Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is for you! There’s something magical about letting the flavors meld together in your slow cooker while you go about your day. This recipe is not just for Sundays; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something hearty without the fuss. The aroma of beef simmering with tomatoes and herbs will have everyone gathering around the table in no time!

What makes this ragu special is how easy it is to prepare. Just a little prep work, and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting! It’s my go-to recipe when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal hands-on time, this dish is perfect for busy cooks.
• Family-Friendly: Rich, savory flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd with ease.
• Delicious Flavor: Slow cooking brings out deep, rich flavors that are simply unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering ragu. You’ll likely find most of them already 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
• 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 Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is flexible and open to delicious twists! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs or turkey for a lighter version.
• Add veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Change the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil or Italian seasoning for a unique flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you like heat!

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. This initial seasoning helps build flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear half of the beef cubes until deeply browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This browning adds depth and richness to your ragu.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add onion, carrots, and celery—this mix is called “soffritto.” Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then add garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking until aromatic. These steps create a flavorful base for your sauce!

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook for another few minutes while stirring constantly. This helps develop a deeper flavor by cooking off its raw taste.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in dry red apple vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let this simmer until reduced by half—this process enhances the overall flavor profile of your ragu.

Step 6: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer everything from the skillet into your slow cooker insert and layer seared beef cubes over it.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth over everything along with bay leaves and herbs. Stir gently to combine—it’s all coming together now!

Step 8: Slow Cook

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

Step 9: Shred the Beef

Once done, remove beef chunks from the slow cooker onto a cutting board using two forks to shred it apart effortlessly. Discard any pieces of fat or gristle before returning it back into your ragu sauce.

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your ragu! Adjust salt and pepper as needed; feel free to thicken with cornstarch slurry if necessary.

Step 11: Let It Rest

For maximum flavor, turn off your slow cooker, cover it, and let it rest for at least 15-30 minutes before serving—this allows those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 12: Serve

Spoon generous amounts of hot beef ragu over cooked pasta; top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley before digging in!

Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish that brings warmth not just to your stomach but also to your heart!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Creating the perfect beef ragu is all about layering flavors and ensuring tenderness, so here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Sear the Beef Properly: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the meat creates a rich flavor base that enhances the overall taste of your ragu.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and broth. The better your ingredients, the more delicious your ragu will be!

• Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the ragu to rest before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together for a richer taste.

• Adjust Seasonings Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasonings just before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can make a world of difference!

• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley towards the end. Fresh herbs add a vibrant brightness that complements the deep flavors of the ragu.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving this hearty beef ragu is as delightful as preparing it! Here are some ideas to present it beautifully on your dinner table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness that lightens up the rich sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan provides a creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top can elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate while adding a comforting crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies, such as zucchini or bell peppers, complement the ragu perfectly while adding nutrition and color to your meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef ragu.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as an excellent base for this dish, soaking up all those luscious flavors and adding an Italian touch.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not only a mouthwatering Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu but also an inviting dining experience for family and friends. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks. You can whip up a large batch, enjoy it fresh, and then save some for later!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the ragu to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Let the ragu cool fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and type of dish.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• If too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or hot pasta water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe.

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Yes! While chuck roast is ideal due to its flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can also use brisket or round cuts. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

How long does this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe take to cook?

The ragu cooks on LOW for about 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become super tender.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a Dutch oven or regular pot by simmering on low heat on the stovetop. Ensure you check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

What pasta pairs best with beef ragu?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni work wonderfully with beef ragu. Their shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully, enhancing each bite!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Remember to savor every moment spent in the kitchen; it’s all part of the experience. Enjoy your cooking adventure and delight in sharing this hearty meal with family and friends!