Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish to share with family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, where the rich flavors and tender beef create an unforgettable meal. The best part? You can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day.

Imagine coming home to the warm aroma of savory beef simmering away, ready to be spooned over a mountain of pasta. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, making it ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a laid-back Sunday dinner or an easy weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone will love the rich flavors and tender meat; it’s sure to please even picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep or entertaining; simply cook ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs, tomatoes, and slowly cooked beef creates a sauce that is out of this world.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over different pasta types or even polenta for variety!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 (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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Substitute beef with boneless chicken thighs for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of dried ones.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes if you love heat; this ragu can handle it!

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 ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial because it builds flavor that infuses throughout the dish.

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 flavor through browning, so cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until deeply browned. Once done, remove from skillet and repeat with remaining beef.

Step 3: Make the Soffritto

Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion, carrots, and celery—this mixture is known as soffritto. If necessary, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened; this step is vital as it builds a flavorful base for your ragu.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute or two until fragrant before adding tomato paste. Cooking the tomato paste deepens its flavor significantly; stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze your skillet, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom—these bits hold tons of flavor! Let it simmer until reduced by half; this helps eliminate harshness while enhancing sweetness.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed veggie mix into your slow cooker insert. Layer seared beef cubes on top before pouring in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth.

Step 7: Add Seasonings

Toss in bay leaves, dried oregano, dried thyme, and rosemary (fresh if available). Stir gently to combine everything well; this ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 8: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover your slow cooker! Cook on LOW for around 6-8 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours until the beef is incredibly tender and shreddable—perfectly suited for pasta!

Step 9: Shred the Beef

Once cooked, remove beef chunks onto a cutting board using tongs or a slotted spoon. Shred using two forks—it should fall apart easily! Discard any pieces of fat along with bay leaves from sauce.

Step 10: Mix It All Together

Return shredded beef back into slow cooker mixing well into sauce! Taste your ragu now; adjust seasonings as needed before letting it rest covered for at least another half hour—this melds flavors beautifully.

Step 11: Serve!

Spoon hot ragu generously over your favorite pasta type; garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with some chopped basil or parsley.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Making this beef ragu is a breeze, but a few insider tips can take your dish from good to truly memorable!

• Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and season the meat the night before. This makes the cooking process smoother and ensures that you can enjoy a leisurely Sunday.

• Sear the Meat: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor through caramelization, creating a rich depth in your ragu.

• Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes or other high-quality canned tomatoes. The flavor of your sauce depends heavily on the quality of tomatoes used, so choose wisely for a richer taste.

• Adjust Consistency: Feel free to tweak the sauce’s thickness. If it’s too thick, add more broth; if too thin, let it reduce uncovered. This flexibility allows you to personalize the dish to your liking.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the ragu to sit for 15-30 minutes after cooking helps all those lovely flavors meld together, resulting in an even tastier dish when served.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

This hearty beef ragu is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Serve it up beautifully to enhance both its flavor and presentation!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the rich flavors of the ragu.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous grating of Parmesan on top adds a creamy saltiness that complements the savory meat sauce perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish with an extra kick.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crisped slices of garlic bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. The buttery garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with the ragu.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ragu.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts provide a healthy side that complements the meal beautifully.
• Polenta or Risotto: Creamy polenta or risotto makes for an indulgent base upon which to spoon your beef ragu. Both options soak up the sauce delightfully!

Enjoy crafting this delicious Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe — it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it save you time during the week, but it also develops even more flavor after a day in the fridge. Let’s dive into how to store your delicious ragu!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover ragu in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Be sure to let the ragu cool to room temperature before sealing for storage.

Freezing

• Allow the ragu to cool completely.
• Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen ragu overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

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

Absolutely! This recipe uses dry apple vinegar as a flavorful alternative that adds depth without any alcohol content.

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

You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal preparation!

What type of pasta pairs best with this beef ragu?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold onto the sauce beautifully!

Can I substitute beef broth with vegetable broth?

Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option or prefer not to use beef broth, vegetable broth will work just fine and still keep the dish delicious.

Is this beef ragu recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! This recipe is ideal for meal prepping since it stores well and tastes even better after resting overnight.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe as much as I do! It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your liking and share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!