bolognese

Slow-cooker bolognaise

  • Serves 8
  • Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 4-8 hours

Two meals sorted in one go! This double recipe serves eight or you can use half in moussaka later in the week. It’s also wonderful as a family pie – just mix in a heaped cup of frozen peas, top with flaky pastry or mashed potato and bake until golden.

Ingredients

  • 1kg beef mince

  • 10 rashers streaky bacon, diced

  • 1 cup grated parmesan

  • 3 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

  • 2 onions, finely chopped

  • 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced

  • 1 leek, white and half of green parts finely sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

  • ½ cup tomato paste

  • 1 cup white wine

  • ¼ cup cornflour

Method

  1. Combine all ingredients except tomato paste, wine and cornflour in slow-cooker.

  2. Mix tomato paste, wine and cornflour until smooth then stir into mince mixture.

  3. Cover and cook on high power for 4 hours or low power for 7-8 hours.

MAKE A MEAL OF IT: Serve with spaghetti, a sprinkling of grated parmesan and a salad or green veges.

SWAP IT OUT: If you don’t have bacon you can still make this bolognaise – it’s nearly as nice without! If you don't have a leek, add an extra onion instead.

ALCOHOL-FREE: The alcohol in the wine will burn off while cooking but if you want to avoid alcohol altogether use a cup of chicken or beef stock instead.