There’s something about the quiet hum of a slow cooker that makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the home. On one evening last week, I tossed together ingredients without much fuss, half-distracted by a show playing in the background. The smell of garlic and onion sizzling first teased me, then settled into a warm, savory promise that something comforting was on the way. Hours later, as that rich beef bolognese sauce simmered gently, I caught myself sneaking tastes, wiping a little sauce off my finger, and thinking about how this was going to pair perfectly with a simple bowl of pasta. It’s not fancy, and I didn’t bother with anything complicated on the side—sometimes, the slow simmer is all you need.

What I love about this slow cooker beef bolognese is how it lets the flavors meld slowly, becoming deeper and more nuanced over time. The balance of herbs and the touch of red wine give it a classic feel, while the milk adds a silky softness that’s just right. It’s kind of forgiving, too—if you forget to stir occasionally, it still turns out tender and rich, making it ideal for busy days or when you want a hands-off meal that still feels special.

This sauce simmers low and slow, which means you get to enjoy a hands-off cooking experience without sacrificing flavor.
The flavor is rich and hearty, but not overwhelming, making it a flexible base for pasta or even a cozy lasagna.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point—letting real ingredients shine without too much fuss or prep.
Because it cooks for hours, the texture is tender and comforting, but it’s not a quick fix if you’re in a rush.

If you’re a bit nervous about using a slow cooker or juggling timing, don’t worry—this sauce is forgiving. You can prep it earlier in the day, leave it to cook while you get on with other things, and come back to a meal that feels like it took much more effort than it did.

Slow Cooker Beef Bolognese

Print Recipe

A rich and hearty slow cooker beef bolognese sauce that simmers to perfection, perfect for serving over pasta or your favorite Italian dishes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup beef broth

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.
Pour the red wine into the skillet and scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits, then add the wine to the slow cooker.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Pour in the whole milk and beef broth and stir again to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the bolognese sauce hot over cooked pasta or as desired.

In the kitchen, you don’t need fancy tools—just a slow cooker and a pan to get the initial veggies and beef going. Serve it over your favorite pasta—spaghetti or pappardelle work beautifully—or spoon it over polenta for something a bit different. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped mushrooms or swap ground beef for a mix with pork just to see how it changes the flavor. Adding a splash more wine or a pinch more red pepper flakes can kick things up if you’re feeling adventurous. Honestly, it’s a recipe I tweak a bit depending on what’s in the fridge and how much time I have.

FAQ

Can I make this without wine? Yes, you can skip the wine or substitute with extra broth—though the wine does add a nice depth.

How long can leftovers be stored? This sauce keeps well in the fridge for about four days and freezes nicely for up to three months.

Can I use other meats? Ground turkey or pork can work, but the flavor and texture will change a bit.

Ready to let your slow cooker do the work? Save this recipe, give it a try, and enjoy the rich reward of a homemade bolognese that’s as easy as it is satisfying.