Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese: A Hearty and Flavorful Italian Dish

Spaghetti Bolognese, a classic Italian dish, is made with a rich and flavorful meat sauce that is typically simmered for hours. While traditional methods involve standing over the stove, using a slow cooker allows for a convenient and hassle-free approach.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound spaghetti

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet and stir to coat in the remaining fat. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Pour the vegetable mixture into the slow cooker.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine (if using), beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stir well to combine.
8. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the meat is tender.
9. Remove the bay leaf.
10. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
11. Serve the spaghetti with the slow cooker bolognese sauce over top.

Tips:

* For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
* Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* If you don't have red wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of water or additional beef broth.
* The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat before serving.

Conclusion:

Slow cooker spaghetti bolognese is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. With its ease of preparation, this dish allows you to enjoy a classic Italian meal without the hassle.