then put it in the freezer where it can last for up to 3 months.
#Tips to Make Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce
Always remember to drain excess fat after browning the meat to prevent your sauce from becoming greasy. Add the red wine after browning the meat, it not only deglazes the pan but also adds a complex flavor to the sauce.
#Variation
You can swap out the beef and pork for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, you may substitute the meat with a meat alternative or add more vegetables including mushrooms and bell peppers.
#FAQs
1. **Can I substitute the red wine in this recipe?**
Yes, if you prefer not to include red wine, you can replace it with extra beef broth or grape juice for the same vinyl touch.
2. **Can I make this in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?**
Yes, you can make Bolognese sauce in a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot, but you’ll have to adjust the cooking time according to the appliance’s instructions.
3. **What can I use instead of ground beef and pork?**
You can replace the ground beef and pork with other types of meat like ground chicken or turkey. You can also make a vegetarian version by using lentils or textured vegetable protein as a meat substitute.