Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe: Tender & Flavorful Comfort Food

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a rich, savory, and slow-cooked beef ragu. This dish brings together tender, fall-apart beef in a luxurious tomato-based sauce, perfect for serving over pasta or creamy polenta. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a special meal for guests, Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is the dish that will leave everyone asking for more.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to make the perfect Slow Cooker Beef Ragu from scratch. From selecting the right cuts of beef to crafting a delicious, aromatic sauce, we’ll cover every detail to ensure that your dish turns out just like the one served at your favorite Italian restaurant.

What is Beef Ragu?

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand exactly what beef ragu is. Traditionally, ragu is a meat-based sauce that originates from Italy, typically served with pasta. The sauce is slow-cooked to allow the flavors to develop fully and the meat to become incredibly tender. While there are many variations of ragu in Italian cuisine, beef ragu is a favorite for its rich, hearty flavor, making it perfect for a filling and satisfying meal.

The beauty of slow cooker beef ragu lies in its ability to turn relatively inexpensive cuts of meat, like beef chuck roast, into a melt-in-your-mouth dish. The slow cooking process helps to break down the collagen in the meat, resulting in a tender, juicy texture that pairs perfectly with pasta or polenta.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Beef Ragu?

While beef ragu can be made on the stovetop or in the oven, using a slow cooker brings a few key benefits:

1. Hands-Off Cooking: Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. This means you don’t need to stand over the stove, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you want to entertain guests without the stress.
2. Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together over time. The beef and vegetables absorb the rich tomato sauce, creating a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved in a shorter cooking time.
3. Tender Meat: The slow cooking process breaks down tougher cuts of meat like beef chuck roast, turning them into tender, juicy shreds that practically melt in your mouth.

With that in mind, let’s dive into the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this rich, flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Ragu:

For the Ragu:

• 1.5 kg (3 lbs) beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  The beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its rich marbling and tough texture that becomes tender with long, slow cooking.
• 1 can (800 g / 28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
• 1 small can (170 g / 6 oz) tomato paste
  Tomato paste intensifies the flavor of the sauce and adds a deep, savory taste.
• 1 onion, finely chopped
  The onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Garlic enhances the savory flavor profile of the dish and adds an aromatic element.
• 2 carrots, diced
  Carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and texture to the ragu.
• 2 celery stalks, diced
  Celery adds a mild, savory flavor and additional texture.
• 1 cup beef broth
  Beef broth helps to create a rich, flavorful liquid that the beef and vegetables cook in.
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
  The red wine adds a layer of complexity to the sauce and helps tenderize the meat. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  Oregano adds an earthy, aromatic quality to the sauce, complementing the richness of the beef.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
  Basil adds a hint of sweetness and freshness to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon salt
  Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish and helps bring out the richness of the meat.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and sharpness.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat for those who like their ragu with a little spice.
• 2 bay leaves
  Bay leaves infuse the sauce with a subtle, aromatic fragrance.

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
  Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the dish.
• Cooked pappardelle pasta or polenta
  Pappardelle pasta, with its wide, flat shape, is perfect for soaking up the hearty ragu. Alternatively, creamy polenta makes an excellent base for the ragu, offering a rich and comforting side.

Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Now that we have everything ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making this Slow Cooker Beef Ragu.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots and celery into small pieces. These vegetables will form the base of the sauce and add texture and flavor to the ragu.

Next, cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks. Don’t worry about making them perfect, as the beef will break down and shred as it cooks. If you have large pieces, you can cut them into 3-4 inch chunks, which will be ideal for slow cooking.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the beef chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery into the slow cooker. This forms the base layer of your ragu.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Liquids

Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the slow cooker. These will provide the rich, tangy foundation for the ragu sauce. Add the beef broth and red wine (if using). The liquid will help keep the meat moist and provide a flavorful sauce base.

Step 4: Season the Ragu

Add the seasonings: oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine. The seasoning will infuse into the meat and sauce as it slow-cooks, creating a well-rounded, flavorful ragu.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef Ragu

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook your ragu on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule. The longer you cook it, the more tender the beef will become. When done, the beef should be fork-tender and easily shred with two forks.

Step 6: Shred the Beef

Once the ragu is finished cooking, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to mix with the sauce. The beef will absorb the delicious sauce, adding flavor to every bite.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the beef ragu over cooked pappardelle pasta or creamy polenta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Your hearty, flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is now ready to be enjoyed. The deep, rich flavors combined with the tender beef and aromatic sauce make this a dish everyone will love. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

1. Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute beef chuck roast with other cuts like brisket or round roast. However, chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness when slow-cooked.

2. Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, you can omit the wine and use additional beef broth or water. The wine adds depth of flavor, but the ragu will still be delicious without it.

3. Can I freeze leftover ragu?

Yes, Slow Cooker Beef Ragu freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Beef Ragu a day in advance. The flavors will continue to develop overnight. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

5. What pasta works best with beef ragu?

Wide pasta like pappardelle is ideal because it can hold the hearty sauce. You can also serve it over fettuccine, tagliatelle, or creamy polenta.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is the epitome of comfort food. The slow cooking process transforms tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful pieces that soak up the rich, savory tomato-based sauce. Whether you serve it over pasta or polenta, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can create a meal that is both easy to make and full of depth and flavor. Enjoy the wonderful aroma of this dish as it slowly cooks in your kitchen, and savor each bite of this delicious, hearty ragu.

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