Classic Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese — it’s a classic that never gets old. This slow cooker version is one of my favourite “dump and go” meals: no browning, no fuss, just tip everything in and let it simmer away while you get on with your day.

It’s rich, filling, and perfect for feeding a family, prepping for the week, or stashing in the freezer. The best part? No frying pans, no hovering over the stove — just your trusty slow cooker doing all the work.

How To Make Spaghetti Bolognese In A Slow Cooker

Making Bolognese in a slow cooker is really easy. You can either put it all in raw or brown the mince off first. I talk about this more further down. I used to always brown my mince before putting in the slow cooker for Bolognese, but now, I rarely do!

What You Need

For exact measurements and concise instructions please scroll down to the recipe card.

Beef Steak Mince

This forms the base of your bolognese. I like to use 5% or 10% fat mince for a good balance between flavour and richness. No need to brown it beforehand — it cooks perfectly in the slow cooker, soaking up all the flavours as it goes.

Onion

Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavour to the sauce. You can use brown, or even a red onion — whatever you have on hand.

Garlic

No need to mince finely — the slow cooker does all the softening for you. Add more if you like it garlicky.

Chopped Tomatoes

I usually go for Mutti chopped tomatoes (a link to where you can buy these online are in the recipe card down below) as they have a lovely rich flavour and a thicker consistency. However, other brands of chopped tomatoes work well too, go with your favourite.

Tomato Purée

Boosts the tomato richness and helps thicken the sauce. Don’t skip this one!

Beef Stock Cube

You could also use a stock pot.

Dried Oregano & Basil

These herbs bring a classic Italian vibe. You can substitute with dried mixed herbs if that’s what you’ve got.

Worcestershire Sauce

Adds a subtle savoury depth and rounds out the tomato flavours beautifully.

Bay Leaves

For an aromatic, slow-cooked flavour. Just don’t forget to remove them before serving!

Optional Additions

• Chopped carrots, peppers and/or celery – great for sneaking in extra veg or creating a more traditional ragu-style base.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp) – adds depth and a hint of warmth.
• Red wine (splash – around 100ml) – optional, but lovely for an extra flavour boost and make the meat even more tender.

You Might Also Like: Mince Recipes For Your Slow Cooker

Making It (No Browning Required!)

Honestly, this is one of those brilliant recipes where you just throw everything in and let the slow cooker work its magic. No browning, no pans, no extra washing up — just a proper hands-off dinner.

Step 1: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Yes — everything! The mince, chopped onion, red pepper, garlic, tins of chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, crumbled stock cube, herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves all go straight in.
No need to pre-cook or brown anything — the slow cooker does all the work for you.

Step 2: Give It a Good Stir

Use a spoon to break up the mince a bit and mix everything together. You just want to make sure all the ingredients are well combined and evenly spread out.

Step 3: Pop the Lid On and Cook

Set your slow cooker to the right setting and get on with your day:

• Low for 7 to 10 hours
• High for 4 to 5 hours

This recipe is super forgiving — I usually put it on in the morning and don’t think about it again until dinner time.

Step 4: Finish It Off Before Serving

Once it’s done, give it a little taste. Add salt and pepper if it needs it. If the sauce is looking a bit thin, just take the lid off for the last 20 to 30 minutes and let it thicken up a bit. And don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before serving.

What To Serve With Bolognese

• The classic: over cooked spaghetti, with lots of grated cheese
• Add garlic bread or dough balls on the side for a proper comfort meal
• Spoon over a baked potato for a quick lunch
• Stir through cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake for an easy pasta bake
• Or pop it in the freezer for a dinner on another day

Storage & Freezing

Freezer: Cool completely, portion out, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave from frozen.

Fridge: Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Can You Put Raw Mince In A Slow Cooker?

Yes you can. You can put any raw meat in a slow cooker and it will cook just fine. But some recipes just taste better when the meat has been seared beforehand – but really it’s a matter of personal taste – and time!

I used to brown the mince (with the onions) in a pan before putting it in the slow cooker but now I just add it all in raw.

Of course, if you have one of those wonderful slow cookers with a built in sear function you may as well go ahead and brown off that meat.

You can also make it in an electric pressure cooker:

• Ninja Foodi Bolognese
• Instant Pot Bolognese

This recipe appears in my slow cooker recipe book.

More Slow Cooker Beef Recipes

• Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
• Slow Cooker Beef Keema
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
• Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli