Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

By cindygwest

Ingredients

• 1 T. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef sirloin
• 1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1 T. chopped garlic
• 1 can whole tomatoes, chopped (28 ounces)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 T. balsamic vinegar
• 1 t. kosher salt
• 1 t. dried basil
• 1 t. dried oregano
• 1/2 t. red pepper flakes
• 1/2 t. fennel seed
• 1/2 cup mascarpone or cream cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add beef and sausage; cook until no longer pink. Using a fine-mesh sieve, drain off fat; set beef and sausage aside.
Mince celery, onion, carrot and garlic in a food processor; transfer to a 4 - 6 quart slow cooker.
Add meat mixture, tomatoes, milk, wine, broth, tomato paste, vinegar, salt, basil, oregano, pepper flakes, and fennel seed to slow cooker. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 3 - 4 hours. Immediately before serving sauce, stir in mascarpone or cream cheese.