Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a Sunday evening, then this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is just what you need. It’s one of those recipes that brings the family together, filling the home with a rich aroma as it simmers away in your slow cooker. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family gathering or just want an easy meal after a busy week, this ragu is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s simple to make—just throw everything in and let the magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time. Just sear the beef, sauté some vegetables, and let your slow cooker do the rest!
• Family-friendly appeal: Rich and hearty, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table, even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions. Just reheat and serve!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of tender beef, sweet vegetables, and savory herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering wholesome ingredients is part of the joy of cooking! For this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe, you’ll find everything you need right here. These simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.

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 red apple vinegar (such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti)
• 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Instead of beef chuck roast, try using chicken thighs for a lighter version that still packs flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or chili peppers along with your garlic.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils for a delicious meat-free option.

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 black pepper. This initial seasoning builds flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, searing them on all sides until deeply browned—about 2-3 minutes per side. This browning process adds so much flavor through what’s called the Maillard reaction.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Once all the beef is seared and set aside, reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery—the “soffritto.” Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent; this step helps build a flavorful base for your ragu.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic along with optional red pepper flakes for some heat! Cook for another minute before adding tomato paste to deepen its flavor further—this also removes any raw taste from the paste.

Step 5: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in red apple vinegar to deglaze your pan by scraping up any browned bits stuck at the bottom; these bits are pure gold! Let it simmer until reduced by half—this concentrates its delightful fruity notes.

Step 6: Combine in Slow Cooker

Transfer your sautéed vegetable mixture into your slow cooker insert and layer those beautiful seared beef cubes on top. Pour over crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth along with bay leaves and herbs.

Step 7: Cook Low & Slow

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 6-8 hours or HIGH for around 3-4 hours until that lovely beef becomes incredibly tender and easily shreddable.

Step 8: Shred & Serve

When done cooking, remove those tender chunks of beef onto a cutting board and shred them using two forks—they should fall apart effortlessly! Return shredded beef back into your slow cooker sauce while adjusting seasoning if needed.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

For optimal flavor development, turn off your slow cooker but let it rest covered for at least another 15-30 minutes before serving.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Serve this hearty ragu generously over cooked pasta of your choice—don’t forget to garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs! Each bite will remind you why this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is such a cherished favorite.

Pro Tips for Making Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Cooking is all about creating flavors that bring warmth and comfort, and this beef ragu is no exception! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opting for boneless chuck roast ensures a juicy, tender result. The fat content in chuck roasts breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, adding rich flavor to your sauce.

• Don’t Skimp on Browning: Searing the beef cubes before slow cooking builds a deep, savory flavor through caramelization. This step creates those delightful browned bits that enhance the overall richness of your ragu.

• Let it Rest: Allowing the ragu to rest after cooking enhances the flavor as it gives time for the ingredients to meld together. This simple step can make a big difference in taste!

• Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Once you’ve shredded the beef and added it back into the sauce, taste it! Adjusting the salt and pepper at this stage will ensure your ragu has just the right flavor profile for your palate.

• Use Quality Tomatoes: High-quality crushed tomatoes, like San Marzano, elevate your dish with their natural sweetness and acidity. This makes all the difference in a tomato-based sauce!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving this hearty beef ragu is an opportunity to get creative! Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or enjoying a quiet meal at home, here are some ideas to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs brightens up the dish and adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the ragu.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offering freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese adds a creamy texture and salty richness that pairs perfectly with the hearty ragu.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving enhances the flavors and adds a touch of spice without overpowering.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of delicious sauce. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the beef ragu wonderfully.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in a simple vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal. The freshness cuts through the richness of the ragu, making for a balanced plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers provide color and nutrition. Their caramelized sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the ragu.
• Polenta or Risotto: For something different, serve your ragu over creamy polenta or risotto. These options add a comforting base that soaks up all that luscious sauce.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a delightful Sunday feast! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy the rich flavors throughout the week or save some for later. Here’s how to properly store and freeze your delicious ragu.

Storing Leftovers

• Item: Allow the ragu to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Item: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Item: When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.

Freezing

• Item: Cool the ragu completely before freezing.
• Item: Place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving some space for expansion.
• Item: Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Item: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Item: Reheat on low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
• Item: Microwave in a covered container, stirring halfway through until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe that might help you as you prepare your delicious meal!

Can I make this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe with different cuts of meat?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, you can also use other cuts like brisket or round. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.

How do I serve my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe?

Serve this hearty ragu generously spooned over your favorite cooked pasta such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni. Don’t forget to top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs for an extra touch!

Can I adjust the spice level in this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe?

Yes! If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, feel free to add additional flakes or even some diced fresh chili peppers when sautéing your vegetables.

What can I serve alongside my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu?

A fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully. They add a nice balance to the rich flavors of the ragu!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe as much as I do! The wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is just one of the many reasons this dish is special. With tender beef and rich tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!