Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich, savory dish that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma. The tender beef, slow-cooked in a fragrant tomato sauce with fresh herbs and vegetables, creates a deep, layered flavor that is nothing short of heavenly. Whether served over a plate of pasta, a heap of mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, this dish has a way of making any meal feel special and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and content with every bite.

The first time I made Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, I couldn’t believe how little effort it took to create such a flavorful, comforting dish. Simply adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker and letting it work its magic, I came back hours later to find the beef perfectly tender, falling apart at the touch of a fork. The sauce was rich and velvety, with a balance of savory and sweet that made every bite memorable. It felt like a warm hug on a cold day, and I couldn’t wait to share it with my family.

What I love most about this Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is its versatility and ease. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a mouthwatering meal to enjoy without the stress. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, but also elegant enough for a weekend gathering or a special occasion. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs and vegetables to suit your tastes. No matter how you serve it, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Comfort food cravings
• Weekend meals
• Holiday feasts
• Pasta lovers

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe

Here’s why Slow Cooker Beef Ragu will become a staple in your cooking routine:

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic—there’s minimal prep and hands-off time.
• Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The combination of tomatoes, herbs, and wine (or broth) creates a deeply flavorful sauce that complements the beef perfectly.
• Versatile: You can serve this beef ragu over a variety of dishes such as pasta, polenta, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 7 hours (includes slow cooking time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low heat
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Slow Cooker Beef Ragu:

• 2 ½ lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck Roast: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce that pairs perfectly with the beef.
• Dry Red Wine: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute it with beef broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Aromatics: Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery form the flavorful foundation of the sauce, creating a robust and aromatic base.
• Herbs: Dried oregano, basil, and thyme add earthy, herby flavors that enhance the beef ragu.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Beef Ragu:

Prepare the Beef:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks in batches, ensuring they are seared on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the beef and adds richness to the ragu.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Prepare the Sauce:

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine (or beef broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
5. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the vegetable and wine mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:

6. Add Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to combine.
7. Add Bay Leaf: Place the bay leaf into the slow cooker for added flavor.

Slow Cook the Beef Ragu:

8. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become.
9. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.

Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve: Serve the beef ragu over your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is versatile and can be served in several ways:

• With Pasta: Serve the beef ragu over a hearty pasta like pappardelle, tagliatelle, or spaghetti for a comforting, traditional meal.
• On Polenta: For a gluten-free option, serve the ragu over creamy polenta for a rich and satisfying dish.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the beef ragu over creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
• On Crusty Bread: Use the beef ragu as a topping for crusty bread or toast for a delicious open-faced sandwich.
• With Rice: Serve the ragu on a bed of rice for a simple and filling meal.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe

Here are some tips to help make your Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe a success:

• Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the ragu.
• Use High-Quality Wine: If you’re using wine, choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking. The wine will reduce and meld with the sauce, so its flavor is important.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the ragu after slow cooking and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add more herbs to suit your preferences.
• Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
• Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance. It also freezes well, making it great for meal prep.

Recipe Variations for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe

Here are 10 variations to customize your Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe:

• Spicy Beef Ragu: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Ragu: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a savory, earthy addition to the ragu.
• Vegetarian Ragu: Skip the beef and replace it with mushrooms, lentils, or tofu for a hearty, plant-based ragu.
• Red Wine-Free Version: Substitute red wine with more beef broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option.
• Slow Cooker Pork Ragu: Use a pork shoulder in place of beef for a different variation with a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Italian Sausage Ragu: Add Italian sausage (removed from casings) to the ragu for a flavorful, meaty twist.
• Ragu with Roasted Garlic: Roast garlic and add it to the slow cooker for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
• Smoky Ragu: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Tomato-Free Ragu: Replace the crushed tomatoes with roasted red peppers and beef broth for a unique, non-tomato version.
• Cheesy Ragu: Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese just before serving for a creamy, cheesy ragu.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This beef ragu freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Storage: Store leftover beef ragu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe

Here are some special equipment items that can help you make your Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe:

• Slow Cooker: The key to this dish is the slow cooker, which makes it easy to cook the beef low and slow for the perfect texture.
• Large Skillet: A large skillet is needed to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon: Use a wooden spoon to stir the sauce and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Forks for Shredding: Two forks are essential for shredding the beef into tender, bite-sized pieces after cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for wine, tomatoes, and spices are crucial for a well-balanced ragu.
• Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife and cutting board are needed to chop the vegetables and trim the beef.

FAQ Section for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes, you can use a brisket or round roast instead of chuck roast, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
2. Can I skip the wine?
   Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, beef broth or water can be substituted to keep the sauce flavorful.
3. Can I make this in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
   Yes, you can cook the beef ragu in a Dutch oven in the oven at 325°F for about 3-4 hours or until the beef is tender.
4. Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?
   Ground beef can be used, but the texture will be different, and it will cook much faster than the whole beef chunks.
5. How do I thicken the sauce?
   If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered on the stove for a few minutes to reduce, or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking method ensures tender beef and a rich sauce that pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is both easy and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this beef ragu is sure to become a favorite in your home.

The slow cooker works its magic, allowing the flavors to develop over hours, resulting in a savory and robust sauce that coats every bite of beef. The melt-in-your-mouth meat and perfectly seasoned sauce create a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

I can’t wait to see your Slow Cooker Beef Ragu creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this rich dish to life! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy cooking!