This slow cooker bolognese is a hearty, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekend dinners. We love it served over pasta, lasagna, or paired with roasted vegetables.

Slow Cooker Bolognese

Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of rich, slow-cooked bolognese sauce. With this crockpot recipe, achieving that depth of flavor is easier than ever. There are so many nights when I’m too busy to cook, and that’s when I love turning to this slow cooker bolognese. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is the perfect solution. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for those nights when you need dinner in a pinch. If you’re as obsessed with slow cooker meals as I am, don’t forget to check out my Slow Cooker Recipes for even more inspiration! And if you don’t have a slow cooker, use my stove top Bolognese Recipe or this Instant Pot Bolognese Recipe.

Why Make Bolognese in a Slow Cooker?

Bolognese sauce needs to cook slow and low for several hours, so using the slow cooker is the perfect appliance to use. Here are some reasons why this method is a game-changer:

• Tender Meat: Since I use lean ground beef, the slow cooking process ensures the meat comes out tender and flavorful.
• Convenience: With minimal prep, you can let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes enough for multiple meals and freezes beautifully, so you can always have a homemade dinner ready to go.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious slow cooker bolognese, gather the following ingredients (see recipe card below for exact measurements).

• Pancetta or center cut bacon, chopped for smoky flavor
• Butter or olive oil for richness
• Large white onion, minced for sweetness
• Celery stalks, minced for depth
• Carrots, minced (about 3/4 cup) for natural sweetness
• Lean ground beef for a hearty base, use any ground meat you like here
• White wine to enhance flavor
• Crushed tomatoes (I love Tuttorosso) for the sauce
• Bay leaves to add earthy aroma
• Salt and fresh black pepper to season
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Half & half cream for creaminess

How To Make Bolognese Sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions to make slow cooker bolognese. See recipe card below to print.

1. In a large deep skillet, saute the pancetta on low heat until the fat melts, about 4-5 minutes. Add the butter, onions, celery and carrots and cook on medium-low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Increase heat to medium-high; add the meat, season with salt and pepper and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain the fat then add wine; cook until it reduces down, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer to the slow cooker. Add tomatoes, bay leaves, salt and pepper; cover and set slow cooker to LOW 6 hours.
4. After the 6 hours, adjust salt and pepper to taste, add half & half and parsley; stir and serve over your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Bolognese

• Can I skip the wine? Yes, replace it with beef broth or water.
• Do I need to sauté the aromatics? While not required, sautéing adds depth to the sauce, I highly recommend this for any slow cooker recipe.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Bolognese

This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days. Leftovers can be frozen for future meals in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then reheat on the stove or slow cooker.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

If you love this recipe, don’t forget to explore my Slow Cooker Recipes page. You’ll find everything from hearty soups to comforting main dishes—all designed to make your life easier and tastier.