Sawyer Creek Cattle Hearty Grass-Fed Slow-Cooker Bolognese RS-9.04

This delicious recipe is a healthy twist on a classic, using grass-fed beef, fresh vegetables, and nutritious oils to create a wholesome dish. It's perfect for big batch cooking, whether you're feeding your family or saving leftovers to freeze or enjoy later in the week!

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of Sawyer Creek Cattle premium grass-fed beef 
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth (or bone broth)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)
  • 2 cups whole grain or legume-based pasta (cooked separately)
  • Fresh basil and parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional, to serve)

Directions:

  1. Prep the beef: If using ground beef, brown it in a pan with coconut oil until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If using stew meat, sear in a pan until browned. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

  2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini for 5-7 minutes, until softened.

  3. Assemble in slow cooker: Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine.

  4. Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.

  5. Adjust consistency: Once cooked, if the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water (or more broth) to achieve the desired consistency.

  6. Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Top with grated parmesan, fresh basil, and parsley.

Tip:

This recipe makes enough sauce for 2 pounds of pasta. Freeze any extra sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. It’s a perfect dish for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome, hearty meal with minimal effort on busy days.

Estimated Calories (Per Serving):

  • Grass-fed beef (1/4 pound): ~250 calories
  • Coconut oil (1/2 tablespoon): ~60 calories
  • Vegetables (onion, garlic, carrot, peppers, zucchini): ~70 calories
  • Crushed tomatoes (1/4 can): ~30 calories
  • Whole grain pasta (1 cup cooked): ~200 calories
  • Parmesan (optional, 1 tablespoon): ~20 calories

Total per serving: Approx. 610 calories
Disclaimer: Calorie estimates are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Cook Time:

  • Prep time: 45 minutes
  • Slow cooker time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

This slow cooker dish is a great way to enjoy the benefits of grass-fed beef along with the goodness of fresh vegetables and healthy oils. The long cook time allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a savory and nutritious meal!

Print a copy of the recipe here: Hearty Grass-Fed Slow-Cooker Bolognese

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