AS SEEN ON DIRECTIVE: Crock-Pot Lunches Are a CINCH with Pasta Bolognese! [VIDEO]

Lunchtime in the office can be boring, not to mention difficult! Don't you wish that you had the extra room in your schedule to make Pasta Bolognese - the type of interesting, delicious meal that your hardworking team deserves? From cooking the pasta to making the sauce - and beyond, there is no doubt that cooking this mouthwatering dish is easier said than done. Well... have we got the solution for you! 

Crock-Pot Thursday Lunches have never been more exciting – or more delectable – than they are with Pasta Bolognese!

Satisfaction guaranteed!

PASTA BOLOGNESE

INGREDIENTS 

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 dried chili peppers, crushed
• Sprig fresh rosemary
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup white wine
• 3 cups tomato sauce or La Salsa di 5 Minuti, recipe follows
• 3 basil leaves, torn
• Salt

La Salsa di 5 Minuti

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• Dried chili peppers, crushed
• 1 (28-ounce) can peeled plum tomatoes, pureed
• Salt
• 3 fresh basil leaves, torn

DIRECTIONS

1. In a hot saucepan, melt the unsalted butter in the olive oil, and add the carrots, onion, celery, and chili peppers. Cook the ingredients over medium heat, until they are soft.
2. Add a sprig of rosemary.
3. Add the ground beef and pork, and cook until golden brown.
4. Remove the rosemary sprig, and add the white wine. Let the wine reduce.
5. Add the tomato sauce or La Salsa di 5 Minuti, and let simmer on low heat for 1 hour.
6. Before serving, add basil leaves and salt to season.
7. Serve immediately.

La Salsa di 5 Minuti

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and add the onion, garlic, and chili peppers.
2. Gently fry ingredients together, about 5 minutes.
3. Add pureed plum tomatoes to saucepan.
4. Simmer on low to medium heat for 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt, to taste.
6. Add basil leaves at the very end.

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network.