Spaghetti Bolognese is a favorite, and this slow cooker recipe from Bored of Lunch tops the list, featuring beef mince, chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato purée, and Worcestershire sauce.

To prepare Bored of Lunch Spaghetti Bolognese in your slow cooker, optionally sear the beef first to enhance flavor, then combine it with the rest of the ingredients in the cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

I find it tastes so much better when the ingredients are marinated together overnight, or it’s cooked on low for a very long time as it is here. This is so much better than a jar of pasta sauce and contains no added oil or sugar.

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Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese Ingredients

• 500g beef mince, ideally 5% fat
• Two 400g cans of chopped tomatoes
• 8 mushrooms, halved
• 2-3 tbsp of tomato purée
• 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp of dried basil
• 1 tsp of dried rosemary
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 100ml of red wine
• 1 beef stock pot
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A few fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
• 600g of cooked spaghetti

How To Make Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

1. Brown the Mince: If time allows, heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat, add the beef mince, and sear until browned on all sides, which takes about 2-3 minutes; drain off any excess fat.
2. Setup the Slow Cooker: Place the browned or raw mince into your slow cooker, breaking it apart gently with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the chopped tomatoes, halved mushrooms, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, crushed garlic, chopped onion, bay leaves, red wine, and the beef stock pot.
4. Cooking the Bolognese: Stir the mixture to blend all the ingredients well, season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover; cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
5. Final Preparation and Serve: When the cooking time is complete, stir the cooked spaghetti into the sauce or serve the sauce over spaghetti plated up, garnished with fresh basil leaves and optional grated Parmesan cheese.

Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried ones in your Spaghetti Bolognese. Typically, you should use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, as fresh herbs are less concentrated. For example, instead of one teaspoon of dried basil, use one tablespoon of fresh basil.

Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, chop all your vegetables and measure out your seasonings the night before; this makes the cooking process smoother and faster when you’re ready to start.
• Enhancing Flavor: For a richer sauce, consider browning the tomato paste with the minced meat before adding it to the slow cooker, as this can deepen the flavors through caramelization.
• Avoiding Soggy Pasta: To prevent the spaghetti from becoming too soft, cook it al dente according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce, as it will continue to absorb moisture.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too watery after cooking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with equal parts water and stir it in, cooking for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.

Recipe Variations

• Choice of Meat: Swap the beef mince for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish, adjusting the cooking times if necessary to ensure the poultry is thoroughly cooked.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace the meat with a mix of chopped portobello mushrooms and lentils to enjoy a vegetarian version; adjust the seasoning as mushrooms and lentils can handle more robust flavors.
• Extra Veggies: Elevate the nutritional value by adding chopped carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the sauce; this not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add chopped chili peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients to spice up the dish.

What To Serve With Spaghetti Bolognese

Serve your Spaghetti Bolognese with garlic bread, Orange-cardamom Carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts, Jiffy Cornbread, or steamed broccoli.

You can also pair it with buttered peas or Sweet Potato Wedges for a lighter touch.

How To Store Leftover Spaghetti Bolognese

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Spaghetti Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge. Ensure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness. Properly stored, it can last up to 3 days. Always smell it first when you take it out to ensure it’s still good to eat.

In The Freezer:

Spaghetti Bolognese can be frozen, extending its life for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date so you’ll remember how long it’s been stored. Avoid freezer burn by ensuring it’s airtight.

How To Reheat Leftover Spaghetti Bolognese

Reheat your leftover Spaghetti Bolognese by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce while gently stirring until it’s thoroughly heated.

Alternatively, you can microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored of Lunch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
• Bored of Lunch Buffalo Chicken Wings In Slow Cooker
• Bored of Lunch Buffalo Chicken Wings In Slow Cooker