Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is the perfect dish for cozy family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. This rich and flavorful ragu simmers all day in your slow cooker, allowing the beef to become tender and infused with herbs and tomatoes. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. Whether it’s a Sunday feast or a weekday treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
• Rich Flavor: The slow cooking process melds the flavors of beef, tomatoes, and herbs, resulting in a deliciously complex sauce.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over different types of pasta or even polenta for a delightful twist on traditional dishes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later in the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

To create this mouthwatering Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools that make preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, transforming tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes over several hours.
• Heavy-Bottomed Skillet or Dutch Oven: Ideal for searing beef evenly and building flavor through caramelization before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for deglazing the pan to capture all those tasty browned bits from cooking.

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Ingredients

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
• 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 black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add half of the beef cubes in a single layer.
– Sear until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
– Remove from skillet and set aside; 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 8-10 minutes until softened; add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes.
– Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

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

Step 5: Deglaze with Vinegar

Pour in red apple vinegar to deglaze; scrape up browned bits from skillet.
– Let simmer until reduced by half, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer sautéed vegetables to slow cooker insert; add seared beef on top.
Pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth over everything.
Add bay leaves, oregano, thyme, rosemary; stir gently.

Step 7: Cook

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

Step 8: Shred Beef

Once cooked, remove beef chunks; place on cutting board.
Use two forks to shred the beef easily; discard any large pieces of fat.

Step 9: Return Shredded Beef

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

Step 10: Rest Before Serving

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

Step 11: Serve

Serve hot ragu over your favorite cooked pasta garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley. Enjoy!

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe will surely become a staple in your home!

How to Serve Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Serving your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is just as important as cooking it. The right presentation and accompaniments can elevate the dish, making it even more enjoyable for family and friends.

With Pasta

• Pappardelle: This wide, flat pasta holds the ragu beautifully, enhancing every bite with rich flavors.
• Tagliatelle: A classic choice that complements the sauce’s texture and richness.
• Rigatoni: The ridges on rigatoni capture the ragu, ensuring a flavorful experience.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the ragu for a salty, nutty flavor that works perfectly with the dish.
• Ricotta: A dollop of ricotta adds creaminess, balancing the hearty flavors of the ragu.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce or simply enjoying alongside the meal.
• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious ragu sauce.

How to Perfect Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Perfecting your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu involves attention to detail and a few simple tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use quality beef: Selecting high-quality beef chuck roast will ensure tenderness and rich flavor in your ragu.
• Sear the meat well: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a deep, complex flavor that enhances your dish.
• Don’t skip the soffritto: Cooking down onions, carrots, and celery adds depth to your sauce; this mixture forms the flavor base of Italian cooking.
• Let it rest: Allowing the ragu to sit after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing overall taste.
• Adjust consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or pasta water; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
• Garnish generously: Fresh herbs or cheese can brighten up each serving and add an appealing visual touch.

Best Side Dishes for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Pairing sides with your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that pairs well with rich sauces.
2. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans provide a fresh crunch that balances out the heaviness of the ragu.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warm ragu.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out sweetness in Brussels sprouts, complementing the savory flavors of beef ragu.
5. Grilled Vegetable Platter: A mix of seasonal grilled vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal while balancing richness.
6. Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes serve as a delicious base for ragu while soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the browning step: Not searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can result in a less flavorful ragu. Always take the time to brown the meat, as this enhances its flavor through the Maillard reaction.

• Overcrowding the skillet: If you add too many beef cubes at once, they will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets a good sear.

• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning at the beginning can lead to bland ragu. Season each layer as you cook, especially the beef and vegetables, to build depth of flavor.

• Neglecting to deglaze: Failing to scrape up browned bits from the skillet means losing out on flavor. Use vinegar or broth to deglaze and incorporate those tasty bits into your sauce.

• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately after cooking can miss out on flavor development. Allowing the ragu to rest for 15-30 minutes melds all flavors beautifully.

• Using poor-quality tomatoes: The quality of canned tomatoes significantly impacts your dish. Opt for high-quality crushed or diced tomatoes for a richer taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Ragu can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe that might help clarify any doubts.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or chuck eye roast if desired. Just ensure it’s well-marbled for tenderness.

How do I make this ragu spicier?

You can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce during cooking for an added kick.

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

Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold up well against thick sauces like ragu.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors develop even more when made a day ahead. Just store it properly and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe is not just comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by changing spices or adding vegetables according to your taste. Try this delicious recipe for your next family dinner!