Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the warmth of Italian cooking to your home. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this ragu is packed with rich flavors and tender beef that falls apart with a fork. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully over hours of low heat. With its aromatic blend of herbs and spices, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef chuck, wine, and tomatoes creates a deep, savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this ragu over your favorite pasta or even as a filling for sandwiches or on polenta.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and save leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its comforting taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything organized will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfectly cooks the beef low and slow, resulting in tender meat that absorbs all the flavors.
• Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven: Ideal for searing the beef and sautéing vegetables, ensuring even cooking and rich flavor development.

Ingredients

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 wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti
• 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
• 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)
• Fresh Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
• Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)

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.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef cubes in a single layer:
– Sear on all sides until deeply browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
– Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining beef.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium:
– Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet.
– Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened.
– Add minced garlic; cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste:
– Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in red wine:
– Scrape up browned bits from bottom of skillet.
– Let simmer until reduced by half (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Move vegetable mixture into your slow cooker:
– Place seared beef cubes on top.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth over everything:
– Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, rosemary.

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover slow cooker:
– Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.

Step 9: Shred the Beef

Once done:
– Remove beef chunks; shred using two forks.

Step 10: Final Adjustments

Return shredded beef to slow cooker:
– Stir into sauce; adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 11: Let Rest

Turn off slow cooker:
– Cover ragu; let rest for at least 15-30 minutes before serving.

Step 12: Serve

Spoon hot ragu generously over cooked pasta:
– Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Enjoy your delicious Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is an art that enhances its rich flavors and comforting textures. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this hearty dish.

Over Pasta

• Pappardelle: Wide, flat noodles that hold the ragu beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
• Tagliatelle: Slightly thinner than pappardelle, this pasta complements the sauce while adding a delightful chew.
• Rigatoni: Tube-shaped pasta that captures the ragu within, providing bursts of flavor in every forkful.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a refreshing note that brightens the dish.
• Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a subtle earthiness.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shaved, it adds a salty richness that perfectly balances the ragu’s flavor.
• Ricotta: A dollop of creamy ricotta provides a smooth contrast to the robust meat sauce.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve warm slices for dipping into the sauce and soaking up every drop.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a flavorful crunch and a hint of garlic that pairs wonderfully with the ragu.

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How to Perfect Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

To elevate your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu to the next level, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• seasoning: Ensure you season both the beef and vegetables generously for maximum flavor development.
• Sear properly: Browning the beef well creates depth in flavor through the Maillard reaction; don’t rush this step!
• Quality ingredients: Use high-quality tomatoes and wine for richer taste, as they form the base of your sauce.
• Rest before serving: Letting the ragu sit after cooking helps meld flavors together, enhancing your final dish.
• Adjust consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add beef broth or hot pasta water. For thinner sauce, reduce it further on high heat.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking for a personalized touch that suits your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a buttery base that complements the ragu perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add texture and color to your plate.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich meat sauce.
4. Polenta Cakes: Soft or grilled polenta cakes create a unique twist while soaking up flavors from the ragu.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch and bright green color alongside your hearty meal.
6. Risotto: A creamy risotto can serve as an elegant base for your beef ragu, enriching each mouthful with its velvety texture.
7. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil brings freshness that balances out the richness of the ragu.
8. Focaccia Bread: Soft, herb-infused focaccia is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking with a slow cooker can be simple and rewarding, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Placing too much beef or vegetables can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Skipping Searing the Meat: Not searing the beef first can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Take the time to brown it well before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings at the end can leave your dish bland. Always sample before serving and tweak as needed.
• Not Allowing Rest Time: Serving immediately after cooking can diminish flavors. Letting the ragu rest enhances its taste significantly.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality tomatoes or broth can ruin your dish. Opt for good quality ingredients for a truly delightful ragu.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of one minute until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this recipe that may help clarify your cooking process.

What is a Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

This recipe features tender beef cooked slowly with tomatoes and herbs, resulting in a rich, comforting sauce perfect over pasta.

How long does it take to cook the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Cooking on LOW takes about 6-8 hours or on HIGH around 3-4 hours, depending on your slow cooker model.

Can I customize my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or spices based on your preference for unique flavors.

What type of pasta pairs best with this ragu?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices that hold onto the hearty sauce well.

Final Thoughts

The Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or serve it with different types of pasta for variety. Enjoy this delicious dish that brings everyone together!