Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

I don’t know how many times I’ve claimed that something is the ultimate comfort food, but this Slow Cooker Beef Ragu makes me want to take it all back. What is more comforting than tender, falling-apart beef in a rich and savory tomato sauce? Nothing, or at least not a lot of things. And with this recipe, the slow cooker makes that stick-to-your-ribs deliciousness nearly effortless. The only difficult part is deciding what to serve it over – but when you’re choosing from polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta, there’s no way to lose.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming a simple chuck roast into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Plus, the flexibility of serving it with polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta means it can suit any craving!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Garlic press or mincer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional for cornstarch mixture)

Ingredients

• 3 lb beef chuck roast
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup white onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 bay leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the roast in the slow cooker insert, then arrange the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic around the roast.
2. Pour the red wine, broth, tomatoes, and tomato paste over the top. Add the oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Season liberally with salt and pepper, stir to combine, and cover.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Once done, the beef should shred easily with two forks. Shred the meat and stir it to integrate with the vegetables.
5. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture and let it cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

For the best flavor, choose a quality beef chuck roast and allow it to cook on low for the full 8 hours if possible. This ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Don’t skip the red wine—it adds depth to the sauce!

Additional Tips or Variations

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by ensuring your beef broth is gluten-free. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a more Mediterranean twist, stir in some olives or capers at the end.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is rich in protein and provides a good amount of iron and vitamin A, thanks to the beef and vegetables. It’s also a source of healthy fats and antioxidants from the herbs and tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe without red wine? Yes, you can substitute the red wine with additional beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! This ragu freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, comforting Slow Cooker Beef Ragu that’s perfect for any night of the week. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as delightful as I do. Don’t forget to share your experiences and serving suggestions in the comments below. Happy cooking!