Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just the thing! It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together around the dinner table, whether it’s a bustling family gathering or a quiet evening at home. The rich flavors and tender beef make this ragu truly special, perfect for lazy Sundays or busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss.

The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooker, which allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while you go about your day. Just set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a warm bowl of pasta topped with this delicious sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you focus on other things.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a hearty pasta dish, making this ragu a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of beef, tomatoes, and herbs creates a rich flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe uses everyday items that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 (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: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice

For Serving

You’ll also want these delightful toppings when serving:
* Cooked pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices)
* Fresh Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
* Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños!
• Change the pasta: Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.

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 create a nice sear later on. Season generously with about 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This initial seasoning builds layers of flavor that will shine through in your ragu.

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 and sear them until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This browning process enhances flavor through something called the Maillard reaction—trust me; it makes all the difference!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add 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; this step builds a flavorful base for your ragu.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add tomato paste and cook for another few minutes. Cooking down tomato paste deepens its flavor—don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze your pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom—these bits are pure flavor! Let it simmer until reduced by half; this helps concentrate those fruity notes.

Step 6: Combine Everything in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed mixture to your slow cooker insert. Add seared beef on top along with crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine everything.

Step 7: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 6-8 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours. Your goal is super tender beef that shreds easily!

Step 8: Shred & Serve

Once cooking is complete, carefully remove beef chunks from the slow cooker onto a cutting board. Use two forks to shred—the meat should fall apart effortlessly! Return shredded beef to sauce; taste and adjust seasonings as needed before letting it rest covered for at least another half hour—this melds all those wonderful flavors together beautifully.

Step 9: Plate Up

Serve this comforting ragu generously over cooked pasta of choice. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley for that final touch!

Enjoy every bite of your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe! It’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your household as much as it is in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your beef ragu to a whole new level!

• Use quality ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality canned tomatoes make all the difference in flavor. Investing in good ingredients ensures your ragu is rich and satisfying.

• Don’t rush the browning – Searing the beef until it’s deeply browned creates a depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish. Take your time; it’s worth it!

• Adjust seasoning to taste – Every palate is different, so once the ragu is cooked, taste it and feel free to adjust the salt and pepper. This personal touch makes it uniquely yours.

• Let it rest – Allowing your ragu to rest after cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully. This simple step can elevate your dish from good to amazing.

• Experiment with pasta shapes – While pappardelle or rigatoni are traditional choices, feel free to try different pasta shapes! Each one offers a unique way to enjoy this hearty sauce.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your beef ragu can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present this delicious dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil or Parsley – A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs adds color and freshness, enhancing both the presentation and flavor.
• Grated or Shaved Parmesan Cheese – Adding cheese on top not only looks appetizing but also adds a creamy richness that complements the ragu perfectly.
• Cracked Black Pepper – A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper gives an extra kick while looking visually appealing.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.

• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the ragu, balancing out your meal nicely.

• Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add vibrant colors and textures while complementing the savory ragu beautifully.

• Polenta or Risotto – Creamy polenta or risotto can serve as an elegant base for your beef ragu, providing a luxurious dining experience.

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

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious, hearty meals throughout the week. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it, and even freeze leftovers for a busy day.

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

• Portion the ragu into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen ragu in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this recipe or have some questions, you’re not alone! Here are some answers to common queries.

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

Yes, you can use cuts like brisket or round roast, but chuck roast is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.

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

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold the ragu beautifully. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta!

How can I thicken my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

If your sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, a small cornstarch slurry can be added for thickening.

Can I make this recipe without beef broth?

Yes! You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor while still keeping it rich and satisfying.

How do I adjust the spice level of this ragu?

You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your preference. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance!

Final Thoughts

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings family together around the table. The tender beef mingled with rich flavors creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making this delightful ragu as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your experience – happy cooking!