Easy 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Bolognese
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only 4 simple ingredients budget-friendly and pantry-ready
Hands-off slow cooker recipe perfect for busy weekdays
Rich, slow-simmered flavor without hours at the stove
Family-friendly Italian comfort food everyone loves
Freezer-friendly ideal for meal prep and make-ahead dinners
Versatile sauce for pasta, noodles, mashed potatoes, or casseroles
This easy slow cooker beef Bolognese delivers deep, homemade flavor with minimal effort. Letting the sauce simmer low and slow gives it that classic, old-fashioned taste like something Nonna would make while keeping prep stress-free. It’s the perfect recipe when you want a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it took all day (because it did… just not your time).
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1½ pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 (24–26 oz) jar marinara or tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Directions:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in fresh garlic during the last 30 seconds (skip this step if using garlic powder).
Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.
Pour the pasta sauce over the meat. Sprinkle in garlic powder if using.
Stir well to combine, breaking up any large clumps.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours for a rich, slow-simmered flavor.
Taste before serving and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over pasta or your favorite base.
Serving Ideas:
Spoon over spaghetti, fettuccine, or egg noodles
Serve over mashed potatoes for rustic comfort food
Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan for extra flavor
Tips & Variations:
Add up to ½ cup water or beef broth to stretch the sauce
Stir in a splash of milk or cream during the last 30 minutes for a smoother, traditional finish
Grate a carrot into the sauce for natural sweetness (great for picky eaters)
Freeze leftovers in portions for quick, stress-free dinners
