Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that fills the room with mouthwatering aromas, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it’s perfect for Sunday gatherings or busy weeknights when you want to serve something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine coming home after a long day to find a rich, savory sauce waiting for you, ready to be tossed with your favorite pasta!

There’s something special about how the flavors develop slowly in the slow cooker. The beef becomes tender and flavorful, while the sauce thickens and deepens. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it do all the work for you.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a hearty bowl of beef ragu, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates an irresistible sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and enjoy leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that make this beef ragu unforgettable.

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: 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken thighs or even lentils for a vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Change the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley to give your ragu a unique 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 them 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. Once it’s shimmering, add half of your seasoned beef cubes in a single layer. Sear them on all sides until they are deeply browned—this step adds so much flavor thanks to the Maillard reaction! Once done, set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery—the “soffritto.” If needed, drizzle in another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté these veggies for about 8-10 minutes until softened; this brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Tomato Paste

Next, stir in minced garlic along with any optional red pepper flakes if you like it spicy! Cook for another minute or two until fragrant before adding tomato paste. Cooking this paste deepens its flavor significantly—don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in the dry apple vinegar to deglaze your pan, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until reduced by half—this concentrates all that fruity goodness while cooking off any harshness.

Step 6: Combine Everything in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed veggie mixture into your slow cooker insert. Layer those beautiful seared beef cubes on top.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes & Herbs

Pour both crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes over everything alongside beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Give it all a gentle stir to combine.

Step 8: Slow Cook Your Ragu

Cover up your slow cooker and let it work its magic on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when that beef is incredibly tender—it should practically shred apart!

Step 9: Shred the Beef

Once cooked, remove those lovely beef chunks onto a cutting board and shred them using two forks; they should fall apart easily! Don’t forget to discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.

Step 10: Adjust Seasonings & Thicken if Needed

Return shredded beef back into your slow cooker mix; taste your ragu! Adjust seasonings as needed—maybe more salt or pepper? If it’s too thick, stir in extra beef broth; if too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for another bit until thickened slightly.

Step 11: Let It Rest

For even better flavor harmony, turn off your slow cooker and let that ragu rest covered for at least another 15-30 minutes before serving—trust me; it’s worth it!

Step 12: Serve Up!

Spoon your hot beef ragu generously over cooked pasta of choice—pappardelle is my favorite here! Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to really elevate those flavors! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Creating the perfect beef ragu is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring that your beef turns out tender and delicious. Here are some expert tips to help you along the way:

• Sear the Meat Well: Taking the time to sear the beef until it’s deeply browned adds a rich depth of flavor to your ragu. This Maillard reaction creates those delicious caramelized bits that amplify the overall taste.

• Use Quality Tomatoes: Opting for San Marzano or high-quality canned tomatoes makes a noticeable difference in flavor. They are naturally sweet and less acidic, resulting in a smoother sauce.

• Don’t Skip the Deglazing: Pouring apple vinegar into your pan after sautéing helps lift all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This step not only enhances the sauce’s richness but also prevents waste.

• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing your ragu to rest before serving gives the flavors time to meld together. This simple step ensures each bite is bursting with deeper, more harmonious flavor.

• Adjust Seasonings at the End: Always taste and adjust seasonings right before serving. Your ingredients may vary, so a little extra salt, pepper, or even herbs can elevate your dish beautifully just before it hits the table.

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your homemade beef ragu is an opportunity to showcase its heartiness and flavor in delightful ways that will impress your family or guests. Here are some ideas to make your meal truly special:

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A handful of freshly chopped basil adds a bright, aromatic freshness that complements the rich flavors of the ragu.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offering freshly grated Parmesan will enhance every bite with a creamy texture and salty umami flavor.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving can add an extra kick of flavor without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up sauce and adds a delightful crunch alongside your pasta.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich ragu, balancing out the meal beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring color and nutrition while complementing the hearty ragu.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as an excellent base for beef ragu, absorbing all those wonderful flavors while providing a comforting texture.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu will not only be delicious but also an inviting centerpiece for any gathering! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it also stores well, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeks ahead.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, portion the ragu into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.
• The ragu can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

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

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. Just ensure they are well-trimmed and suitable for slow cooking.

How long does the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe need to cook?

It cooks on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The goal is tender beef that shreds easily.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure your beef broth is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe! It’s a heartwarming dish that brings together friends and family around the table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; I’m sure it will become a comforting staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!