Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms the soul and fills the home with delicious aromas, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a cozy blanket, perfect for family gatherings or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. The best part? You can set it and forget it while you go about your day, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

This beef ragu is not only easy to prepare but also delivers rich, hearty flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
• Family-friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the table.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Rich and flavorful: The combination of ingredients creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this delicious beef ragu. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 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

• Cooked pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent)
• Fresh Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
• Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes if you enjoy a kick of heat!
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season them generously with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This initial seasoning builds 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 without overcrowding. Sear them on all sides until nicely browned—around 2-3 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor through caramelization! Remove them from the skillet and set aside before repeating with the remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery—the holy trinity known as “soffritto.” Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then toss in minced garlic along with optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick! Cook this mixture for another minute or two until fragrant.

Step 4: Deepen Flavors with Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook it for about 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. This helps remove any raw taste from the paste while intensifying its flavor—a crucial step!

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in red apple vinegar to deglaze your pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck at the bottom—those are pure flavor gold! Allow it to simmer down by half; this removes any harshness from alcohol while enhancing sweetness.

Step 6: Assemble in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed veggie mix into your slow cooker insert (a larger one works best). Layer seared beef cubes on top so they soak up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes & Seasonings

Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth over everything in your slow cooker. Toss in bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and rosemary—give it all a gentle stir!

Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover up that slow cooker! Cook on LOW for about 6-8 hours or HIGH for around 3-4 hours until your beef becomes tender enough to shred easily.

Step 9: Shred & Adjust Seasoning

Once done cooking, take out those tender chunks of meat onto a cutting board—use two forks to shred them apart! Discard any fat pieces and bay leaves before returning shredded meat back into its sauce.

Step 10: Let It Rest

For maximum flavor magic, turn off your slow cooker after adjusting seasonings as needed—cover it up again and let rest at least another 15-30 minutes before serving.

Step 11: Serve Over Pasta

Spoon generously over cooked pasta of choice, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus some chopped basil or parsley! Enjoy every bite of this warm hug on a plate!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Making the perfect beef ragu is all about enhancing flavors and getting that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here are some pro tips to ensure your ragu turns out delicious every time!

• Sear the beef thoroughly: Taking the time to sear the beef until it’s a deep brown creates a rich flavor base that enhances the entire dish. This Maillard reaction adds depth and complexity that can’t be achieved otherwise.

• Use high-quality tomatoes: Opting for San Marzano or good-quality crushed tomatoes makes a significant difference in flavor. These tomatoes are known for their sweetness and low acidity, which will create a beautiful sauce.

• Don’t rush the cooking time: Allowing your ragu to cook low and slow lets all the flavors meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, it’s better to cook on LOW rather than HIGH for superior results.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the ragu to rest after cooking helps the flavors develop even further. This brief pause ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

• Adjust seasonings at the end: After shredding the beef and mixing it back into the sauce, taste and adjust your seasonings as necessary. This final touch allows you to tailor the flavor profile exactly to your liking.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your beef ragu can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich ragu.
• Grated cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and creaminess with every bite.
• Zest: A touch of lemon zest sprinkled on top provides a surprising brightness that contrasts beautifully with the savory ragu.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, making it an ideal companion for your ragu.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meat sauce.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans can provide a nutritious side that complements the hearty ragu without overpowering it.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as an excellent base for beef ragu, offering a comforting alternative to pasta while soaking up all those amazing flavors.

Enjoy your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe with these serving suggestions, and relish in hearty meals filled with warmth and love!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy hearty, comforting meals throughout the week with minimal effort. Whether you’re planning to stash leftovers in the fridge or freeze portions for later, here’s how to make sure your ragu stays delicious!

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.
• Make sure to label the container with the date, so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out the ragu into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Leave some space in each container for expansion as it freezes.
• Label each container with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen ragu in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely, stirring halfway through until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! This ragu benefits from being made ahead of time. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making it even tastier on day two.

What can I serve with Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Serve this delightful ragu over your favorite pasta like pappardelle or rigatoni. Don’t forget to top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of herbs for added flavor!

How long does this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your beef ragu will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

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

While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can substitute with brisket or round roast. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.

Final Thoughts

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe is special because it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort that brings family and friends together. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Take your time to savor each step of the cooking process, and don’t hesitate to put your own twist on it. Happy cooking!