My mom's version of this recipe? Oh, it'd be history in a couple of days.

This slow cooker spicy sausage bolognese has become one of my go-to comfort dishes for those hectic weekdays. Originating from the classic Italian Bolognese, this version packs a punch with spicy sausage and simmers away to perfection while you're busy juggling work and life. It's incredibly simple to throw together in the morning, and you'll come home to a house smelling absolutely divine, with dinner practically done.

Serve this spicy sausage bolognese over a bed of your favorite pasta like spaghetti or penne. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette and a side of garlic bread would perfectly complement the rich and spicy flavors of the sauce. For a lighter option, you can serve it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Servings: 6

1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked through, transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.

2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

3. Transfer the onion, garlic, and pepper mixture to the slow cooker.

4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

6. If you're using heavy cream, stir it into the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

7. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

For a milder version, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy and skip the red pepper flakes. If you're short on time in the morning, you can brown the sausage and prep the veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge, and then assemble everything in the slow cooker in the morning. For a lower-carb option, serve the bolognese over roasted vegetables or a bed of spinach.