Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re in for a treat with this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe. This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. It combines tender beef with rich, flavorful sauce that simmers away in your slow cooker while you go about your day. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the kitchen, eager for dinner.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether served over pasta, polenta, or even mashed potatoes, it’s sure to please!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: This dish is rich and savory, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Simply store leftovers or freeze for later.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over different types of pasta or even as a filling for sandwiches.
• Rich and Satisfying: The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, resulting in tender beef in a deliciously hearty sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will set you up for success with this recipe. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this delightful ragu!

For the Ragu

• 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
• 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 apple vinegar
• 1 (28-ounce / 794g) can crushed San Marzano 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 are excellent)
• Fresh Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
• Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)

Variations

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty ways to customize it:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs instead of beef if you’re looking for something lighter yet still flavorful.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños if you love heat.
• Try different herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to elevate the flavor profile.

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Pat and Season the Beef

Start by patting the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve that beautiful browning later on. Generously season the beef with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; this seasoning is crucial to building layers of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of your seasoned beef cubes in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them! Sear on all sides until they’re deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step creates that delicious Maillard reaction which gives your ragu such incredible flavor. Set aside the seared beef on a plate and repeat with any remaining cubes.

Step 3: Sauté Your Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions, carrots, and celery—this aromatic mix is called soffritto! If there isn’t enough fat left from searing the beef, add an extra teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent; this brings out their natural sweetness. Next, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for another minute until fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Deepen the Flavor

Stir in tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes while stirring constantly; this deepens its flavor significantly. Then pour in apple vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom—these little nuggets of flavor are pure gold! Allow the vinegar to simmer until reduced by half.

Step 5: Combine Everything in Your Slow Cooker

Transfer your veggie mixture into your slow cooker insert—it should be at least six-quarts big! Top it off with those beautifully seared beef cubes.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes & Herbs

Pour both crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes along with their juice into the pot. Also add your low-sodium beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 7: Slow Cook Magic!

Cover your slow cooker and choose LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours; cooking times may vary based on your model. When done, your beef should be tender enough to shred easily!

Step 8: Shred & Adjust Seasoning

Carefully remove cooked beef chunks from your slow cooker onto a cutting board using two forks to shred it—this should be effortless! Discard any large pieces of fat along with bay leaves before returning shredded beef back into the pot. Taste test your ragu now; adjust any seasonings as needed.

Step 9: Let It Rest

For that ultimate flavor boost, turn off your slow cooker but keep it covered; let it rest for at least 15-30 minutes before serving so those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Serve your luscious hot ragu generously over cooked pasta—pappardelle works like magic here! Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top along with chopped basil or parsley before digging in!

Enjoy every bite of this hearty Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe—it might just become your new favorite dish!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Making a delicious beef ragu is all about those little details that elevate the dish to something truly special. Here are some tips to ensure your ragu turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose Quality Meat: Selecting a good quality beef chuck roast will enhance the flavor and tenderness of your ragu. Look for marbling, as this fat will render down, keeping the beef moist during cooking.

• Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a depth of flavor through caramelization. This step is crucial for achieving that rich, savory taste we love in ragu.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the ragu to rest after cooking lets all those beautiful flavors meld together even more. A short rest period can make a big difference in taste.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and vegetables. They can really brighten up the dish and add vibrant flavors compared to their dried or canned counterparts.

• Adjust Seasonings Before Serving: Tasting and adjusting seasonings at the end is essential. Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to tweak salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your beef ragu is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this luscious dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs adds color and freshness that balances out the richness of the ragu.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Whether you use freshly grated or shaved cheese, it provides a creamy richness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
• Zest of Lemon: A light sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving can brighten up the dish and enhance its overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce, garlic bread adds an irresistible crunch and flavor contrast.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette refreshes your palate between bites of hearty ragu. It’s a great way to include some greens!
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, provide a sweet and caramelized contrast to the rich meat sauce.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta makes an excellent base for serving beef ragu. Its smooth texture pairs wonderfully with the chunky sauce.

With these serving tips and garnishes, you’ll create an unforgettable meal that warms both hearts and stomachs! Enjoy your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe with loved ones around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals throughout the week. You can easily store leftovers or even freeze portions for later use.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the ragu to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezing

• Let the ragu cool down to room temperature.
• Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely; heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe.

Can I make this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This ragu tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

What is the best pasta to serve with this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold onto the sauce beautifully, creating a comforting meal.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary based on your cut choice.

How can I adjust the spice level in this ragu?

Feel free to omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also add more or less according to your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe! It’s not only a comforting dish but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the dinner table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations with me. Happy cooking!