Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that warms the soul and brings the family together, this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just the thing! It’s one of my absolute favorites because it fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma as it simmers away in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this ragu is rich, hearty, and oh-so-delicious over a mound of pasta. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you enjoy some free time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful dish; it’s sure to become a new family favorite!
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready when you need it most.
• Rich flavors: The combination of seared beef and aromatic vegetables creates an irresistible sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a comforting meal. Gather them up, and let’s get cooking!

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using beef stew meat or even chicken thighs for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition and taste.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even fresh chili peppers.
• Change the herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of dried ones for a vibrant twist.

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 ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building 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 them on all sides until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This browning process creates immense flavor! Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate before repeating with the remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery—the soffritto. If needed, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, stir in minced garlic along with any red pepper flakes you’re using; cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Enhance with Tomato Paste

Stir in your tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly—this deepens its flavor and removes any raw taste.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze your pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until reduced by half—that’s where all that great flavor hides!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Transfer your sautéed vegetable mixture into your slow cooker insert. Layer the seared beef on top followed by crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth. Add bay leaves along with herbs before gently stirring everything together.

Step 7: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for about 6-8 hours or HIGH for around 3-4 hours. Your goal is tender beef that shreds easily—perfectly succulent!

Step 8: Shred & Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the beef chunks onto a cutting board using forks to shred them apart easily. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle left over. Stir shredded beef back into your sauce mixture.

Step 9: Final Touches

Taste your ragu sauce! Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper based on preference. If it’s too thick, stir in some hot pasta water; if too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for an additional time.

Step 10: Let It Rest

For maximum flavor depth, turn off your slow cooker after cooking completes but let it rest covered for at least another 15-30 minutes before serving!

Step 11: Enjoy!

Serve this beautiful ragu generously over your choice of cooked pasta topped off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with chopped basil or parsley—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Creating a comforting beef ragu is a beautiful way to spend your Sunday, and these tips will help you achieve that perfect, rich flavor.

• Choose the right cut of beef: Opt for boneless chuck roast as it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking while maintaining its moisture and flavor.

• Don’t skip the browning step: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker develops deep flavors through caramelization. This step is essential for a robust ragu.

• Allow time for resting: Letting the ragu rest after cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Adjust seasonings thoughtfully: Taste your ragu before serving and tweak the seasonings. The balance of salt and pepper can elevate your dish from good to great!

• Consider thicker sauces: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered on high for a bit after shredding the meat or make a cornstarch slurry as needed.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu can be just as delightful as preparing it! Here are some ideas to present this hearty dish elegantly.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the ragu.
• Grated cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavors with its nutty profile—perfectly complementing the dish.
• Zest of lemon: A light zest of lemon over the top brightens up the flavors and adds an unexpected twist that’s refreshing.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
• Green salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the ragu, refreshing your palate.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts add both color and nutrition on your plate.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as a wonderful base for your ragu, making every mouthful creamy and delicious while adding another layer of flavor.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your homemade Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu! Enjoy every savory bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week without the hassle of cooking every day. It stores beautifully, making it a great choice for busy evenings or cozy weekends.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the ragu to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label your containers with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• If you want to keep it longer, portion the ragu into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave heating, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes) until hot, stirring in between.
• If needed, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce when reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe.

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

Yes! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just ensure they are well-trimmed and cut into similar-sized pieces.

How long does this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this ragu will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes well if you want to save some for later!

Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can prepare this ragu on the stovetop by simmering it on low heat for about 2-3 hours. Just be sure to monitor it and stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick or burn.

What pasta pairs well with this beef ragu?

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices that hold onto the rich sauce well. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth to your home and family gatherings. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab those ingredients and let your slow cooker work its magic—happy cooking!