Slow Cooker Bolognese

A rich, deep, meaty Bolognese sauce cooked low and slow. Miles better than anything you’ll make in 30 minutes on the hob.

Ingredients

• 500g beef mince
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 sticks celery, finely diced
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 beef stock cube dissolved in 100ml water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Pinch of sugar
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Brown the mince in a hot pan, breaking it up well. Drain off fat.
2. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well.
3. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4-5 hours.
4. Remove the bay leaf, taste for seasoning, and stir.
5. Serve over spaghetti or your favourite pasta with grated Parmesan.

Tips

The secret is the long, slow cooking — it develops a depth of flavour you can’t rush. Freezes brilliantly in portions.