Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender beef with rich, savory flavors that meld beautifully in your slow cooker, making it an easy and satisfying meal. Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a special occasion, this beef ragu will impress your guests and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
• Rich Flavor: The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, resulting in a deep, savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with various pasta types, or serve it over polenta or rice for a delightful twist.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and store leftovers for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a comforting dish that appeals to everyone, making it ideal for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe even smoother, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help ensure you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring the beef becomes tender as it slowly braises in flavorful sauce.
• Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven: Perfect for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables, creating layers of flavor before slow cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Great for deglazing the pan and mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

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Ingredients

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 red 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)

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 to build flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer and sear until deeply browned—about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining beef.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet. If needed, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly to deepen its flavor.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour red apple vinegar into the skillet to deglaze. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon. Let simmer until reduced by half—about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the vegetable mixture to your slow cooker insert. Layer seared beef cubes on top.

Step 7: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth over everything. Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and rosemary; stir gently to combine.

Step 8: Cook

Cover slow cooker; cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and easily shreddable.

Step 9: Shred Beef

Once cooking time is complete, remove beef chunks from slow cooker onto a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it easily.

Step 10: Mix Back into Sauce

Return shredded beef to slow cooker; stir into sauce. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 11: Rest Before Serving

For best flavor, turn off slow cooker, cover, and let ragu rest for at least 15-30 minutes before serving.

Step 12: Serve with Pasta

Serve hot ragu over cooked pasta of choice. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Enjoy this delicious Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe that brings warmth and joy to any table!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu can elevate your meal experience. This rich and hearty dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

Over Pasta

• Pappardelle: These wide noodles capture the ragu beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
• Tagliatelle: A classic choice, tagliatelle’s texture holds the sauce well, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
• Rigatoni: The ridges of rigatoni trap the ragu, ensuring that each piece is packed with flavor.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch and brightens up the dish.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley offers a pop of color and a fresh taste that balances the richness.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shaved Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor that complements the ragu perfectly.
• Ricotta Cheese: A dollop of ricotta on top adds creaminess and richness to each serving.

How to Perfect Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Creating the perfect Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for an unbeatable result.

• Start with quality beef: Using a good cut of boneless chuck roast enhances the flavor and tenderness of your ragu.
• Brown the meat well: Searing the beef until deeply browned develops rich flavors through caramelization.
• Don’t rush the cooking process: Allowing it to cook low and slow helps break down the meat fibers for ultimate tenderness.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste your ragu before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for a balanced flavor.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the ragu to sit after cooking melds all the flavors together beautifully.
• Use high-quality tomatoes: Opting for San Marzano or similarly high-quality crushed tomatoes boosts overall taste.

Best Side Dishes for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread toasted with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the rich ragu.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a colorful and nutritious contrast on your plate.
4. Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with beef ragu.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds a healthy green element that complements your hearty dish.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer another comforting option to enjoy with rich flavors from the ragu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe to new heights. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Searing too much beef at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Always sear in batches for a rich flavor.
• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Neglecting to deglaze the pan after browning the meat can result in missing out on essential flavors. Always use vinegar or broth to scrape up those browned bits.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings at the end may leave your ragu bland. Be sure to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Not Resting Before Serving: Serving immediately can diminish flavor. Allow the ragu to rest for 15-30 minutes after cooking for a richer taste.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality tomatoes or broth can negatively impact the final dish. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and low-sodium broth.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the ragu to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Portion into smaller servings for easy thawing and reheating.

Reheating Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place ragu in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer ragu into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of beef for this recipe?

The best choice is boneless beef chuck roast due to its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Reheat before serving.

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

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices that complement the hearty sauce.

How long does it take to cook this ragu?

Cooking on LOW takes about 6-8 hours, while HIGH cooking takes around 3-4 hours depending on your slow cooker model.

Final Thoughts

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different herbs or spices based on your taste. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!