Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that fills your home with delicious aromas, this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need. Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon where the scent of slow-cooked beef and rich tomato sauce wafts through your kitchen. This recipe is not only a family favorite but also perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights when you want to come home to a warm meal without all the fuss.

Making this ragu in your slow cooker means you can set it and forget it—allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe tucked away for those days when comfort food is a must!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
• Family-approved flavor: The hearty taste of beef and savory herbs will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance, so dinner is ready whenever you are.
• Versatile serving options: Perfect over pasta, polenta, or even on crusty bread for a delightful twist.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting beef ragu that warms the heart.

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 red 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

The beauty of this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these easy variations:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Add more vegetables: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change up the herbs: Try fresh basil or thyme instead of dried; fresh herbs add brightness!
• Experiment with spices: Add Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for an exciting twist.

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper. This step is essential as it builds flavor right from the start. Searing the beef creates a beautiful crust that adds depth to your ragu.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef cubes in a single layer and sear them on all sides until deeply browned—this should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and repeat with the remaining beef. Browning enhances flavors through caramelization.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Lower the heat and add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery into the same skillet—this mixture is known as soffritto. If needed, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté until softened and fragrant; this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to add minced garlic at the end so it doesn’t burn!

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional few minutes while stirring constantly. Cooking it like this helps remove any raw taste from the paste while enhancing its natural sweetness.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in red apple vinegar to deglaze your pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer until reduced by half; this step concentrates those lovely fruity notes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed vegetable mixture into your slow cooker insert, then layer on top the seared beef cubes. Pour over crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes along with their juice, and low-sodium beef broth.

Step 7: Add Herbs and Seasoning

Toss in bay leaves along with oregano, thyme, rosemary (fresh if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine—all those flavors will meld together perfectly during cooking!

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 6-8 hours or HIGH for around 3-4 hours. The goal here is tender beef that shreds easily with forks.

Step 9: Shred Beef

Once cooked through, carefully transfer beef chunks onto a cutting board and shred them using two forks—this should be super easy! Discard any gristle or bay leaves left behind.

Step 10: Adjust Sauce Consistency

Return shredded beef back into the sauce; stir well! Taste it now—add more salt or pepper if necessary! If it’s too thick, stir in some hot pasta water; if too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for another bit until reduced.

Step 11: Rest Before Serving

For maximum flavor impact, turn off your slow cooker but leave it covered—letting everything rest together for at least another 15-30 minutes will marry those tastes beautifully!

Step 12: Serve Up Deliciousness

Spoon that hot ragu generously over cooked pasta of choice! Finish off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top—and voilà! Dinner is served!

Enjoy every bite of this heartfelt Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe—it’s sure to become one you cherish as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Creating the perfect beef ragu is all about attention to detail and a few expert tricks. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Sear the meat properly: Taking the time to sear the beef until it’s deeply browned adds layers of flavor that simmer into the sauce, giving your ragu a rich taste.

• Use quality tomatoes: Opting for high-quality crushed tomatoes, like San Marzano, enhances the overall flavor profile of your ragu and contributes to a vibrant sauce.

• Adjust seasoning gradually: Adding salt and pepper incrementally allows you to fine-tune the flavors before serving, ensuring that you achieve the perfect balance without overwhelming the dish.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the ragu to sit for a bit after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious dish when you finally dig in.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix in fresh herbs such as basil or thyme just before serving for an aromatic lift. Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add a burst of freshness.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving up your beef ragu can be as rewarding as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this hearty meal for family or guests.

Garnishes

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A classic choice, Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that complements the richness of the ragu.

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley: These herbs bring a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the hearty sauce with their vibrant notes.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate. Its buttery, garlicky flavor pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich ragu, helping cleanse your palate.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add both color and nutrition to your meal. The caramelization enhances their natural sweetness, creating a lovely balance alongside the savory ragu.

• Creamy Polenta: For something different from pasta, serve your beef ragu over creamy polenta. The smooth texture absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully and makes for an indulgent pairing.

With these presentation tips and sides in mind, your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu will not only taste incredible but also look inviting on any table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe is perfect for meal prepping, making it a fantastic option for busy weeks ahead. Not only does it taste better the next day, but it also freezes beautifully. Here are some tips on how to store and enjoy your leftovers.

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 for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion the ragu into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
• Remember to label each container with the date and contents.

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.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally until heated.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while preparing this delicious dish!

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

While boneless beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

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

If your ragu turns out too thin, you can remove the lid and cook it on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes to reduce it. Alternatively, a slurry made from cornstarch and water can help thicken it quickly.

What type of pasta pairs best with this ragu?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold onto the rich sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use any pasta you enjoy!

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe by using a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Simply simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe as much as I do! It’s a warm and comforting dish that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas while bringing friends and family together around the table. Enjoy every bite, and feel free to share your experiences or variations with me. Happy cooking!