Slow Cooker Beef Bolognese with Penne

Slow Cooker Beef Bolognese with Penne – Easy, Hearty, and Delicious

If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and satisfying pasta dish, this Slow Cooker Beef Bolognese with Penne is a must-try! With a robust tomato-based meat sauce simmered to perfection and tossed with tender penne pasta, it’s a family-favorite meal that practically cooks itself.

Perfect for busy weekdays, this recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a classic Italian-style dinner with bold flavors and comforting textures.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)

• Total Time: Up to 8 hours

• Servings: 6

• Method: Slow Cooker

• Cuisine: Italian-American

• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 12 ounces penne pasta

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Bolognese with Penne

 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.

• Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).

 Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• Add the ground beef to the skillet.

• Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned completely (about 5–7 minutes).

• Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy sauce.

 Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

• Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, beef broth, and whole milk.

 Step 4: Slow Cook

• Cover and cook:

  • On LOW for 6–8 hours

  • Or on HIGH for 3–4 hours

• Stir occasionally if you’re home, though it’s not necessary.

 Step 5: Cook the Pasta

• About 20 minutes before serving, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package directions.

• Drain and set aside.

 Step 6: Combine and Serve

• Stir the cooked penne into the Bolognese sauce in the slow cooker.

• Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

• Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of flavor and color.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bolognese

• Don’t skip browning the meat – it adds depth and caramelized flavor.

• Whole milk balances the acidity of tomatoes and adds creaminess.

• Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for a richer sauce.

• For added richness, finish with a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta.

• Cook pasta just to al dente – it will soften slightly more in the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

• Add Veggies: Stir in diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

• Low-Carb Option: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

• Cheesy Finish: Top with grated Parmesan or mozzarella before serving.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: The Bolognese sauce (without pasta) freezes well for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals.

Why This Recipe Works

• Hands-off cooking with bold flavor

• Ideal for meal prep and leftovers

• Crowd-pleasing pasta dinner

• Customizable with your favorite ingredients

enjoy!