Slow cooker Bolognese

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil

6 smoked bacon

rashers, chopped
1½ kg lean minced beef (or use half beef, half pork mince)
4 onions

, finely chopped
3 carrots

, finely chopped
4 celery

sticks, finely chopped
8 garlic cloves, crushed
500g mushrooms

, sliced
4 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

6 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp dried mixed herbs
2 bay leaves
large glass red wine (optional)
4 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp sugar

cooked spaghetti, to serve
parmesan, to serve

Method
Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the bacon and mince in batches until browned. Add to your slow cooker.

Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, tomato purée, herbs, wine (if using), vinegar, sugar and seasoning to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, then uncover, turn to High and cook for another hour until thick and saucy.

Serve with cooked spaghetti and grated or shaved parmesan.