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Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

4.8 from 17 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe that is perfect for a cozy family meal. Tender beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, served over pasta and garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

  • 2.53 lbs (approx. 1.2 – 1.4 kg) boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 46 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti)
  • 1 (28-ounce / 794g) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes (or good quality crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce / 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice

For Serving:

  • Cooked pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni)
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Beef: Brown the beef cubes in a skillet. Set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and spices in the skillet.
  4. Build the Sauce Base: Add tomato paste and wine, then deglaze the pan.
  5. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the mixture to a slow cooker and add beef.
  6. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in tomatoes, broth, and herbs.
  7. Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  8. Shred the Beef: Remove beef, shred, and return to the sauce.
  9. Finish the Ragu: Adjust seasonings and consistency as desired.
  10. Rest (Optional): Allow the ragu to rest for enhanced flavor.
  11. Serve: Spoon over cooked pasta and garnish with cheese and herbs.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
  • This ragu freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, Sunday Dinner, Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food