Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese brings together onion, ground beef, and red wine. Put a mug or measuring cup beside the stove before you start. The quick notes will help you get the small jobs lined up before you start.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 360 min
- Total
- 380 min
- Original yield
- Serves 4
- Ingredients
- 16 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Primary protein
- Beef
- Cuisine
- Italian
- Cooking method
- Slow cooker
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 16–30 minutes · Total: over 60 minutes
- Dish type
- Pasta
A few quick notes
1. Keep a little pasta water
Put a mug or measuring cup beside the stove before you start. Scoop out the cooking water where the method tells you to, then add it gradually when bringing the pasta and sauce together.
2. Give yourself room for batches
The method calls for working in batches. Read that part before filling the pan, and give each batch the same cooking and doneness checks rather than crowding everything in at once.
3. Set out the first ingredients
Look through the first cooking step and have its ingredients ready before you begin. It is easier to give the pan your attention when you are not still looking for the next item.
Get to know the ingredients
Onion
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Add garlic and onion, and cook until translucent and sweet - around 7 minutes.
Ground beef
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until browned.
Red wine
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Return skillet to the stove, turn the stove down to medium and add red wine.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
How to make it
0 of 7 steps completeMake room for Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Keep the last little job in mind
The recipe finishes with this step: Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Set out what you need for that finish before the cooking gets busy.
A little more help as you go
Give the simmer its place
Keep the simmering stage in the sequence when planning the meal. Follow the heat and texture checks in that step rather than rushing straight to the finish.
Keep the first boil and the next step together
Read what happens once the mixture comes to a boil. Have the next ingredient or heat adjustment ready, and continue with the sequence the recipe gives.
Choose the slow-cooker schedule first
Read the setting and cooking time in the full method before deciding when to start. Keep the finishing steps in view as well, so the dinner fits the day you have.
A few questions you might have
What should I get ready before starting?
Set out the skillet, slow cooker, and pot. Read the first preparation step before you get going: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Which little step is worth remembering?
Put a mug or measuring cup beside the stove before you start. Scoop out the cooking water where the method tells you to, then add it gradually when bringing the pasta and sauce together.
What check should I look for as it cooks?
Keep this part of the method in view: Toss gently over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, or until the Sauce has thickened and coats the spaghetti. (Note 3)
Is there another preparation step to plan for?
Keep the simmering stage in the sequence when planning the meal. Follow the heat and texture checks in that step rather than rushing straight to the finish.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: Spend With Pennies. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
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