Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal to share with your loved ones, this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just the ticket! There’s something magical about letting a rich sauce simmer all day while you go about your weekend activities. Not only does it fill your home with the most wonderful aroma, but it also results in tender beef that falls apart with just a fork. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or even just a busy weeknight when you want something special without all the fuss.

Whether you serve it over a bed of pasta or let it shine on its own, this ragu is sure to become a favorite in your home too. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, this recipe allows you to enjoy your weekend while the slow cooker works its magic.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a delicious pasta dish, and this ragu is flavorful enough to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prepping, you can whip up a batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender beef and rich tomatoes creates an irresistible sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours (and it has!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes this recipe even more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu:

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, such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni
• Fresh Parmesan cheese*, grated or shaved
• Fresh basil or parsley*, chopped

Variations

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter version that still packs tons of flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute the meat with hearty lentils or mushrooms for a satisfying veggie option.

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 is crucial because it builds flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the beef cubes in a single layer—avoid overcrowding! Sear them on all sides until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This browning process adds immense flavor to your ragu!

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery—the “soffritto.” If there isn’t enough fat left in the pan, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent. Next, mix in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste

Add the tomato paste to your vegetable mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. This step deepens its flavor and ensures there are no raw notes left.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in the dry red apple vinegar to deglaze your pan! Scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon—these bits are packed with flavor! Let it simmer until reduced by half; this typically takes around 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Now transfer everything from your skillet into your slow cooker insert—vegetables first! Place those beautifully seared beef cubes on top.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in both crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with their juice along with beef broth into your slow cooker mix. Toss in bay leaves, dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary; stir gently to combine everything beautifully!

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover up that slow cooker lid! Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until that beef becomes incredibly tender and shreddable.

Step 9: Shred the Beef

When cooking time is up, carefully remove those beef chunks from your slow cooker onto a clean cutting board. Use two forks to shred it; it should fall apart easily like magic! Discard any big pieces of fat or gristle.

Step 10: Return Shredded Beef

Return that shredded goodness back into the slow cooker! Stir it into that luscious sauce; taste it now and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 11: Let It Rest

For ultimate flavor fusion, turn off your slow cooker and let that ragu rest covered for at least 15-30 minutes before serving.

Step 12: Serve Up!

Serve that delicious hot beef ragu generously over cooked pasta of choice. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese alongside some fresh basil or parsley!

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe will warm hearts around your table! Enjoy every delightful bite together!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Making this beef ragu is a labor of love, and with a few insider tips, you can ensure it’s absolutely perfect!

• Select Quality Beef: Choosing a well-marbled boneless beef chuck roast is essential. The fat in the meat will render down during cooking, making your ragu rich and flavorful.

• Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the beef cubes before slow cooking might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial for developing deep flavors. The Maillard reaction creates a beautiful crust that adds complexity to your dish.

• Use Low Sodium Broth: Opting for low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of your ragu. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste without overpowering the dish.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, letting the ragu sit covered for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s like giving your dish a moment to breathe!

• Customize Your Pasta: Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as pappardelle or rigatoni. They will catch every bit of that delicious ragu, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

This hearty beef ragu is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ways to present this comforting dish and make it even more delightful!

Garnishes

• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the creaminess and flavor of the ragu. It balances out the richness of the meat perfectly.

• Chopped Fresh Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up each plate. The herbal notes complement the savory depth of the ragu beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. Its crunchy texture pairs wonderfully with the tender meat and rich sauce.

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the ragu. It balances out your meal nicely.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts bring added nutrition and a pop of color to your table while enhancing flavors through caramelization.

• Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: Serving your ragu over creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes creates an indulgent experience that’s comforting and satisfying—perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner!

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to create an unforgettable Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is not only delicious but also fantastic for meal prep! It’s perfect for making in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Here’s how to store it properly for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover ragu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Before storing, let it cool down to room temperature to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the ragu to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For easy portioning, consider freezing in individual servings or using freezer bags.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some common queries that might help you out.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.

How do I know when the beef is done in my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart. This usually takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker.

Can I add vegetables to the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for added flavor and nutrition.

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

Wide pasta types like pappardelle or tagliatelle work wonderfully with this rich ragu. However, you can also use any pasta shape you prefer!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering or cozy night at home. The tender beef combined with rich sauce over pasta is simply irresistible. So get out your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and savor every bite of this delightful meal. Happy cooking!