Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms the soul and fills the stomach, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need! This ragu is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. You can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you enjoy your day. The rich flavors of tender beef mixed with tomatoes and aromatic herbs make this recipe a beloved favorite in our household.

Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile and makes for great leftovers. Everyone will gather around the table when they smell this simmering away!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just a bit of chopping and browning, then let the slow cooker do the rest!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty flavors of this ragu.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and have delicious dinners ready throughout the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of beef, tomatoes, and herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce that you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful ragu! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, making it easy to whip up a batch any day of the week.

For the Beef 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 (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 are excellent)
• Fresh Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
• Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)

Variations

One of the best things about this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change up the herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a bright touch if you prefer fresh over dried.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your ragu!

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor as it helps enhance every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Searing them on all sides until deeply browned creates wonderful flavor through caramelization. Remove seared beef from the skillet and repeat with remaining cubes.

Step 3: Cook the Soffritto

Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet. If there isn’t enough fat left from searing, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté these vegetables until softened—this brings sweetness that balances out the savory elements.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic along with optional red pepper flakes; cook for another minute until fragrant. Then mix in tomato paste, cooking for several minutes to deepen its flavor before adding apple vinegar.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze your pan, scraping up any brown bits stuck at the bottom—these are packed with flavor! Let it simmer down by half; this step enhances richness while eliminating any sharpness from raw vinegar.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer that delicious vegetable mixture into your slow cooker insert. Layer seared beef cubes on top followed by crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and broth along with bay leaves and dried herbs.

Step 7: Cook Low & Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until beef becomes tender enough to shred easily with forks.

Step 8: Shred & Adjust Seasonings

Once cooked through, remove beef chunks from slow cooker onto a cutting board; shred them apart while discarding any large fatty pieces. Return shredded meat back into sauce along with adjusting seasonings as needed.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

For maximum flavor development, turn off slow cooker but keep covered letting ragu rest before serving—about 15-30 minutes works wonders!

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Serve hot ragu over your choice of pasta garnished generously with grated Parmesan cheese plus fresh basil or parsley! Enjoy every last bite!

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe will surely become a cherished addition to your meal rotation! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Creating the perfect beef ragu is all about technique and patience, so here are some tips to help you achieve a deliciously rich and flavorful dish.

• Sear the meat well: Browning the beef cubes develops deep flavors through the Maillard reaction, creating a robust base for your ragu. Don’t skip this step!

• Use quality tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes if possible. They offer a sweeter flavor profile that enhances your ragu’s overall taste, making it more authentic and delicious.

• Let it rest: After cooking, allow the ragu to rest for 15-30 minutes before serving. This resting period helps meld the flavors together, resulting in a tastier dish.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Always taste your ragu before serving and adjust seasonings as necessary. Each batch can vary in flavor intensity, so personalizing it ensures you love every bite.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix up the herbs based on what you have on hand or prefer. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the dish right before serving.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your slow cooker beef ragu can be an enjoyable experience that allows you to showcase its hearty nature while inviting friends and family to indulge in its comforting flavors.

Garnishes

Enhancing your dish with thoughtful garnishes can elevate its appearance and taste:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this adds a creamy texture and salty kick that complements the richness of the ragu beautifully.
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley: These bright green herbs add a pop of color and freshness that balances the hearty sauce perfectly.
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil: Just before serving, a light drizzle can enhance flavor and give it a lovely sheen.

Side Dishes

Pairing your beef ragu with suitable sides can create a complete meal experience:

• Garlic bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Simple arugula salad: A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of rich ragu.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are not only colorful but also add nutrition and texture alongside the main dish.
• Polenta or creamy mashed potatoes: Serving your ragu over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes makes for a comforting base that absorbs all those luscious flavors beautifully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress everyone at your table with this delightful Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe! Enjoy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy hearty meals throughout the week. With its rich flavors and tender beef, it only gets better as it sits!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the beef ragu to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the ragu into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for easier thawing later.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.
• When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally until hot.
• Ensure the ragu reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use different cuts of beef for this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast offers great flavor and tenderness, you can also use brisket or round cuts. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I know when my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is done?

The ragu is ready when the beef shreds easily with a fork and is fork-tender. This usually takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand—zucchini or bell peppers can work well. You can also replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version.

What type of pasta pairs best with this beef ragu?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices. Their shapes hold onto the ragu beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe! It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings family and friends together. Enjoy every tender bite and savor the delightful aromas filling your kitchen. Happy cooking!