Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Introduction

Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines succulent beef with a rich tomato-based sauce. This comforting dish simmers gently in the slow cooker, allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while absorbing all the rich flavors of the sauce. The slow cooking process allows the beef to break down beautifully, resulting in a thick, luscious ragu perfect for serving over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal, a dish to impress your guests, or a cozy dinner for a cold evening, Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is the answer. This recipe is easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers a dish full of deep, savory flavor that will make everyone at the table go back for seconds.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weekend meals
• Special occasions
• Comfort food lovers
• Meal prep for the week ahead

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu will become your new favorite recipe:

• Slow-Cooked Flavor: The slow cooker method allows the beef to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a dish that’s rich and flavorful, with tender beef that practically falls apart.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can serve this ragu over pasta, polenta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile option for any meal.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you, leaving you free to relax while your dinner cooks itself.
• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is perfect for satisfying hearty appetites with its rich, tender beef and savory sauce.
• Family-Friendly: With familiar, simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for families, and kids will love the soft, tender beef and flavorful sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 8 hours (Slow Cooker method)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low heat
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu:

• 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) beef chuck roast (or another cut suitable for slow cooking like brisket or round roast)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or about 4 cups fresh tomatoes, diced)
• 1 cup beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck Roast: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking because it has a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during the slow cooking process, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: These ingredients provide the rich, tangy base for the ragu, contributing to the depth of flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: Oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) create a well-rounded flavor profile that enhances the beef and tomato sauce.
• Beef Broth: The beef broth helps create a luscious, flavorful sauce while keeping the beef moist during the slow cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Season the Beef: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef to the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms. This step adds flavor, so don’t skip it! Once seared, remove the beef and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of beef broth to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits hold lots of flavor!
5. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and any liquid from the skillet into the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining beef broth, dried oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf. Stir everything together.

Slow Cook the Beef:

6. Add the Beef to the Slow Cooker: Nestle the seared beef into the slow cooker, making sure it’s surrounded by the sauce and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
7. Cook: Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and can easily be shredded with a fork. If you’re in a time crunch, you can cook on high heat for 4-5 hours, but low and slow is always best for tenderness.

Shred and Serve:

8. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or connective tissue.
9. Finish the Sauce: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Taste the ragu and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
10. Serve: Spoon the tender beef ragu over your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Pasta: Serve the ragu over your favorite pasta—spaghetti, pappardelle, rigatoni, or penne all work wonderfully. The sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, making each bite delicious.
• With Polenta: Serve the ragu over creamy polenta for a comforting and hearty dish that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
• On Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving comfort food, serve the ragu over mashed potatoes for an indulgent, filling meal.
• With Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
• As a Sandwich: For a more casual option, pile the ragu onto soft rolls for a flavorful sandwich. Top with cheese and toast it for a cheesy, melty treat.

Additional Tips for Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Here are a few tips to ensure your Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu turns out perfectly:

• Use Bone-In Beef: If you prefer, you can use a bone-in chuck roast. It will take a little longer to cook but will add even more flavor to the ragu.
• Skip the Searing: While searing the beef adds extra flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will still do a great job of tenderizing the beef.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the ragu for added flavor and nutrition. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be excellent additions.
• Freeze Leftovers: This ragu freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat.

Recipe Variations of Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Here are 10 variations of Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu that you can try:

• Pork Ragu: Swap the beef for pork shoulder or pork loin for a tender, juicy ragu with a slightly different flavor.
• Vegetarian Ragu: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, eggplant, and lentils, to create a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicy Ragu: Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
• Balsamic Ragu: Stir in a tablespoon or two of balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth of flavor.
• Ragu with Red Wine: If you’re not avoiding alcohol, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce for added richness.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Ragu: Replace the beef with chicken thighs for a lighter ragu, still full of flavor.
• Tomato-Free Ragu: Use beef broth, onions, garlic, and herbs for a ragu without tomatoes.
• Ragu with Olive Tapenade: Stir in a spoonful of olive tapenade for a Mediterranean twist.
• Ragu with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, or carrots, for added sweetness.
• Herbed Ragu: Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, or thyme to give the ragu a fragrant and aromatic flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

• Freezing: The ragu freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the ragu is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating it in an airtight container.

Special Equipment for Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Here are some essential items you may need to make Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu:

• Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is the key to making this dish. A 6-7 quart slow cooker is ideal for a batch this size.
• Large Skillet: A heavy skillet is essential for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements of your ingredients ensure the best results.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring and scraping the browned bits off the skillet after searing the beef.
• Tongs: Tongs are helpful for turning the beef when searing it and removing it from the slow cooker.

FAQ Section about Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, other cuts such as brisket or round roast will also work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this ragu ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better the next day, so it’s perfect for make-ahead meals.
3. Can I cook this on high instead of low in the slow cooker? Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but cooking on low for 7-8 hours will yield the most tender and flavorful beef.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with a gluten-free side, such as gluten-free pasta or polenta.
5. Can I make this ragu in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can! Follow the same steps, but use the sauté function to brown the beef and vegetables, then cook under high pressure for about 35 minutes.

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Conclusion of Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Tender Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a comforting, hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special celebration, or just a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With its tender, flavorful beef and rich sauce, it’s a meal everyone will love. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!