This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is the epitome of comfort food. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers slowly in a savory tomato sauce. Paired with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The rich, savory sauce infused with herbs and wine complements the beef so well, making this meal not just filling but an absolute crowd-pleaser. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan for an extra touch of elegance. It’s a dish that will make everyone gather around the table, hungry for more.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs beef chuck roast
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 cup beef broth
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1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Freshly grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
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1 lb pasta (such as pappardelle or tagliatelle)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned (about 4 minutes per side). Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Transfer the beef and the sauce to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
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Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce and stir to combine.
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While the beef is cooking, prepare your pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with the beef ragu sauce.
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Serve the beef ragu over the pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) | Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish
Slow-cooked meals have a special place in the world of cooking. There’s something magical about the way flavors meld together over hours of low and slow cooking. One of the ultimate comfort foods that epitomize this magic is beef ragu, particularly when made in a slow cooker. The Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a classic, hearty dish that combines tender, fall-apart beef with a rich, savory tomato sauce, all served over your favorite pasta. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations, a recipe that’s perfect for gathering family or friends around the table for a delicious, satisfying meal.
The Origins of Beef Ragu
Ragu, an Italian staple, has its origins in Italy. The term “ragu” actually refers to a meat-based sauce that is typically slow-cooked to enhance the flavors. This dish was originally developed in the early 19th century, especially in the northern regions of Italy, where braised meats were paired with pasta to create filling, rich meals. In its traditional form, ragu includes various cuts of meat—beef, pork, veal, or even lamb—and is simmered for hours with tomatoes, wine, and stock to create a thick, hearty sauce.
Beef ragu, in particular, is incredibly popular due to the richness of beef and how well it pairs with pasta. The slow-cooked beef absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender. Though the dish has evolved over time, this modern slow cooker version allows home cooks to recreate the original flavors with minimal effort and hands-on time.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Beef Ragu?
The slow cooker is a game-changer when it comes to making beef ragu. While the traditional method of cooking ragu on the stovetop or in the oven works wonders, the slow cooker is incredibly efficient in terms of convenience. Slow cooking allows the meat to tenderize perfectly without the need for constant monitoring, making it ideal for busy days when you want to enjoy a warm, comforting meal without the effort of spending hours in the kitchen.
Another benefit of using a slow cooker is that it infuses the beef with the flavors of the sauce over a long period. The beef slowly breaks down, absorbing the herbs, tomatoes, and wine in the sauce, which results in a much deeper and richer flavor profile. For those who are short on time, slow cookers allow for a “set it and forget it” approach, with the meal ready when you need it.
The Ingredients: A Perfect Balance of Flavors
This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu uses a combination of basic, yet flavorful ingredients. Beef chuck roast is the star of the show—this cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking because of its marbling and connective tissue, which break down during cooking to create a tender, juicy result. Additionally, the beef absorbs all the flavors from the sauce, making every bite full of rich, meaty goodness.
The addition of garlic, onions, and herbs such as oregano and basil, along with a bit of red wine (optional), makes the sauce incredibly flavorful. The crushed tomatoes serve as the base for the sauce, providing that classic, comforting tomato flavor that pairs so well with beef. The beef broth helps thin the sauce just a little, making it perfect for mixing with pasta.
This combination of ingredients creates a balanced dish—meaty, savory, slightly tangy, and aromatic, with a depth of flavor that you can’t rush. The sauce is both rich and light at the same time, perfect for coating a generous portion of pasta and making each bite as satisfying as the last.
The Benefits of Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
This recipe doesn’t just deliver incredible flavor; it’s also a nutritious meal. Beef, a source of protein, iron, and B-vitamins, forms the core of this dish. It’s an excellent option for individuals looking to build muscle, recover from physical activity, or simply maintain a balanced diet.
Tomatoes, which are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, bring their own health benefits to the table. Lycopene is known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and protect against certain types of cancer. The garlic and onions, both of which are full of antioxidants and other essential compounds, also add a layer of health benefits, including immune-boosting properties.
If you’re serving this ragu with pasta, you’re adding a good source of carbs that will provide long-lasting energy. You can also serve this dish with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for additional dietary flexibility. The versatility of this recipe makes it suitable for various dietary preferences and needs.
Perfect for Family Gatherings
What truly sets this recipe apart is its ability to bring people together. The Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a perfect dish for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any meal where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of beef ragu wafting through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation.
This dish is designed for sharing. It’s filling, comforting, and made in large enough portions to feed a crowd. It’s ideal for meal prepping or serving at a family gathering, making it a go-to choice when you’re hosting. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy Sunday afternoon or preparing it ahead of time for a weeknight dinner, this recipe will always deliver.
How to Customize Your Beef Ragu
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. While the classic version calls for beef chuck roast, you can experiment with other cuts of beef if you prefer. Short ribs, brisket, or even beef stew meat can be used in place of chuck roast, though keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut.
If you want to add a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper to the sauce. For a more robust flavor, you could swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar.
For those looking to make this dish even more luxurious, consider adding mushrooms, olives, or even a dollop of mascarpone cheese for richness. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
How to Serve the Beef Ragu
This dish is traditionally served over pasta, and there’s no shortage of pasta options to pair it with. Long noodles such as pappardelle or tagliatelle work wonderfully to absorb the sauce. You can also serve it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or even a hearty bowl of mashed potatoes for a comforting variation.
Some people like to top their beef ragu with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. A side of garlic bread or a green salad would make the perfect accompaniment to round out the meal.
The Simplicity of the Recipe
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With only a few ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any advanced culinary skills. The slow cooker does all the work for you, and you can sit back and relax while it works its magic. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting in the kitchen, this dish is foolproof and will yield impressive results every time.
Conclusion
The Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s about bringing people together, creating memories around the dinner table, and enjoying the comforting warmth of a hearty, flavorful dish. With minimal effort and time, you can create a dish that’s filled with rich, deep flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether for a Sunday family dinner or a weeknight meal, this slow cooker ragu is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a comforting, satisfying, and delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.