Crock Pot Bison Bolognese | It's Only Food w/ Chef John Politte

bison ground meat

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

red wine

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic red wine

💰Cheaper: beef broth

Non-alcoholic options provide flavor without alcohol, and broth is budget-friendly.

Introduce ingredients for crockpot bison bolognese.

Heat a medium-high pan and add 1 tsp of olive oil.

Add 1 lb of ground bison to the pan and break it up to brown.

Season the bison with salt and pepper while cooking.

Once browned, transfer the bison to the crockpot.

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil.

Add chopped onion and carrot to the pan, stirring to combine.

Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then add 2 celery stalks and stir.

Add 4 minced garlic cloves and season with more salt and pepper.

Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in 2 tbsp of tomato paste and mix well.

Pour in 1 cup of red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.

Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced and aromatic.

Transfer the mixture to the crockpot with the bison.

Add 2 beef bouillon cubes, 2 tsp sugar, 2 bay leaves, and red pepper flakes to the crockpot.

Pour in the entire 128 oz can of crushed tomatoes and stir everything together.

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1/2 cup of milk or half and half to reduce bitterness and soften the meat.

Plate the bolognese and serve with cooked pasta.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: