Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish that fills the house with irresistible aromas, this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is for you. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together around the table. The slow cooker does all the magic, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful sauce that is perfect over pasta or polenta.

This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s so versatile and easy to prepare. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, you can set it up in the morning and let it simmer while you go about your day. By dinner time, you’ll have a comforting dish that warms both the belly and the heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
• Family-friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Cook it ahead of time and store leftovers in the fridge for quick meals later.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of beef and aromatic vegetables creates a rich, savory sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile serving options: Serve over pasta, polenta, or even mashed potatoes for a delightful meal any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious beef ragu, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we 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
• 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 quite flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add some chopped jalapeños or hot Italian sausage if you like more heat.
• Change the herbs: Use fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley instead of dried ones for brighter flavors.

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 is crucial because it builds 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 seasoned beef cubes in a single layer. Sear on all sides until deeply browned—this Maillard reaction creates immense flavor! Remove from pan and repeat with remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet. If there isn’t enough fat left from searing, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened and onion is translucent. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook while stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes. This step deepens its flavor and ensures there’s no raw taste left behind—a key part of making this ragu truly delicious!

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze your pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck at the bottom—these bits add fantastic flavor! Let it simmer until reduced by half; this concentrates its fruity notes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed vegetable mix into your slow cooker insert (a 6-quart size works great). Layer seared beef cubes on top.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes & Spices

Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth over everything in the slow cooker. Add bay leaves along with dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper; stir gently to combine.

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker! Cook on LOW for about 6-8 hours or HIGH for roughly 3-4 hours until beef is incredibly tender and shreddable when done.

Step 9: Shred Beef

Once cooking time is complete, remove beef chunks carefully onto a cutting board. Shred them using two forks—they should fall apart easily! Discard any larger pieces of fat.

Step 10: Final Touches

Return shredded beef back into slow cooker; stir into sauce while tasting to adjust seasonings as needed!

Step 11: Rest Before Serving

For optimal flavor blending, turn off your slow cooker but keep covered for at least another 15-30 minutes before serving—it’s worth waiting!

Step 12: Serve Up!

Spoon that luscious hot ragu generously over cooked pasta! Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley—and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Making the perfect beef ragu can be a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your dish to new heights!

• Sear the Beef Thoroughly: Taking the time to brown each piece of beef adds depth of flavor to your ragu. The caramelization that occurs during searing creates a rich base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Don’t Rush the Veggies: Allowing your onion, carrots, and celery to cook until they’re soft and fragrant brings out their natural sweetness. This soffritto is the backbone of Italian sauces and contributes significantly to the flavor profile.

• Taste as You Go: Always sample your ragu towards the end of cooking. Adjusting salt and pepper at this stage allows you to personalize the flavor according to your preferences, ensuring a delicious final result.

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

• Experiment with Herbs: While oregano and thyme are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other herbs like fresh parsley or basil for added freshness. They can brighten up the dish right before serving.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your beef ragu is just as important as making it! Presenting this mouthwatering dish beautifully will make it even more enjoyable for family and friends.

Garnishes

• Freshly Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of this cheese adds richness and a wonderful creaminess that complements the tangy tomato sauce.
• Chopped Fresh Basil: This herb brings a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the ragu, enhancing its overall flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes on top gives an extra layer of depth and warmth.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread makes an excellent companion.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances out the hearty ragu. The crunch and freshness provide contrast that’s delightful.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition. Their earthy flavors pair wonderfully with beef ragu.
• Polenta or Risotto: For something different, serve your ragu over creamy polenta or risotto. Both options bring a satisfying texture that complements the sauce beautifully.

Now you’re all set to create an unforgettable dining experience with your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you time while still enjoying delicious home-cooked meals.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover ragu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Allow the ragu to cool before sealing it in the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled ragu in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date and contents, and store for up to 3 months.
• For best results, divide into meal-sized portions before freezing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen ragu overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring often.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

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

Absolutely! While chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round. Just ensure they are well-trimmed and cut into cubes for even cooking.

How do I know when my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is done?

Your ragu is ready when the beef is incredibly tender and shreds easily with a fork. This typically takes 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in your slow cooker.

Can I make this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply ensure that your pasta is gluten-free and check all labels on canned ingredients like tomatoes and broth to avoid any hidden gluten sources.

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

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices that hold up well against the hearty ragu sauce. Choose your favorite!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just about a meal; it’s about creating comforting memories around the table with family and friends. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!