Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite cozy meal—slow cooker beef ragu! There’s just something magical about letting that beef simmer away all day, filling your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. Trust me, when you finally scoop that ragu over a steaming bowl of pasta or creamy polenta, you’ll be in pure heaven. It’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or even meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that only gets better with time, so it’s a win-win for everyone. You’re definitely going to want to try this!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create the most comforting slow cooker beef ragu. You’ll need 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, which is perfect for shredding after a long, slow cook. Chop up 1 onion, and don’t forget to mince 2 cloves of garlic for that aromatic kick. Dice 1 carrot and 1 celery stalk to add depth to the sauce. You’ll also want 2 cups of crushed tomatoes, which form the heart of this dish, along with 1 cup of beef broth for moisture. A tablespoon of tomato paste will enhance the flavors, and season it up with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. Finally, make sure to have salt and pepper on hand for taste, plus some fresh parsley for a lovely garnish. It’s all so simple yet packs a punch of flavor!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Alright, let’s get cooking! First, you’ll want to season that beautiful beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. This is where the flavor begins! Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the beef on all sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it adds such a rich depth of flavor to your ragu.
Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. Now, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery right on top of that beef. It’s going to look so colorful! Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Give everything a gentle mix to combine those flavors.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours or high for about 4 hours. If you’re home, it’s nice to sneak a peek at the deliciousness bubbling away! When it’s time, shred the beef with two forks right in the pot and stir it back into that luscious sauce. Serve it over your choice of pasta or polenta, and don’t forget that sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell incredible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just season, brown, and let the slow cooker do all the work!
- Rich, hearty flavor that warms you from the inside out, perfect for any cozy night.
- Ideal for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Versatile for different meals—serve it over pasta, polenta, or even use it in sandwiches.
- Freezes well, so you can save some for later and always have a delicious meal on hand.
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
To make sure your slow cooker beef ragu turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First off, don’t skip the browning step—it really deepens the flavor and adds a nice color to your dish. If you like it a bit spicy, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing in the spices. Taste is key, so adjust the seasoning as you go; sometimes a little extra salt or a splash of vinegar can brighten things up beautifully!
When serving, I love to pair it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley for that touch of elegance. And remember, this ragu is even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time!
Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this slow cooker beef ragu! Try swapping out the dried herbs for fresh ones—basil and oregano can really elevate the flavor. You can also sneak in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture. For a different twist, add a splash of red wine to the sauce; it adds depth that’s just divine! And don’t limit yourself to pasta or polenta—this ragu is fantastic served over creamy mashed potatoes or even in a hearty sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings something special to the table!
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of this slow cooker beef ragu! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, packs approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty yet comforting meal. You’ll get around 15 grams of fat, with 6 grams being saturated fat, and a solid 25 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. It also contains about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber to help balance things out. Please note that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so feel free to adjust according to your specific needs or ingredients. Enjoy this delicious meal without any guilt!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious slow cooker beef ragu is a breeze! Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. If you want to save some for later, this ragu freezes beautifully! Just make sure to portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Easy peasy!
FAQ about Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Got questions? I’ve got answers! First up, can you use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! While I love beef chuck for its tenderness, you can also try brisket or round roast if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary a bit depending on the cut.
Now, how long does it take to cook? If you’re cooking on low, plan for about 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting will get it done in around 4 hours. And remember, the longer it cooks, the more those flavors meld together!
Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. I’m here to help you create the best ragu ever!
hearty beef and barley soup is a great pairing for this dish. You can also check out classic beef stroganoff for another comforting meal option.
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu: 5 Comforting Tips for Heaven
- Temps Total: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty slow cooker beef ragu perfect for pasta or polenta.
Ingrédients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef in a skillet on medium heat.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the slow cooker.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, and basil.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred the beef with two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
- Serve over pasta or polenta and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This ragu can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 8 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: slow cooker beef ragu, beef ragu recipe, slow cooker recipe
