Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need! This dish is perfect for lazy weekends or busy weeknights when you want something special without all the fuss. The rich flavors of tender beef simmered in a savory sauce make it a favorite at family gatherings and dinner parties alike. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish that you can whip up early in the day and let the slow cooker do its magic while you enjoy some quality time with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just sear the beef and toss everything into the slow cooker. It’s a simple process that saves you time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a hearty pasta dish! This ragu is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time, and reheat leftovers throughout the week. It tastes even better after sitting for a day!
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of robust flavors creates a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a big hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh ingredients is part of the fun! For this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe, you’ll need some simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Ragu

• 2.5 – 3 lbs 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 stalks celery, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) dry red apple vinegar (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

You can serve this ragu over your choice of cooked pasta:
– Cooked pasta such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent options.
– Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved for topping.
– Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste preferences:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños if you love heat!
• Go vegetarian: Substitute lentils in place of beef for a hearty but meat-free version.

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 of black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial because it enhances the flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the beef cubes in a single layer; don’t overcrowd them! Searing on all sides until deeply browned creates amazing flavor through caramelization. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and repeat with the remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet. If needed, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened; this step builds depth in flavor as vegetables begin to sweeten. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant but be careful not to let garlic burn!

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. This step deepens the flavor profile by taking away any raw taste from the tomato paste.

Step 5: Deglaze with Vinegar

Pour in red apple vinegar to deglaze your pan! Scrape up those flavorful browned bits from bottom using a wooden spoon—this is where real depth comes from! Let it simmer down by half over about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed vegetable mixture into your slow cooker insert. Layer on top with seared beef cubes.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes & Herbs

Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, and low-sodium beef broth over everything. Toss in bay leaves along with dried herbs—oregano and thyme—and stir gently.

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker lid tightly; set it on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours. Your goal? Tender beef that’s easily shreddable!

Step 9: Shred Beef & Adjust Seasoning

Once done cooking, carefully take out beef chunks onto a cutting board; shred them apart using two forks—this should be easy peasy! Discard any unwanted fat pieces and bay leaves before returning shredded meat back into sauce.

Step 10: Rest & Taste

For ultimate flavor melding goodness—turn off slow cooker but let it rest covered for at least another 15-30 minutes before serving.

Step 11: Serve Up Hot

Serve this delicious hot ragu generously over cooked pasta of choice! Top off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese alongside fresh basil or parsley sprinkles!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe with friends or family—it’s bound to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Cooking a rich and flavorful beef ragu is all about the details, so I’ve gathered some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right cut of meat: Using boneless beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly. Avoid lean cuts that may dry out during the long cooking process.

• Don’t skip the browning step: Searing the beef before slow cooking adds depth of flavor through caramelization. This Maillard reaction creates that delicious savory taste we all love in a hearty ragu.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the ragu to rest for at least 15-30 minutes post-cooking helps meld the flavors beautifully. This extra time enhances the overall taste and texture of your dish.

• Adjust seasoning to your preference: Taste and tweak the seasonings after shredding the beef. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to achieve your perfect flavor profile.

• Save some pasta water: When cooking your pasta, reserve a bit of the starchy water before draining. This liquid can be stirred into the ragu if it needs a little loosening up or added creaminess.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your delicious beef ragu can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the ragu beautifully.
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley: These herbs offer a burst of freshness and color that brightens up the dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this garnish adds spice without overwhelming the other flavors.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate, enhancing each bite of ragu.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ragu, balancing out your meal perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring an earthy sweetness and vibrant colors to your table while being nutritious and satisfying.
• Polenta or Risotto: Creamy polenta or risotto pairs wonderfully with beef ragu, creating a luxurious base that absorbs all those savory flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only create a mouthwatering Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu but also impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week. Its flavors deepen as it sits, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Portion the ragu into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and name of the dish.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave in a microwave-safe dish; cover and heat in intervals, stirring frequently.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use a different type of meat for this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its rich flavor and tenderness, you can substitute it with other cuts like brisket or even leaner cuts like sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the cut used.

How can I make this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe gluten-free?

To ensure that your ragu is gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta when serving. Additionally, check that your beef broth and any canned tomatoes do not contain gluten additives.

What should I serve with my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu?

This ragu pairs beautifully with various types of pasta such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni. A fresh side salad or crusty bread also complements this dish wonderfully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe! It’s a heartfelt dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me!