Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Here’s a delicious and easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese recipe that’s perfect for busy days. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor — and the slow cooker does most of the work!

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🍝 Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

⏱ Prep Time: 15 mins

🕐 Cook Time: 6–8 hours

🍽 Serves: 4–6

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🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 carrot, finely diced

• 1 celery stalk, finely diced (optional but adds depth)

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or half beef/half pork for extra flavor)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 can (400g/14 oz) chopped tomatoes

• 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or another chopped one)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 beef stock cube (or 1 tsp stock powder)

• 1 tsp sugar (optional – balances acidity)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

• 100ml (⅓–½ cup) milk – helps tenderize meat and smooth the sauce

• Cooked spaghetti, to serve

• Fresh parsley or Parmesan, to garnish (optional)

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🔪 Instructions:

1. Brown the meat and veg (optional but recommended):

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

   • Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened (5 minutes).

   • Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Transfer to slow cooker:

   • Add the browned meat and veg to your slow cooker.

   • Stir in tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, crumbled stock cube, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

3. Slow cook:

   • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk and taste for seasoning.

4. Cook pasta:

   • Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain well.

5. Serve:

   • Spoon Bolognese over spaghetti. Top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.