She Strengthens

Slow-Cooked Perfection: A Rich and Hearty Bolognese Sauce

When it comes to crafting a truly exceptional pasta sauce, time and patience are essential. Traditionally, a Bolognese sauce can simmer for up to 6 hours, blending aromatic vegetables, ground meats, wine, milk, and tomatoes into a rich, velvety amalgam. However, with the help of a slow cooker, you can achieve this depth of flavor without sacrificing an entire day.

A Flavorful Foundation

Our recipe begins with a few key ingredients, including dried porcini mushrooms, which add an earthy, umami flavor to the sauce. To rehydrate these mushrooms, simply soak them in hot water for 30 minutes. Reserve the soaking water, as it will come in handy later.

Building the Sauce

Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer the pancetta to a large slow cooker, then add ground beef, onions, celery, and carrots to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots have softened and the meat is no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Adding Aromatics and Spices

Add minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and cinnamon to the skillet, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes. The aroma of these spices will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the rich flavors to come.

Wine and Mushroom Liquid

Add a cup of dry red wine to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil for 2 minutes, then add the reserved mushroom liquid. This step will enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity.

Simmering to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, adding chopped tomatoes, their juices, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine, then cook on high for 4 hours, removing the lid for the last 30 minutes. Alternatively, cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, removing the lid for the last hour.

Savoring the Fruits of Your Labor

Once the sauce has finished cooking, serve it over your favorite pasta, accompanied by a crusty loaf of garlic bread for dipping. With its rich, slow-cooked flavors, this Bolognese sauce is sure to become a new family favorite.

Recipe Details

Yields: 6 to 8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Active Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 ounces pancetta, diced
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 6 garlic cloves, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added tomatoes, coarsely chopped and juices reserved
• 3/4 cup tomato paste