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slow cooker spaghetti bolognese in a white dish twirled around a fork with rosemary just showing and a beige napkin around one side of the napkin
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Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

This recipe for Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese is a firm family favourite. It is absolutely delicious and so low effort it's scandalous.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 295kcal

Ingredients

  • 500 grams beef mince
  • 500 grams tomato passata
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 4 tbsps tomato ketchup
  • 2 medium/large carrots peeled
  • 1 large garlic clove minced
  • 1 tsp salt may need more
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Grate or blitz in the food processor 2 medium/large carrots and celery.
  • Add the veg and minced beef to the slow cooker and sprinkle the flour on top. Using a wooden spoon or spatula mix the flour into the mince and veg completely.
  • Tip the 500 mls of passata, 3 tbsp of ketchup and salt and pepper on top and stir through.
  • Push in the rosemary sprig and put the lid on. Cook on low for 4 hours. It will be ok for 6 but not for any longer as it may start to burn on the bottom of the pot.
  • Scoop out the rosemary  when you are ready to go. I try not to stir it to keep the rosemary all in one place so I can remove it easily.

Video

Notes

  • Season well, this dish benefits from quite a bit of salt.
  • If you prefer it sweeter then add another 2 tbsps of ketchup or a tsp of sugar.
  • A point to mention is that you can make this in a large frying pan or saucepan too. It doesn't have to be made just in a slow cooker. Let the bolognese bubble in the pan on a low heat for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • I try not to stir too much  as it will cause the leaves to come off the rosemary sprigs and my children don't like to munch on them. I scoop them out before serving.
  • Don't omit the flour as it thickens the spaghetti sauce.
  • Use the best mince you can afford. It does make a difference. 
  • Reheat the leftovers in the microwave covered until piping hot for super easy midweek meals.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 1047mg | Potassium: 804mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 362IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 5mg