Slow Cooker Vodka Bolognese Pasta.
This Slow Cooker Vodka Bolognese Pasta is the perfect family friendly meal. Slow cooked Italian style Bolognese sauce with a mix of beef, veggies, sweet tomatoes, herbs, and vodka. Serve this sauce over your favorite cut of pasta and top with a generous amount of parmesan cheese for a dinner that everyone will love. This is a great pasta to serve any night of the week, or for your next holiday dinner party. Tip…a side of crusty bread is always a good idea!
This time next week we will all be gearing up to sit down to a turkey filled Thanksgiving dinner. Can you guys believe we're just one week away? I'm in shock as to how fast time is flying, but trying to enjoy as much of it as I can! Over the next few days our family will slowly be shuffling their way into town. I'm so excited to have all of my brothers back in Colorado for Thanksgiving.
Seeing as though my family is huge, it can be hard to get us all under one roof at the same time. But I'm feeling thankful that holidays have always been a priority for us and we will all be together. Also thankful that my younger brother, Red showed up a few days ahead of everyone else. He's on the go non-stop, chasing the snow, and always having fun, so it's nice to have him home.
Plus, Red was the sole inspiration for this vodka Bolognese, so you can all thank him for this DELICIOUS recipe.
For the last year or so, every time I've seen Red he's requested Bolognese. It's his favorite.
I mean, slow cooked red sauce? Pasta? Cheese?
Yeah, it's a combo that really never gets old.
What's funny though? I don't have a traditional Bolognese sauce on HBH. SO, when I heard he was flying into Colorado this week, I quickly switched up my plans and decided to make him Bolognese. I did not regret this choice. This recipe is so good, it's easy, and it's one that everyone should have in their back pocket.
Like a lot of Italian based sauces, this one starts out with the basic, onion, carrot, celery combo. I also added shallots for a bit more flavor…and because I'm honestly just obsessed with them.
Cook up the veggies in a skillet, add the meat, and brown it all over. This is essential. You want to get a caramelization on the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. Don't skip this step.
One, I like to use a mix of ground beef and spicy Italian sausage. The sausage adds a deep layer of flavor. It really makes the sauce so delicious and gives it just a touch of heat. You can certainly use ground beef in place of the sausage, but I do recommend giving the sausage a try.
Two, vodka. Yes, VODKA. Now I want to start by staying that if you do not drink, I totally understand. In this case, just swap the vodka for chicken broth, beef broth, or even just water. That will be totally fine and your sauce will still be great.
BUT, if you do drink or use alcohol for cooking, you must add vodka to your sauce. It's a game changer. The vodka adds a sharp bite that helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes. When used in small amounts, the vodka will boost and intensify aroma of the sauce. The key is slow simmering the sauce, which will release its flavors and cooks out the alcohol. So yes, this is safe to serve to kids!
You see why this Bolognese is better than any other.
And the best part? You can make the sauce in the morning and slow cook it all day long. Perfect for busy days and easy holiday entertaining.
I will for sure be remaking this next week when all of our family is here for Thanksgiving. In addition to my immediate family, we'll also be hosting my aunt, uncle, their 3 kids, my grandpa and his girlfriend…and of course anyone else who happens to show up. There are always last-minute add ons to Gerard holiday dinners.
This pasta will be the perfect dinner to serve on a Wednesday night.
If you make this vodka bolognese be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don't forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Slow Cooker Vodka Bolognese Pasta_WEB from Half Baked Harvest on Vimeo.
This Slow Cooker Vodka Bolognese Pasta is the perfect family friendly meal. Slow cooked Italian style Bolognese sauce with a mix of beef, veggies, sweet tomatoes, herbs, and vodka. Great to serve any night of the week, or for your next holiday dinner party.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion, shallot, carrots, and celery, and season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until the onion is fragrant and beginning to caramelize. Add the beef and sausage, brown all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Transfer the meat to the bowl of your slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaves, thyme, milk, vodka, and parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
3. Remove the parmesan rind. If the sauce is soupy, crank the heat up to high and cook, uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and boil the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain.
5. Use the pasta water to thin the Bolognese sauce, if needed.
6. To serve, divide the pasta among bowls and ladle the bolognese over top. Add the cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy!
1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion, shallot, carrots, and celery, and season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until the onion is fragrant and beginning to caramelize. Add the beef and sausage, brown all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaves, thyme, milk, vodka, and parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the parmesan rind. If the sauce is soupy, cook, uncovered for 20-30 minutes over medium heat.
nah, I wouldn't share it, I'd gobble it all on my own because that's how greedy I am!!!
Haha I totally feel that! I hope you love this Ruth! Thank you!
Congratulations from someone born in Bologna who always uses this sauce (RAGU 'in Italian).
– Nothing: oregano, basil, bay leaves, thyme, parmesan zest.
Parmiggiano is used when the pasta is combined.
Hi Paolo! I am so glad you like this! Thank you so much!
Oh yeah, I would recommend Polish vodka for this pasta and replace Italian sausage with Polish kiełbasa 🙂 It would definitely send this dish into the stratosphere.
Sounds delicious! I would highly recommend Tito's Handmade Vodka in your Vodka Bolognese and/or in any glass.
Thank you so much Donald!
I was just wondering if you had a recipe for a vodka pasta sauce as the grocery store versions are so sugary!!
YES! I am so glad you found this! I hope you love this recipe, Bethany!
This sauce and pasta looks like a winner. Definitely make. I often include the sausage too.
This is my favourite weeknight dinner – especially in Winter!!
I agree with Paolo. Who would know better. Vodka? Why ? Otherwise I like your recipes.
Yay! I'm so happy to hear your grandpa has a girfriend! It's nice to have a 2nd chance at companionship when you are older and you've said goodbye to your first spouse. So happy for him!
Also the recipe looks delicious!
Thank you so much Marianne! I hope you love this!
I cannot wait to make this! I LOVE the ingredient variations that you make for flavor, they have all been innovative and delicious. I wish people would read your writing thoroughly and try your recipes before they instruct in the comments. I've gifted your cookbook to many a grateful friend.
Ok, I need to know where you got the bowl/platter 🙂 and the recipe looks fabulous, too!!
This looks amazing. Is the sausage also ground? Can't wait to try this!
Looks delicious! What type of pasta is used in your photos? Also, do you have a favorite brand of chopped tomatoes & paste that you like to use? (I find the acidity can vary drastically between brands). Thanks!!
Can I make this in the Instant pot? Thanks!!
Hi! How can I make this in the instant pot?
Hi Kristin! I am doing really well, just super busy like always! How are you? Also, you're visiting Colorado?! That is so exciting. Its such a beautiful state! I hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving!
I made this tonight and it was incredible!! Thank you so much for the recipe! Forgot to take a picture!!
I am so glad you loved this Shannon! Thank you!
Perfect Saturday night dinner with my hubby! Served it over chick pea pasta and it was hearty and delicious! Super easy and I had most of the ingredients! Even the vodka! Go figure!!
YUM! I am so glad you loved this recipe and it was so perfect for your Saturday night, Wendy!
Perfect Saturday night supper with my hubby!!! This is a keeper!!!
Making this right now! The house smells like heaven. Thank you!
I´m usually more the type "quiet and appreciative reader", but after trying several of your recipes, I just have to leave a comment! They all turned out extremely tasty, and without being even the slightest bit fussy or complicated in preparation, so I´m actually looking forward to cooking! So I just wanted to say: Thank you so much for all the inspiration, yummy meals, the impressed face of my boyfriend when he tries the food, and making me a better and happier cook!
I am so glad you loved this Claudia! And I am so glad all of the recipes you have tried have been easy going for you. Thank you so much!
I had recently tried a bolognese that I was "meh" about but I knew I could trust you!! This was so good! For two of us we made enough to have for three nights of dinner which is perfect for when you're busy!
I am so glad you loved this one Jennifer! Thank you!
This looks fantastic! How much oil do you use to sauté the veggies? Since the meat and sausage will produce fat, would it work to cook the meat first and transfer it to the slow cooker so you could sauté the veggies in the fat rendered from the meat? Can't wait to try this!
can I use something else if I'm unable to find parm rind? thanks!
MADE THIS LAST NIGHT. IT WAS A CROWD FAVORITE. I FOLLOWED THE STOVE TOP RECIPE AND IT WAS DELICIOUS! WILL DEFINITELY BE MAKING IT AGAIN!
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much Karen!
Delicious! Great flavor. Made with spaghetti squash and saving the rest for lasagna.
Thank you so much Evelyn! I am so glad you loved this pasta!
I made this for a large family birthday. I was able to do all the prep while my baby was napping (huge win)! It went over so well. Absolutely delicious!! Will be making it again for sure.
That is so perfect! I am so glad you loved this recipe, Jillian! Thank you!
Can I add the pasta to the crock pot and cook it that way?
This was delicious! I'm just wondering–do you know if this will freeze well? I know you're not supposed to freeze sauces that contain cream but I'm not sure if the same goes for sauces that contain milk.
This one was a big winner. HIGHLY recommend for a delicious dinner.
I made this yesterday and I'm pretty sure my vodka made this really bitter 😕 I had it in the crock pot for 4 hours. We ended up sprinkling sugar on it but it was still bitter. Any suggestions? I used Effen vodka. Thanks!
Oh Tieghan! We loved this sauce. The vodka made it silky and took away the acidity in a way that red wine never has. There was enough for the two of us for two dinners, plus a lovely lasagna made with a bechamel sauce. So good!
Hi, I was wondering if I could use 2 lbs of ground beef instead of italian sausage. I normally use 90/10 for the beef, do you think 80/20 would work better?
why dont you post your videos on youtube? their player is so much better and you can monetize ur videos?
Made this two weeks ago. I used the country sausage I had in the freezer and added some pepper flakes. Yum!
I plan to make this in a couple of days. Can I use 2% milk instead of whole milk?
Amazing dish! 100% recommend the Dutch oven recipe and NOT the slow cooker option. I've made the Dutch oven version multiple times and it's awlays fantastic (including for Christmas Eve dinner!) But when I tried the slow cooker option the vodka never cooked off – even after removing the lid and continuing to cook for a couple hours. The meat and veggie flavor blends much better in the stove top version, as well. So tasty!
Thanks for an excellent recipe! I made a few modifications as I was just returning from vacation and didn't have all of the ingredients on hand. I realized after chopping my celery and carrots that I was out of onions and I only had a little bit of white wine and chicken stock, which I subbed for the vodka. I also went with all Italian sausage. I made the stovetop version and let it simmer for 3h. Even with my modifications, it was incredibly delicious! This will definitely be added to my make again (and often) recipes!
This is my husband's all- time favorite food. I make a few adjustments (mostly to make a larger batch and freeze) but what a great Sunday dinner recipe! Thank you!