In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium-high. Add the carrot, celery, onion and garlic and sauté for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are translucent and tender, stirring occasionally. Add the ground beef, salt and pepper and sauté for about 10 minutes, breaking the meat up as it cooks. Add wine, tomatoes and basil.
Follow the first 5 steps of the recipe below, sautéing onions, celery, carrots, beef, and reducing the wine and milk as usual. Add ground beef wine mixture to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Add in onion and garlic and cook until meat is well browned, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar, fresh basil, fennel, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and wine*. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Stir in 2 additional teaspoons of salt. Cover. Bring to a low boil, then lower the heat to the lowest, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. After one hour, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more water, about 1/4 cup. Turn off the heat. Cook: allow the bolognese sauce to cook for 4 hrs (or 2 hrs on high) Spaghetti: cook the dried spaghetti according to packet instructions, then drain. Note 7. Serve and enjoy: plate cooked spaghetti and spoon Slow Cooker Bolognese over the top. Garnish with cracked pepper, parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Break up the beef while it browns. Add Wine – The beef will start to release its juices, and at this point, stir in wine. Bring the pot to a boil to cook off the liquid. Form the Sauce – Next, stir in the tomatoes along with 1-2 cups of hot water, tomato paste, parsley, and milk.