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Home / Fall Recipes

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce

4.29
/5
8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
73 Comments
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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 08/20/2017

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.


Imagine your favorite spaghetti bolognese sauce, simmered and seasoned to perfection, rich and flavorful… and all done conveniently in the slow cooker!


Your new favorite way to enjoy a bolognese-style pasta sauce… made easily in the slow cooker!  Rich, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce | Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready! | https://thechunkychef.com
Spaghetti is such a classic meal.  Is there anything better than a big plate full of perfectly cooked pasta, topped with a rich and meaty sauce, some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh minced basil?  Not in my book!  

Except maybe some cheesy semi-homemade garlic bread to go with it! Now picture this… you can have that fantastic-tasting, lip-smackingly good, slow-simmered tasting sauce, with hardly any effort?  How, you say?  In your slow cooker!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce | Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready! | https://thechunkychef.com

That’s right, your slow cooker comes to the rescue once again!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce | Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready! | https://thechunkychef.com

For me, my favorite spaghetti sauces all have meat in them.  What can I say, I like meat 🙂  What about you?  Do you prefer meat-free spaghetti sauce?   A meat sauce?  Meatballs?

Usually, to get a great tasting sauce, you have to let it simmer and let those flavors meld together for a while… like several hours, or more.  Well I don’t know about you, but I just don’t have that kind of time most nights.

Now you can walk in the door and smell a FANTASTIC sauce simmering away in your slow cooker!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce | Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready! | https://thechunkychef.com

This recipe uses both ground beef and mild Italian sausage, but feel free to change it up to fit your family’s tastes.  It could be all Italian sausage, all beef, or you could go for a hot Italian sausage if you want to get spicy.

All you need to do is brown your meats with the onion and garlic… making sure you crumble up the meat pretty well.  For me, my best tool for that is my potato masher.  I start with my wooden spoon to break it up into large chunks, then go to town mashing away with my potato masher.  It crumbles up meat like a pro!

Once the meat is browned, drain it, then add it to the bottom of your slow cooker.  Next, add in the remaining ingredients, pop the lid on, set it to low, and you’re done!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce | Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready! | https://thechunkychef.com

This sauce cooks for 8 hours, so you’re free to go about your day.  Then come dinner time, all you have to do is boil your pasta!  Simple enough right?

You deserve this sauce… treat yourself!

LOOKING FOR MORE ITALIAN DINNER IDEAS?

  • Semi-homemade garlic bread
  • Cheesy garlic crescent rolls
  • Slow Cooker Shredded Italian Beef
  • Meatball Parmesan Bake
  • 20 Minute Tortellini Carbonara

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce | Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready! | https://thechunkychef.com

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce | Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready! | https://thechunkychef.com

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce

4.29 from 14 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours hours
Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Calories: 428
Servings: 8 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready!

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 onion minced
  • 2 carrots, very finely chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 - 14 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 - 24 ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce (I use Newman's Own)
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 3 tsp better than chicken bouillon
  • 3 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp sugar (to taste)
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned, about 5-6 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef and sausage as it cooks.  The last 2-3 minutes, add onion, carrot and garlic to beef and cook.  Drain in a colander to remove excess grease. 
  • Place meat mixture into bottom of slow cooker. Add remaining sauce ingredients and stir to combine.  Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

If desired, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream at the end of cooking, cover and cook another 5-10 minutes to warm it through.  Cream really rounds out the flavors and adds a beautiful richness, but it's optional

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce | Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this bolognese-style sauce is made in the slow cooker.  Just boil some pasta and your dinner is ready! | https://thechunkychef.com

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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4.29 from 14 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Monkey mom says

    Posted on 8/26 at 5:12 pm

    Made this with King Arthur gf all- purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon zanthum gum. Added 1 teaspoon yeast to warmed water and 1 tablespoon sugar and allowed it to bloom. Then added 1 egg and flour mixture , beat on medium speed for approximately 2-3 mins in mixer. Let rest for 4 hours in the mixing bowl. Followed the rest of the instructions and was very happy. Beautiful presentation and great taste!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 8/27 at 3:15 pm

      I’m happy to hear you were able to adapt the recipe to your GF needs!! So glad you loved it 😀

      Reply
  2. deveaux says

    Posted on 8/18 at 7:22 am

    do you think the bread would work without the cheese? I want to make is dairy free..

    thanks

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 8/18 at 3:43 pm

      Hi Deveaux! It would definitely work without the cheese 🙂

      Reply
  3. Tricia says

    Posted on 4/14 at 10:37 am

    I am planning on making this tomorrow and I can’t wait to try it. I’m especially excited about the bread. I don’t have a dutch oven so do you think I could make it in my stoneware baker?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/14 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Tricia!! I’m so excited that you’re trying the recipes 😀 Does your stoneware baker have a lid?

      Reply
  4. Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says

    Posted on 2/15 at 10:23 pm

    This Bolognese sauce looks fantastic! I am featuring you this week over at Simple Supper Tuesday. We would love for you to join us again this week, starting Monday night at 8pm EST.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/16 at 8:26 am

      Thank you so much!! I’m honored to be featured 😀 I’ll be sure to stop on by!

      Reply
  5. Pinterest Addicted says

    Posted on 2/15 at 9:28 pm

    This looks so tasty and easy!! I had no idea about using the potato masher for meat. I’m such an impatient cook. I’ll have to try using it next time. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/15 at 9:37 pm

      Thank you!! I’m the same way, I don’t have much patience and the potato masher just makes it so easy and quick 🙂

      Reply
  6. Lou Lou Girls says

    Posted on 2/14 at 3:05 pm

    Hello beautiful! This looks so amazing. I can’t wait to try it. Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for being a part of our party and we hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm. We can’t wait to party with you! Happy Valentines’ Day! Lou Lou Girls

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/14 at 3:55 pm

      Hi there! Thank you so much!! I can’t wait to bring more recipes to your great party 😀 😀 Happy Valentine’s Day to you as well!

      Reply
  7. Free says

    Posted on 2/12 at 9:28 pm

    That Looks So Delicious. Every Since I’ve Gotten Pregnant I Am Definitely A Big Fan Of Spaghetti So This Is Definitely Something That I know I Have To Try.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/12 at 9:47 pm

      Thank you!! Oh I certainly understand pregnancy cravings… congratulations and I hope you love the recipe 😀

      Reply
  8. beth b says

    Posted on 2/11 at 9:13 pm

    Wow — I can’t wait to make this sauce AND the bread!! It looks so delicious — perfect for a winter evening. Love your step by step directions and wonderful photos!!

    Will be a return visitor for sure!!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/11 at 10:20 pm

      Aww thank you so much! Your comment just made my night! 😀 I hope you try it and LOVE it as much as we did 🙂

      Reply
  9. Elaine says

    Posted on 2/11 at 8:46 pm

    I love this…I love that it is in a slow cooker! Hey I would love for you to share your stuff on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday-Link Party that starts tomorrow!! I would love to have you!! http://www.cookinandcraftin.com/my-2-favorite-things-on-thursday-link-party-6/

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/11 at 10:19 pm

      Thank you!! We’re all about the slow cooker here 😀 Sure, I’ll be sure to stop by, thank you for the invite 😀 😀

      Reply
      • Elaine says

        Posted on 2/16 at 6:29 pm

        I am following you on google+ and pinterest!! Love your stuff!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday! Hope you come back and share some more!! Pinned!

        Reply
        • The Chunky Chef says

          Posted on 2/16 at 9:41 pm

          Thank you so much!! The follows are greatly appreciated 😀 I’ll be sure to return the foodie love 🙂

          Reply
  10. Tampa Cake Girl says

    Posted on 2/9 at 9:12 pm

    Another fabulous recipe! Love it! Pin it!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/9 at 10:06 pm

      Thank you so much!! It’s so hearty 😀

      Reply
  11. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    Posted on 2/8 at 9:30 pm

    I definitely will be making spaghetti bolognese for dinner tonight after seeing this inspiring post! Thanks for the easy slow cooker recipe.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/8 at 10:24 pm

      That’s awesome, hope you love it!! 😀

      Reply
  12. skd says

    Posted on 2/8 at 8:53 am

    You are right Amanda. It really is a classic meal. Warm, comforting food. Your bread looks gorgeous. And congrats on your milestone. Well done!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/8 at 3:10 pm

      Thank you so much 😀 I was so happy with how the bread turned out 🙂

      Reply
  13. Frugal Hausfrau says

    Posted on 2/7 at 9:19 pm

    You’ll laugh, but I make a Slow Cooker Sauce, too, that I have been meaning to post – it sits, partially finished in my drafts while I cheat on it, looking at other sauces! This looks delicious, and I think the slow cooker can’t be beat as far as a method for this sauce goes!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/7 at 9:24 pm

      Lol that is too funny 🙂 High five on the slow cooker sauces!! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Cindy @Cindys Recipes and Writings says

    Posted on 2/7 at 9:09 pm

    I love a good bolognese! Thanks Amanda for sharing at Foodie Friends Friday!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/7 at 9:42 pm

      Thank you!! I love stopping by Foodie Friends Friday 🙂

      Reply
  15. rue says

    Posted on 2/6 at 1:04 pm

    Gosh that looks good…. I’m going to run out of ink from printing out your recipes lol

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/6 at 4:00 pm

      Lol, thank you!! 🙂 😀

      Reply
  16. Michaela says

    Posted on 2/6 at 12:05 pm

    I’ve also never thought of the slow cooker for Bolognese. Great time saver for my favorite meal.

    Michaela

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/6 at 3:58 pm

      Thank you! I hope you LOVE it 🙂

      Reply
  17. Cynthia @ Whole Food | Real Families says

    Posted on 2/6 at 10:22 am

    This looks fantastic!! I am a total cheater. I make a million gallons of sauce without the meat and then can or freeze it. Then at dinner time, I just brown whatever meat I want and pile on the sauce I’ve already prepped. I can also use it like marinara that way. Mostly, I just love that it makes a huge shortcut on nights that dinner has to be quick. I can’t wait to try this in the slow cooker. And the bread looks amazing!!!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/6 at 3:51 pm

      Thank you so much!! That’s a really smart way to do sauce 🙂 Sounds like something I would do lol… gotta make dinnertime a little easier 🙂

      Reply
  18. Dini @ Giramuk's Kitchen says

    Posted on 2/6 at 9:48 am

    I saw this yesterday on pinterest and already pinned it 😀 Looks delicious!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/6 at 3:48 pm

      Thank you so much!! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Josette says

    Posted on 2/6 at 9:08 am

    Wow!! First of all- it is hard to beat sauce that has been simmering for hours- SUCH amazing flavor. Looks perfect. BUT your bread looks AMAZING!! (I especially love the “ugly” photo by the way 😉 ) The 12 to 18 hour rise time requires a little planning (sometimes a problem for me!) but the results are certainly worth it- I think the bread brought your fiesta worthy meal up a few notches!! Thanks for bringing it to the party & have a lovely weekend!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/6 at 3:42 pm

      Awww well thank you!!! Bread is a huge weakness of mine… I LOVE it! But I hate spending $4 on a loaf of bread that we eat in one sitting… so I was so excited to find a recipe that won’t cost anywhere near that much to make 😀 Lol, glad you love the “ugly” pic 😉 Enjoy your weekend! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Thao @ In Good Flavor says

    Posted on 2/5 at 10:01 pm

    What a great dinner! I can imagine how good the house must smell with the bolognese simmering all day. I love easy to make yeast bread recipes…this one sounds easy and looks delicious.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/5 at 10:03 pm

      Thank you so much!! I walked outside and came back in and was blown away by how amazing the whole house smelled from the sauce… mouthwatering! We sure love our Italian meals around here 🙂

      Reply
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