Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 rib celery, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 28-oz. cans crushed tomatoes

Preparation

1. 1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, celery and carrot and cook, stirring, until vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Turn heat to high, add beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
2. 2. Pour in milk and wine and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cook at a lively simmer until most of liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes.
3. 3. Transfer mixture to slow cooker, stir in tomatoes, cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove cover, stir and cook until sauce is slightly thickened, about 30 minutes longer.