Ingredients

The following ingredients have 20 Servings
  • 1/4 pound pancetta, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 2 (28- ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instruction

  • Heat a large, deep, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. (Alternately if your slow cooker has a saute setting you can do these steps using that feature.) Add the pancetta and cook, stirring until the fat renders, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the butter, onion, celery, and carrots and cook until soft, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, add the garlic and ground beef, and season it with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Cook, using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it browns, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the wine and cook 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and more pepper to taste.
  • Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Discard bay leaves.
  • Stir in half and half, and parsley and serve.