Slow Cooker Bolognese

This slow cooker bolognese is one of my favourite dishes to make in the slow cooker / crockpot. The bolognese itself is 245 calories per portion, and if you choose to add 200g of pasta it’s an extra 262 calories – making it a satisfying meal that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.

Can I make bolognese in a slow cooker?

Yes – making bolognese in the slow cooker is a game-changer. It allows the sauce to simmer slowly, developing rich and deep flavours with minimal effort. It’s ideal for a midweek meal or batch cooking for the family.

Do I need to brown the mince before slow cooking?

For best flavour and texture, browning the beef mince first is recommended. It helps lock in flavour and gives a better finish, but if you’re short on time, you can add it straight in – the slow cooker will still do the job nicely.

How long should I cook bolognese in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The longer cook on low helps the sauce become beautifully rich and the meat tender – perfect for a hands-off family recipe.

What pasta goes best with slow cooker bolognese?

Spaghetti is the classic, but you can use any pasta shape you like – penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle all work brilliantly.

Can I make this bolognese recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s ideal for meal prep – store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is this bolognese freezer friendly?

Yes – let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze for a quick and easy midweek meal.

@boredoflunch

Ultimate Slowcooker Spag Bol AD In my opinion, the best bolognese is one that cooks for hours and hours, with a chorizo crumb and gorgeous Knorr rich beef stock this is your winner. I want to hear how you make your delicious spag bol! Simply submit your delicious recipe to Knorr’s competition to find Britain’s Best Spag Bol – judged by the Hairy Bikers! Ingredients 1 @knorruk rich beef stock pot 500g lean beef mince 1 tbsp of oil 100g chorizo grated into a crumb 1 x onion finely chopped 1 tsp dried Rosemary 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp thyme Handful of fresh basil 2 tbsp tomato paste or red pesto Salt and pepper 4 garlic cloves crushed Cooked spaghetti to serve Fresh basil & Parmesan to garnish Method Add oil, rosemary and onion to a heated pan, cook until softened and fragrant Add the mince and chorizo crumb Add to the slowcooker with all other ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours Stir in cooked pasta, garnish with Parmesan and basil This serves 4 large portions but could stretch to 6 @knorr #GiveItMoreWithKnorr #BritainsBestSpagBol #tiktokfood #spagbol #pasta #food #slowcookerrecipes #slowcooker #crockpotrecipes #crockpot #viral #tiktok #easy

♬ Real Love – Martin Garrix & Lloyiso

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely – this is a great way to sneak in extra veg for the kids. Try grated carrot, courgette, mushrooms, or chopped peppers for added nutrition in this family recipe.

Can I use turkey or Quorn mince instead of beef?

Yes – turkey, pork, or vegetarian mince all work well. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to suit and cook times may vary slightly depending on the protein used.

Do I need to stir it during cooking?

No need – just set it and forget it. Give it a quick stir before serving and check the consistency. You can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes if the sauce is too watery.

Can I serve this with anything other than pasta?

It’s great over jacket potatoes, or even spooned into wraps for a lasagne style burrito. It’s a super versatile family recipe!

For more easy slow cooker recipes and family-friendly midweek meals, visit my website, or you can pick up a copy of my new slow cooker cookbook Six Ingredient Slow Cooker today.