Slow cooker bolognese

• olive oil↗4 tbsp tbsp
• smoked bacon rashers↗6

  chopped

• lean minced beef↗1½kg kg

  (or use half beef, half pork mince)

• onions↗4

  finely chopped

• carrots↗3

  finely chopped

• celery sticks↗4

  finely chopped

• garlic cloves↗8

  crushed

• mushrooms↗500g g

  sliced

• chopped tomatoes4 x 400g cans g
• tomato purée↗6 tbsp tbsp
• dried mixed herbs↗2 tbsp tbsp
• bay leaves↗2
• red wine↗large glass

  (optional)

• red wine vinegar↗4 tbsp tbsp
• sugar↗1 tbsp tbsp
• spaghetti↗cooked

  to serve

• parmesan↗

  to serve

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the bacon and mince in batches until browned. Add to the slow cooker.

2. 2

   Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, tomato purée, herbs, wine (if using), vinegar, sugar and seasoning to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, then uncover, turn to High and cook for another hour until thick and saucy.

3. 3

   Serve with cooked spaghetti and grated or shaved parmesan. To cook this entire recipe on the hob, check out our big-batch bolognese recipe.