Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place! This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is a cherished favorite in my home. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas as it simmers away, perfect for busy weekends or family gatherings where everyone gathers around the table. Just set it and forget it—your slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy time with loved ones.

The best part? This beef ragu is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or polenta, it’s sure to impress! Let’s dive into why this recipe should be your go-to for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. No fuss, just flavor!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a hearty pasta dish, and this ragu is no exception. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. It only gets better with time!
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of seared beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce that you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You probably already have many of these staples in your pantry!

For the Beef Ragu

• 2.5 – 3 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed 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 tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red apple vinegar
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup 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 choices)
• Fresh Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of beef, try using shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños for a kick!
• Try different herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor profile even more.

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Step 1: Pat and Season the Beef

Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. This step is essential because moisture on the meat can prevent browning. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. This initial seasoning builds wonderful layers of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add half of the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! Sear until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Searing creates rich flavors through caramelization; remove from pan and set aside before repeating with remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add onion, carrots, and celery—the “soffritto.” If there isn’t enough residual fat from searing, add more olive oil. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant but don’t burn the garlic!

Step 4: Deepen Flavor with Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly to deepen its flavor. Cooking off any raw taste here is crucial!

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in red apple vinegar to deglaze the pan—scraping up those delicious browned bits at the bottom! Let simmer until reduced by half; this concentrates flavors wonderfully.

Step 6: Combine Everything in Your Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed vegetable mix into your slow cooker insert. Layer those beautifully seared beef cubes on top before adding crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth along with bay leaves and herbs.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender enough to shred easily with forks. The exact timing may vary depending on your specific model.

Step 8: Shred & Stir Back In

Once cooked, carefully remove beef chunks from slow cooker onto a cutting board using two forks to shred them apart easily. Discard any non-edible bits like fat or gristle before returning shredded beef back into sauce!

Step 9: Adjust Seasonings & Rest

Taste your ragu! Adjust seasonings if needed; sometimes I find I want just a bit more salt or pepper after cooking. Letting rest covered allows flavors to meld—don’t skip this step!

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Spoon hot beef ragu generously over your favorite cooked pasta while garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs like basil or parsley—deliciousness awaits!

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Making the perfect beef ragu can be a rewarding experience, and these tips will guide you to achieve incredible flavors and textures.

• Sear the Beef Well: Taking the time to sear the beef until it’s deeply browned adds layers of flavor to your ragu. The Maillard reaction during this process creates that rich, savory taste we all love.

• Use Quality Tomatoes: Opting for San Marzano or high-quality crushed tomatoes ensures a robust flavor in your sauce. These tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic, which enhances the overall dish.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the ragu to rest after cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully. This resting period creates a more harmonious dish that’s bursting with flavor when served.

• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to taste your ragu before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can make a world of difference!

• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While traditional choices like pappardelle or tagliatelle are excellent, trying different pasta shapes can add variety to your meal. Consider using rigatoni or even gnocchi for a fun twist!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Presenting your beef ragu in an inviting way can make all the difference at the dining table. Here’s how you can elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of color and aromatic freshness that complements the rich flavors of the ragu.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan not only enhances flavor but also adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with pasta.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light dusting of cracked black pepper provides an extra kick and visual appeal without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is a classic accompaniment that’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the ragu.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a colorful, healthy contrast and add depth to your meal.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta is an excellent base that pairs wonderfully with beef ragu, offering a comforting alternative to pasta.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu will not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on your dinner table! Enjoy sharing this delicious dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It can be made ahead of time, stored, and enjoyed throughout the week or even frozen for later use. Here’s how to best store your delicious ragu.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the beef ragu to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the ragu cool completely if you’re planning to freeze it.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat on the stove: Pour ragu into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• To microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• If frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed before reheating to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

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

Can I make this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe with other types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute beef chuck with other meats like lamb or even turkey for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How should I serve the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

This ragu is fantastic over various pasta shapes such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs and cheese on top!

Can I add vegetables to my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking; just use a large pot and simmer on low heat for several hours until the beef is tender.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe as much as I do! The rich flavors and tender beef create a comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Take your time with it, savor each step, and share it with those you love. Happy cooking!