Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy family gathering or a comforting weeknight meal. This rich, hearty ragu is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With minimal prep time and the magic of your slow cooker, this recipe delivers tender beef in a savory sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or polenta. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s both satisfying and versatile, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Beef
• Step 2: Sear the Beef
• Step 3: Cook the Soffritto
• Step 4: Add Garlic & Tomato Paste
• Step 5: Deglaze with Wine
• Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker
• Step 7: Add Tomatoes & Seasonings
• Step 8: Cook Low & Slow
• Step 9: Shred Beef
• Step 10: Combine & Adjust Seasoning
• Step 11: Rest Before Serving
• Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!
• How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
• With Pasta
• Topped with Cheese
• Garnished with Herbs
• Accompanied by Bread
• How to Perfect Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
• Reheating Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a good pasta choice for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?
• Can I make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe ahead of time?
• How do I thicken my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?
• Is it possible to use chicken instead of beef?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply sear the beef and toss everything into the slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.
• Rich Flavor: The slow cooking process infuses the beef with deep, robust flavors from herbs, wine, and tomatoes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over pasta, polenta, or even as a filling for sandwiches; this ragu adapts to your cravings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for future meals.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish that warms the soul.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin cooking your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool does all the heavy lifting by slowly cooking your ragu to tender perfection without much oversight.
• Large heavy-bottomed skillet: Ideal for searing beef, it ensures even heat distribution for optimal browning.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the pan while deglazing.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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 wine (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)

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 half a teaspoon of kosher salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer:
* Sear each side until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining beef cubes.

Step 3: Cook the Soffritto

Reduce heat to medium:
* Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet.
* If necessary, add another teaspoon of olive oil.
Sauté for about 8–10 minutes until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Tomato Paste

Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes:
Cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste:
Cook for an additional couple of minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in red wine to deglaze:
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let simmer until reduced by half, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Transfer sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker:
Place seared beef cubes on top.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes & Seasonings

Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth over everything:
Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.

Step 8: Cook Low & Slow

Cover slow cooker:
Cook on LOW for about 6–8 hours or on HIGH for about 3–4 hours until beef is tender.

Step 9: Shred Beef

Once cooked:
Carefully remove beef chunks from slow cooker onto a cutting board. Shred using two forks until it falls apart easily.

Step 10: Combine & Adjust Seasoning

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; let rest covered for at least another half hour before serving.

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve hot ragu over cooked pasta of choice:
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is as delightful as making it. The rich, hearty sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

With Pasta

• Pappardelle – This wide ribbon pasta captures the ragu perfectly, allowing every bite to be flavorful.
• Tagliatelle – Similar to pappardelle but slightly narrower, tagliatelle provides a lovely texture.
• Rigatoni – The ridges of rigatoni hold onto the sauce, ensuring each forkful is satisfying.

Topped with Cheese

• Fresh Parmesan – Grated or shaved Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that complements the beef ragu beautifully.
• Mozzarella – Melted mozzarella on top creates a gooey texture that is irresistible.

Garnished with Herbs

• Chopped Basil – Fresh basil adds a bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the ragu.
• Parsley – Chopped fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Crusty Italian Bread – A slice of crusty bread can be an excellent side for dipping in the ragu.

How to Perfect Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

To achieve the best flavors in your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose quality meat – Opting for a well-marbled beef chuck roast ensures tenderness and flavor in your ragu.
• Sear the beef thoroughly – Properly browning the beef before slow cooking enhances the overall flavor through caramelization.
• Don’t rush deglazing – Take your time when adding wine; scraping up the browned bits from the pan adds depth to the sauce.
• Adjust seasoning after shredding – Tasting and adjusting seasonings after shredding allows you to achieve perfect flavor balance.
• Allow resting time – Letting the ragu rest before serving helps meld all flavors together for a richer taste.
• Experiment with herbs – Adding fresh herbs at different stages can elevate your dish’s aroma and flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base that complements the ragu sauce beautifully.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add sweetness and color to your plate.
3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich ragu.
4. Polenta – Creamy polenta serves as a wonderful alternative to pasta, soaking up all that glorious sauce.
5. Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition and balances out the hearty meal.
6. Antipasto Platter – A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers great textural variety alongside your ragu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes that can affect your dish.

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to sear the beef can result in a less flavorful ragu. Always take the time to brown the meat, as this enhances the overall taste.
• Not seasoning enough: If you don’t season the beef before cooking, your ragu may taste bland. Generously season each component to build layers of flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too much beef at once can lower the pan’s temperature and prevent browning. Cook in batches for better results.
• Ignoring resting time: Serving immediately after cooking can miss out on flavor development. Letting the ragu rest allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Using low-quality tomatoes: Poor-quality canned tomatoes can lead to a subpar sauce. Opt for high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for rich flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover beef ragu in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Allow the ragu to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good pasta choice for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

For this beef ragu, pappardelle or tagliatelle works wonderfully due to their wide shape which holds onto the sauce well.

Can I make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This dish tastes even better when made ahead of time, allowing flavors to deepen as it sits.

How do I thicken my Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe?

If your ragu is too thin, simmer it uncovered on HIGH for a bit longer or use a cornstarch slurry if necessary.

Is it possible to use chicken instead of beef?

While not traditional, using chicken can work; however, cooking times will differ and result in a lighter flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

The Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta or polenta and customize it with your favorite herbs or spices. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep—give it a try!