Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that fills your home with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked goodness, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need! This dish is a true labor of love, perfect for lazy weekends or family gatherings. The best part? Once you have everything in the slow cooker, you can go about your day while it works its magic, leaving you free to enjoy the moments that matter.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a hearty meal, this ragu is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The rich and savory taste appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and store leftovers for quick meals during the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to tweak the veggies or spices based on what you have on hand!
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Serve over your favorite pasta for an indulgent dinner that warms the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu. You may already have many of these staples in your pantry!

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 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

One of the best things about this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• Add more veggies: Throw in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Change the herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of dried ones.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat.

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely later on. Season generously with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This initial seasoning builds great flavor right from the start!

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. Sear until deeply browned on all sides, which takes around 2-3 minutes per side. This step creates that wonderful Maillard reaction, giving us rich flavors! Once browned, set them aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté Your Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add chopped onion, carrots, and celery—the holy trinity known as soffritto. If there’s not enough fat left in the pan, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent; this process brings out their natural sweetness. Then toss in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick, cooking until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook Down Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. Cooking this paste deepens its flavor by removing any raw taste—an important step that adds depth to our ragu!

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in red apple vinegar to deglaze the pan! Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom; these bits are packed with flavor! Allow it to simmer until reduced by half—about 3-5 minutes—to concentrate its fruity notes.

Step 6: Combine Everything in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed veggie mixture into your slow cooker insert. Layer those beautiful seared beef cubes on top before pouring crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth over everything. Toss in bay leaves and dried herbs before gently stirring to combine.

Step 7: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours. The goal here is tender beef that shreds easily—this will depend on your slow cooker model.

Step 8: Shred and Toss

When cooking time is up, carefully remove those chunks of beef onto a cutting board using tongs or a slotted spoon. Shred them apart using two forks; they should fall apart easily! Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle along with bay leaves.

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

Return shredded beef back into your slow cooker and stir into that luscious sauce! Taste it—add more salt or pepper as needed based on your preference! If too thick, stir in some extra broth; if too thin, let it cook uncovered on HIGH for another bit.

Step 10: Let It Rest

For maximum flavor mingling goodness! Turn off your slow cooker, cover it again, and allow resting time for at least 15-30 minutes before serving.

Step 11: Serve Up!

Spoon that hot beef ragu generously over cooked pasta—you can’t go wrong here! Garnish each plate with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Enjoy every bite of this hearty dish that’s bound to make everyone feel right at home!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Creating the perfect beef ragu can feel daunting, but with a few simple tips, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to impress your family and friends!

• Sear the beef well: Taking the time to sear your beef cubes until deeply browned adds a rich depth of flavor to your ragu. This step creates that wonderful caramelization that enhances the overall taste.

• Use quality tomatoes: Opting for high-quality crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes can elevate your sauce’s flavor significantly. San Marzano tomatoes are particularly prized for their sweetness and low acidity.

• Let it rest: After cooking, letting the ragu rest for 15-30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This resting period makes a noticeable difference in taste.

• Adjust seasoning at the end: Tasting and adjusting seasonings after shredding the beef gives you control over the final flavor profile. This way, you can ensure it’s just right for your palate.

• Don’t skip the bay leaves: Adding bay leaves while cooking infuses the ragu with an aromatic layer of flavor that enriches every bite. Just remember to remove them before serving!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your beef ragu is as important as making it. With a bit of creativity, you can turn this hearty dish into a feast that warms hearts!

Garnishes

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a creamy, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the rich ragu.
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley: These herbs not only add color but also provide a fresh pop that balances out the richness of the sauce.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving enhances the dish’s aroma and adds a touch of warmth.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce, garlic bread pairs beautifully with beef ragu and brings an inviting aroma to your table.
• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the ragu, providing balance and freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots bring both color and nutrients to your meal while complementing the flavors of the ragu.
• Polenta or Risotto: Serving your beef ragu over creamy polenta or risotto creates a comforting base that soaks up all those delicious flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an unforgettable Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves you time during the week but also gets better as it sits, making it a delightful dish to have on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the ragu to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the ragu cool down before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best quality, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use different types of meat for this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute with other cuts like brisket or even turkey for a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the meat used.

How long should I cook my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Cook your ragu on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The goal is tender beef that shreds easily. Always check your slow cooker’s manual as times may vary slightly between models.

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

Great options include pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni. These shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully and enhance your dining experience!

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

Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during cooking. They’ll add extra flavor and nutrition!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family dinner or shared with friends, this ragu promises satisfaction in every bite. Happy cooking!