Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that makes your home smell heavenly while you go about your day, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need! There’s something magical about letting the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, allowing flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. This dish is perfect for a lazy Sunday family dinner or a busy weeknight when you want to come home to a warm, hearty meal. Trust me, once you taste this ragu, it will become a staple in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Rich and tender beef ragu served over pasta is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! The flavors only get better as it sits, making leftovers a delicious treat.
• Comforting Flavor: Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness that warms the heart and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you need for this delightful ragu:

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 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

One of the best parts about this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: You can easily use chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter version, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Try different herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a delightful twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to kick things up a notch.

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels for an excellent sear. This step is vital because it helps develop flavor through browning. Generously season with kosher salt and black pepper—this initial seasoning builds layers of taste.

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 them; searing enhances their flavor through caramelization. Brown each side for about 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté the Soffritto

Lower the heat and add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery—the base of your ragu known as soffritto. If needed, add another teaspoon of olive oil and sauté until softened and fragrant—around 8-10 minutes. This step creates sweetness in your sauce!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic along with optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Cook until fragrant—it only takes about 1-2 minutes! Then mix in tomato paste; cooking it deepens its flavor and removes any rawness.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up those beautiful browned bits stuck at the bottom—these bits are packed with flavor! Allow the vinegar to simmer down by half; this concentrates its fruity notes while removing any harshness.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer everything from your skillet into your slow cooker insert—this includes all those wonderful sautéed veggies! Layer seared beef cubes on top.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes & Seasonings

Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth over everything. Toss in bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and rosemary before gently mixing everything together.

Step 8: Slow Cook It!

Cover your slow cooker lid tight and set it on LOW for about 6-8 hours or HIGH for around 3-4 hours. Your goal is tender beef that shreds easily!

Step 9: Shred & Adjust Seasonings

Once cooked perfectly, carefully remove those tender beef chunks onto a cutting board and shred using two forks—it should fall apart effortlessly! Discard any unwanted fat or gristle along with bay leaves from the sauce.

Step 10: Final Touches

Return shredded beef back into that rich sauce mixture. Taste-test it now! Adjust seasonings as necessary—more salt? Pepper? A splash more broth if too thick?

Step 11: Let It Rest

For maximum flavor impact, turn off your slow cooker after cooking is complete but leave it covered for at least another 15-30 minutes before serving; patience here pays off!

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, serve that hot ragu generously over your choice of cooked pasta! Don’t forget toppings—freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with some chopped basil or parsley adds freshness that completes this delectable dish.

Enjoy every bite of this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

This recipe is already a winner, but here are some pro tips to elevate your beef ragu even further!

• Sear the beef well: Browning the beef cubes creates a depth of flavor that makes your ragu rich and savory. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for a robust taste.

• Use quality tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano, for a sweeter and more vibrant sauce. The better your tomatoes, the better your ragu will be!

• Let it rest: Allowing the ragu to rest after cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully. This short wait can make a big difference in taste.

• Adjust seasoning before serving: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adding a pinch more salt or pepper right before serving can brighten up the entire dish.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other herbs or spices like bay leaves or fresh thyme. Each addition can bring a unique twist to your ragu!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving this sumptuous beef ragu is just as enjoyable as cooking it! Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs adds color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the ragu.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
• A drizzle of good olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving gives an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: The perfect accompaniment to soak up that delicious sauce. Toasted slices with garlic butter are always a hit!
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized provide a healthy balance.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty ragu.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta makes an excellent base for beef ragu, adding another layer of texture and flavor that pairs perfectly.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe! Your family and friends will be asking for seconds (and thirds) when they savor each forkful. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week without the fuss. Here are some practical tips for storing, freezing, and reheating your dish:

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 out the ragu into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags.
• Make sure to leave some space at the top of containers or bags, as liquids expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen ragu in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

Can I make this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe without wine?

Absolutely! This recipe uses apple vinegar as a substitute for wine, which adds depth of flavor without any alcohol content.

How long can I store leftovers from my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

What pasta pairs best with Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni work wonderfully with this rich ragu. They capture the sauce beautifully!

Can I use other cuts of beef instead of chuck roast?

While chuck roast is ideal due to its flavor and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round steak as alternatives.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a hearty Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu that warms not just your stomach but also your heart. It’s a dish that brings family and friends together, creating memories around the dinner table. I hope you enjoy making this comforting ragu as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experience; I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

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