Slow Cooker Beef Bolognese Sauce

I- Ingredients for 12 serving:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup);
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup);
• 1 carrot, finely chopped (3/4 cup);
• 2 Tbsp olive oil;
• 1 pound ground beef;
• 1 cup milk;
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste;
• 6 14-ounce cans diced tomatoes;
• 4 tsp kosher salt;
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg;
• Long Pasta for serving.

II- Directions:

1. In a large skillet, combine the onion, celery, carrot, and olive oil and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the beef and cook, stirring frequently, until it loses its pink color. Add the milk.
3. Increase heat to high and cook until the milk has evaporated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
5. Return the skillet to the heat and add the tomato paste; cook over low heat to reduce its bitterness, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the tomato paste to the cooker, along with the tomatoes, salt, and nutmeg.
7. Cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
8. Serve warm over pappardelle or some other long pasta.

III- Nutrition Facts per serving (1/12 of recipe):

• 230 Calories;
• Fat: 15g;
• Saturated fat: 6g;
• Cholesterol: 55mg;
• Carbs: 8g;
• Fiber: 1g;
• Sugars: 5g;
• Protein: 16g.

Smart Points Value: 8