Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
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.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Beef:
- 2.5 – 3 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)
- 4–6 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)
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Beef: Brown the beef cubes in a skillet. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and spices in the skillet.
- Build the Sauce Base: Add tomato paste and wine, then deglaze the pan.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the mixture to a slow cooker and add beef.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in tomatoes, broth, and herbs.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the Beef: Remove beef, shred, and return to the sauce.
- Finish the Ragu: Adjust seasonings and consistency as desired.
- Rest (Optional): Allow the ragu to rest for enhanced flavor.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving of sauce (without pasta)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories
- Sugar: Approximately 8g
- Sodium: Approximately 900mg
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
- Fiber: Approximately 4g
- Protein: Approximately 40g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 130mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, Sunday Dinner, Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food