low-and-slow essentials: mighty, meaty pasta sauce

How To Make low-and-slow essentials: mighty, meaty pasta sauce

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  What will you need? You will need a slow cooker/Insta Pot to make this recipe. And, depending on your type of cooker, you may be able to do the whole thing in the cooker’s pot. I am using a heavy-bottom pot to cook the veggies and meats, and then placing it in the slow cooker, but that is my choice.
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  Step 3
  What is Slow Cooker Pasta Sauce? Well, it is basically a really good pasta sauce that gets its mellow flavors by low-and-slow cooking it in the slow cooker/Insta Pot. The spice list is what I used; however, you could vary the ingredients… maybe a bit more heat, or a bit more sweet. The fun is in the experimentation.
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  Step 4
  What to serve with Slow Cooker Pasta Sauce? The obvious thing to serve it with is pasta… any kind of pasta :-) In my last recipe image, I put the sauce into a cast iron skillet, covered it with cheese and put it under the boiler for a bit of time. Then served it with crusty bread. YUMMY
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  Step 5
  How to store Slow Cooker Pasta Sauce? This recipe will survive in the fridge for 8 – 10 days. If you put it into freezer bags and freeze, it will last about 4 – 5 months. If you vacuum seal, it will last for over a year. Vacuum sealing is the way to go :-)
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  Step 6
  OPTIONAL ITEMS I have listed several items, defined as “optional.” Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon of this versatile sauce adds a very nice depth to this recipe, but a little goes a long way. And, if you want a Worcestershire without anchovies, check out my homemade version: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/diy-essentials-homemade-worcestershire-sauce.html Black Olives: To me these are not an option, and my Aunt Jo, used to always put them in. They add an almost tart essences to the sauce. Parmesan Cheese: A tablespoon or two of grated cheese stirred into the sauce before serving will really brighten up its flavors. Of course, you always want to taste the sauce as you are cooking it. I usually find myself adding a bit more salt towards the end. And, if the weather is turning cold, I might just add a bit of cayenne pepper. Plus, if you want to go more towards the Puttanesca side of the family, how about throwing in a few capers.
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  Step 7
  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 8
  Add the bacon to a pot over medium-low heat.
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  Step 9
  Slowly cook until crispy and all the fat has been rendered, about 8 – 10 minutes.
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  Step 10
  Reserve the bacon, then remove all but 2 – 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
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  Step 11
  If you have extra bacon fat, I recommend saving it for other recipes.
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  Step 12
  Toss in the onions, garlic, beef, and sausage, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper.
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  Step 13
  Cook until the meat browns, and the onions soften, but not burn, about 15 minutes.
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  Step 14
  Add the diced bell pepper. Cook, while stirring, until they begin to soften, about 3 – 5 minutes.
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  Step 15
  Add the tomato paste, and all the dry ingredients, then stir for about 2 minutes.
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  Step 16
  Place in the bowl of your slow cooker and add the remainder of the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
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  Step 17
  Set the slow cooker to low, and kick back for about 2.5 hours.
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  Step 18
  In the last 30 minutes, open the slow cooker and add the black olives and reserved bacon. Then allow to slowly cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
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  Step 19
  If you do not want to add the olives and bacon directly to the sauce, you can sprinkle them on as a garnish.
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  Step 20
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 21
  Serve with pasta or however you choose. Enjoy
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  Step 22
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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  Step 23
  Namasté
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