Slow-Cooked Amber Ale Bolognese
This Slow-Cooked Amber Ale Bolognese is a rich and hearty sauce perfect for pasta lovers. Infused with the robust flavors of dark beer and a medley of fresh vegetables, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection in a Crock Pot, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully over several hours. As it simmers, the aroma fills your kitchen, making it an ideal meal for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying feast.
N/A
Servings
425
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
3 slices (cooked and crumbled)
large onion
1 (chopped)
carrot
1 (chopped)
celery
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
5 (minced)
olive oil
3 teaspoons (divided)
mixed mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
ground beef
1 lb (raw)
ground pork
1 lb (raw)
tomato puree
1 (28 ounce) can (none)
dark beer
1 (12 ounce) bottle (none)
beef broth
1 cup (none)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
2
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the same skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften and brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your Crock Pot. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they start to brown, then transfer them to the Crock Pot as well.
4
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat after the meat has browned.
5
Add the browned meat to the Crock Pot, along with the crumbled bacon, tomato puree, dark beer, beef broth, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
6
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. This will allow the flavors to deepen and create a rich, hearty sauce.
7
When ready to serve, stir the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Pair it with your favorite pasta and enjoy a warm, comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Amber Ale Bolognese?
It is a rich, hearty pasta sauce made with ground beef, pork, bacon, and vegetables, slow-cooked for several hours with dark beer for a deep flavor.
How long does it take to cook this recipe in a Crock Pot?
The sauce should be slow-cooked on low for 8 to 10 hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
What kind of beer is best for this bolognese?
The recipe calls for a dark beer or Amber Ale, which provides a robust and slightly malty flavor profile.
Can I substitute the beer with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the beer with extra beef broth or a non-alcoholic malt beverage if you prefer not to use alcohol.
Why do I need to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker?
Sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery first helps to soften them and release their natural sugars, which adds more depth to the final sauce.
Is it necessary to brown the ground beef and pork?
Yes, browning the meat in a skillet before adding it to the Crock Pot develops a better texture and richer flavor than cooking it from raw in the slow cooker.
Can I use only ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely. While the beef and pork mix adds traditional flavor, using 2 lbs of ground beef alone will still yield a delicious result.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
A mix of mushrooms like cremini, button, or shiitake works well. Sautéing them first ensures they have a meaty texture.
How many calories are in a serving of this bolognese?
Each serving contains approximately 425 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it is quite high in protein, providing 25g per serving due to the beef, pork, and bacon content.
Is this bolognese spicy?
It has a very mild kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but it is generally considered a savory, not spicy, dish.
Can I cook this on high heat for a shorter time?
You can cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours, but the low and slow method is recommended for the best flavor development.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes, you can use the sauté function for the initial steps and then cook on high pressure for 30-45 minutes with a natural release.
What type of pasta goes best with this sauce?
Wide, flat noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle are excellent, though it also pairs perfectly with rigatoni or spaghetti.
How should I store leftover bolognese?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
Do I need to drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining excess fat after browning the beef and pork to prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree?
You can, but you may need to simmer them down first or increase the cooking time to achieve the same thick consistency as canned puree.
What does the bacon add to the recipe?
The bacon adds a smoky depth and extra saltiness that complements the maltiness of the beer.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe calls for 5 minced garlic cloves for a robust aromatic flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but you must ensure the beer and beef broth you use are certified gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers?
Yes, feel free to add finely chopped bell peppers or even zucchini for extra nutrition.
Does the alcohol cook out of the beer?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the 8-10 hour slow-cooking process, leaving behind the concentrated flavor.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
If it is too thin after cooking, you can stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste or simmer it uncovered for 30 minutes.
Can I use white wine instead of beer?
While white wine is common in traditional bolognese, it will change the flavor profile significantly compared to the dark beer.
How much tomato paste is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken and intensify the tomato flavor.
Can I prep the vegetables the night before?
Yes, you can chop the onion, carrot, and celery in advance and keep them in the fridge to save time in the morning.
What are the best toppings for this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a dollop of ricotta cheese are excellent toppings.
Is there a specific order for the Crock Pot?
Generally, add the sautéed vegetables first, then the browned meats, followed by the liquids and spices, then stir.