Slow-Cooker Bolognese Sauce

From www.cuisinerecipes.com website.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1  lb  ground sirloin
• 1⁄2 lb bulk Italian sausage
• 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup celery, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup carrot, chopped
• 1  tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1⁄4 cup dry red wine
• 1⁄4 cup low sodium beef broth
• 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
• 2  tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1⁄2 cup mascarpone or 1⁄2 cup cream cheese

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add ground sirloin and bulk sausage; cook until no longer pink.
3. Using a fine-mesh sieve, drain fat; set beef and sausage aside.
4. Mince onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in a food processor; transfer to a 4- to 6-qt. slow cooker.
5. Add meat mixture, tomatoes, milk, wine, beef broth, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, salt, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and fennel seed to slow cooker.
6. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours.
7. Immediately before serving sauce, stir in mascarpone or cream cheese.