Slow-Cooker Pasta Bolognese

By á-2710

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup dried porcini mushrooms
• 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 1 cup whole milk
• Scant 3 cups meatloaf mix, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt, plus more to taste
• 15 grinds black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 pound pancetta, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup finely chopped shiitake or cremini mushrooms
• 2 cups finely chopped carrots (about 4 medium)
• 1 cup finely chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
• 1 cup finely chopped red onion (about 1 small)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup tomato paste (about 5 ounces)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
• 3/4 cup canned diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons minced rosemary leaves
• Red wine vinegar, to taste
• 1 pound pappardelle pasta, cooked according to the package directions
• Grated parmesan cheese, for serving
• Extra-virgin olive oil for serving

Details

Adapted from msn.com

Preparation

Step 1

1) Add the dried mushrooms to a small bowl and cover with very hot water; let sit for 15 minutes, then drain and finely chop. In a large bowl, mash the bread and milk together until a smooth paste forms. Gently knead in the ground meat, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

2) Add the butter to a large straight-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet and heat over medium-high heat. When melted, add the pancetta and sauté until browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer the pancetta to a large mixing bowl and pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pan. Cook about half of the ground meat mixture until browned; transfer to the bowl with the pancetta. Repeat with the remaining ground meat. Add the fresh porcini and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the dried mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and nutmeg. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened and aromatic, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and the flour, and cook until the flour is no longer visible, no more than 1 minute. With the pan off the heat, carefully add the wine. Then return the pan to high heat and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release and food bits. Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the tomatoes and stock, and cook for another minute. Pour into the slow cooker and add the browned meat; stir to combine.

3) Cover the slow cooker and cook on low until the meat has cooked through and the sauce is aromatic and very flavorful, about 6 hours. Spoon the fat off the surface, stir in the rosemary, break up the meat more with a fork, and season to taste with salt and vinegar.

4) To serve, toss the sauce with the pasta and garnish with parmesan and a
drizzle of olive oil.

TIP: Meatloaf mix is equal parts ground beef, pork, and veal. If you can't find ground veal, use equal parts ground beef and pork, or all beef.