Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with delightful aromas and brings everyone to the table, excited for a hearty meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe shines as a favorite. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones while it cooks away in the slow cooker.

The beauty of this beef ragu lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its simplicity. You can set it and forget it, making it perfect for those days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and ingredients, this recipe takes the stress out of cooking.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good pasta dish, and this ragu is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Cook this ragu in advance for an effortless dinner on busy nights.
• Rich flavor: Slow cooking melds the ingredients beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is a breeze! These simple, wholesome items create a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

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 flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste! Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or turkey instead of beef for a lighter twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Go spicy: Include diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes for those who like heat.
• Try different herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or sage for unique flavors.

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by patting the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season them generously with about ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. This step is crucial because seasoning at this stage builds an incredible flavor foundation 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 seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Sear each side until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This browning process enhances flavor through caramelization, so take your time!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Once all the beef is seared, lower the heat to medium and add onions, carrots, and celery to the same skillet—this mix is called soffritto. If needed, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté these vegetables for about 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant; they’ll add sweetness and depth to your ragu.

Step 4: Finish with Garlic & Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic along with optional red pepper flakes for some spice if desired; cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add tomato paste and continuously stir for about 2-3 minutes—this deepens its flavor and removes any raw taste.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze your pan while scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer until reduced by half—this process helps concentrate those fruity notes from the vinegar while eliminating harshness.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed vegetable mixture into your slow cooker insert (a larger one works best). Layer the seared beef on top before adding crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth along with bay leaves and dried herbs.

Step 7: Cook Low & Slow

Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on LOW for about 6-8 hours or HIGH for around 3-4 hours. This slow cooking makes your beef incredibly tender—perfect for shredding later!

Step 8: Shred & Adjust Seasoning

After cooking time is complete, carefully remove beef chunks from your slow cooker onto a cutting board. Shred using two forks; it should come apart easily! Discard any pieces of fat or gristle before returning shredded beef back into your sauce.

Step 9: Let It Rest

For maximum flavor integration, turn off your slow cooker but let everything rest covered for at least another 15-30 minutes before serving—it’s worth waiting!

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, serve this delicious ragu generously over cooked pasta of choice and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with chopped basil or parsley on top. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Making the perfect beef ragu may seem like a labor-intensive task, but with these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to a crowd-pleasing dish!

• Choose the right cut of meat: Opt for beef chuck roast as it has the right amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

• Don’t skip the browning step: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor through caramelization. This step adds depth to your ragu, making it taste even more delicious.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the ragu to sit after cooking helps meld the flavors together. This resting period can significantly enhance the overall taste.

• Adjust consistency as needed: If you find your sauce too thick or thin, don’t hesitate to adjust it. Adding a bit of broth or pasta water can help achieve your desired consistency without compromising flavor.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to customize the herbs in your ragu! Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can add a vibrant touch and elevate the dish’s freshness.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Presenting your beef ragu beautifully not only makes for an appealing plate but also elevates the dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs brightens up the dish and adds a burst of color.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: This classic cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the ragu perfectly.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a hint of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes can add an exciting kick.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate, making each bite satisfying.
• Green Salad: A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the ragu and adds freshness to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a delicious contrast in texture and flavor while keeping things healthy.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as a wonderful base for ragu, adding an extra layer of comfort and heartiness to your meal.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe! With its deep flavors and comforting texture, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it also makes for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Portion the ragu into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for easy storage.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
• You can also reheat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our delicious Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe.

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

Absolutely! While boneless beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round cuts. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if necessary.

How do I serve my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

This ragu is delightful served over your choice of pasta like pappardelle or rigatoni. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth.

How spicy is this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

The spice level is mild unless you add red pepper flakes. You can adjust it according to your preference by adding more or omitting them altogether.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s bound to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your experience!