Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook spaghetti bolognese, using a slow cooker is a fantastic option. This popular Italian dish can be made even more flavorful and tender by letting it simmer for several hours in a slow cooker. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.
To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients for your spag bol. Ground beef is the traditional choice, but you can also opt for ground turkey or a meat substitute if you prefer. You’ll also need onions, garlic, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried herbs such as oregano and basil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will provide the foundation for a flavorful and satisfying spag bol.
To begin, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until they start to soften. This will help develop their flavors and add depth to your sauce. Then, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This will ensure that the meat is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Once the meat is cooked, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the flavors are well combined. Set your slow cooker to low and let it simmer for 6-8 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
When your spag bol is ready, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and serve it with a generous ladle of the spag bol sauce on top. Garnish with some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your homemade spaghetti bolognese straight from the slow cooker!
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognese in a Slow Cooker
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that can be easily made in a slow cooker. This method allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a rich and delicious sauce. Here’s how you can make Spaghetti Bolognese in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 500g |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Carrot, finely chopped | 1 |
| Celery, finely chopped | 1 stalk |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 400g |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Spaghetti | For serving |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | For serving |
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, around 5 minutes. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
- About 15 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Remove the bay leaves from the slow cooker and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasonings if necessary.
- Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese over the cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Bolognese made in the slow cooker!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need for slow cooker spaghetti bolognese:
1. Ground beef: You’ll want about 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef for this recipe. It’s a key ingredient that gives the bolognese sauce its rich and hearty flavor.
2. Onion: You’ll need 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped. The onion adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
3. Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a delicious aromatic taste to the dish.
4. Carrots and celery: You’ll need 2 medium-sized carrots and 2 celery stalks, both finely chopped. These vegetables add a hint of sweetness and crunch to the sauce.
5. Canned diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 ounces, or 400 grams) of diced tomatoes will give the sauce a rich tomato flavor.
6. Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste will give the sauce a concentrated tomato flavor.
7. Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml) of beef broth will help to enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.
8. Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning will add a delicious blend of herbs and spices to the sauce.
9. Salt and pepper: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Spaghetti: You’ll need about 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti to serve with the bolognese sauce.
Note: Feel free to add any additional herbs or spices according to your taste preference!
Preparation of Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
Slow cooker spaghetti bolognese is a delicious and convenient meal that can be prepared ahead of time and cooked slowly in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. By following these simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering spaghetti bolognese that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. In the same frying pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker.
3. Add the can of chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
5. About 15 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked spaghetti and serve with the slow cooker spaghetti bolognese.
6. Optionally, garnish the spaghetti bolognese with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. This adds an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
Enjoy your homemade slow cooker spaghetti bolognese! It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will surely become a family favorite.
Serving and Tips for Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
Slow cooker spaghetti bolognese is a delicious and convenient meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here are some serving suggestions and tips to enhance your slow cooker spag bol experience.
Serving Suggestions:
There are several ways to serve your slow cooker spaghetti bolognese to make it even more enjoyable:
- Serve over a bed of al dente spaghetti for a classic presentation.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness.
- Pair with a glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese:
Follow these tips to ensure your slow cooker spag bol turns out perfectly every time:
- Sauté the onions, garlic, and ground beef before adding them to the slow cooker. This step helps to enhance the flavors.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer and more complex taste.
- Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for at least 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Use good quality canned tomatoes or tomato passata for a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding salt, pepper, dried oregano, or other herbs and spices.
By following these serving suggestions and tips, you can elevate your slow cooker spaghetti bolognese to a whole new level. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal with your loved ones!
| Low Heat | High Heat |
|---|---|
| 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours |
Questions and answers
What is Spog Bol?
Spog Bol, also known as spaghetti bolognese, is a classic Italian pasta dish made with ground meat, tomatoes, and herbs.
How long does it take to cook Spog Bol in a slow cooker?
When cooking Spog Bol in a slow cooker, it typically takes around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat, depending on the recipe and the desired tenderness of the meat.
What ingredients do I need to cook Spog Bol in a slow cooker?
To cook Spog Bol in a slow cooker, you will need ingredients such as ground meat (beef or pork), onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs (such as basil and oregano), salt, pepper, and pasta. Some recipes may also include carrots, celery, wine, or stock for added flavor.
