Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. This comforting meal features tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy flavorful ragu with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over various pasta types or even on its own with some crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on other things.
• Rich Flavor: The slow cooking process melds flavors beautifully, giving you a deep and savory ragu that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this ragu over your favorite pasta, polenta, or even as a filling for sandwiches—there are endless possibilities!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week. It freezes well, making it ideal for quick future meals.
• Family-Friendly: With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while tenderizing the meat to perfection over several hours.
• Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven: Ideal for searing beef evenly and creating a flavorful base before adding to the slow cooker.
• Wooden spoon: Great for scraping up fond from the pan and stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

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)

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Once shimmering, add half of the beef cubes in a single layer.
* Sear until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove seared beef from skillet and set aside. Repeat with remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium. Add:
– Chopped onion,
– Carrots,
– Celery (the soffritto)

Sauté for approximately 8-10 minutes until softened; add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste; cook for about 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly to deepen flavor.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour apple vinegar into the pan.
– Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon.
– Allow vinegar to simmer and reduce by half in about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer sautéed vegetable mixture into your slow cooker insert.
Add seared beef cubes on top along with:
– Crushed tomatoes,
– Diced tomatoes,
– Beef broth,
– Bay leaves,
– Dried herbs.

Stir gently to combine everything.

Step 7: Slow Cook

Cover slow cooker; cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until beef is tender enough to shred easily.

Step 8: Shred the Beef

Once cooked, remove chunks of beef from slow cooker onto a cutting board.
Using two forks, shred it apart and discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.

Step 9: Finalize Ragu

Return shredded beef back into slow cooker; stir into sauce.
Taste ragu; adjust seasonings if necessary before letting it rest covered for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Step 10: Serve

Serve hot ragu generously over cooked pasta; garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Enjoy!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu can elevate the dining experience and impress your family or guests. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this hearty dish.

Over Pasta

• Pappardelle – The wide noodles hold onto the ragu beautifully, making each bite flavorful.
• Tagliatelle – Slightly thinner than pappardelle, tagliatelle works well with the sauce’s rich texture.
• Rigatoni – The ridges in rigatoni capture chunks of beef and sauce, ensuring a satisfying meal.

With Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce; a must-have side for any Italian meal.
• Garlic Bread – Adds a delightful crunch and flavor that complements the ragu nicely.
• Focaccia – Soft and flavorful, focaccia pairs well with the savory notes of the beef ragu.

Topped with Garnishes

• Fresh Basil – A sprinkle of chopped basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch to your dish.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the richness of the ragu with its creamy texture.
• Chopped Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to your serving.

How to Perfect Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

To ensure your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right cut of beef: Select boneless beef chuck roast for optimal tenderness and flavor.
• Sear the beef properly: Browning the beef enhances its taste through caramelization before slow cooking.
• Use quality tomatoes: High-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano will elevate your sauce’s flavor profile.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the ragu to sit for 15-30 minutes helps meld flavors for an even richer dish.
• Adjust seasoning after cooking: Taste before serving to balance salt and pepper based on personal preference.
• Don’t skip the aromatics: Onions, garlic, and herbs are key to building depth in this ragu.

Best Side Dishes for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

The right side dishes can complement your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu perfectly. Here are some great options to pair with this dish.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the robust ragu.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add color and nutrients to your meal.
3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with a tangy dressing offers a refreshing palate cleanser alongside rich ragu.
4. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light option that balances the heaviness of the pasta.
5. Steamed Green Beans – Simple steamed green beans add crunch and can be dressed lightly with olive oil or lemon juice.
6. Polenta Cakes – Creamy polenta cakes provide an alternative base for enjoying the flavorful ragu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking beef ragu in a slow cooker can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Incorrectly Cutting the Beef: Make sure to cut the beef into 2-inch cubes for even cooking. Larger pieces may remain tough, while smaller ones can overcook.
• Skipping Browning the Meat: Searing the beef before slow cooking adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your ragu.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Proper seasoning is key. Always season each layer—beef, vegetables, and sauce—to build rich flavors throughout the dish.
• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the slow cooker past its capacity can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to recommended amounts for best results.
• Not Letting It Rest: Allowing the ragu to rest after cooking helps meld the flavors. Don’t rush this step; a little patience goes a long way.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Transfer cooled ragu into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to our Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe.

Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken or turkey for beef if you prefer a lighter option.

How do I make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.

What pasta goes best with this ragu?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold onto the sauce well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This ragu tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is not only rich and hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!