Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe: Tender, Rich Comfort Food

Weeknight dinners demand hearty, comforting meals that slow cooker beef ragu effortlessly delivers.

Rich, tender beef simmered in a robust sauce promises pure culinary delight.

Aromatic herbs and slow-cooked meat create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The magic happens when simple ingredients merge into an extraordinary dish.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks.

Tender meat falls apart with the gentlest touch, promising a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This ragu transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of delicious, home-cooked comfort.

Why You’ll Want to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Again

• Packed with herbs and slow-cooked vegetables, this recipe develops rich, deep flavors without requiring complex cooking techniques.
• Slow cooker method means minimal active preparation, letting you enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort and maximum convenience.
• Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping, this beef ragu adapts beautifully to different occasions and serves multiple purposes.
• Easy to modify with different pasta types, herbs, or additional vegetables, making it a flexible recipe for creative home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

• Chuck Roast: A flavorful and tender cut of beef perfect for slow cooking and creating a rich, hearty ragu.

• Garlic, Onion, Carrots, Celery: These classic vegetables provide a deep, complex base flavor and help thicken the sauce during slow cooking.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the beef.
• Oregano, Basil, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that add depth and traditional Italian seasoning to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor of the ragu.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base for the sauce and helps create a classic ragu texture.

• Tagliatelle, Pappardelle, Fettuccine: Wide ribbon pastas that perfectly capture and hold the hearty beef sauce.

Easy Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Beef Seasoning

Rub the chuck roast with a powerful blend of salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme.

Massage the spices generously into every crevice of the meat to create a deep, rich flavor foundation.

Step 2: Create Vegetable Base

• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

These vegetables will melt and create a luxurious flavor backdrop for the beef.

Step 3: Combine Meat and Liquid Components

Gently place the seasoned roast on top of the vegetable layer.

• Beef broth
• Crushed tomatoes

Stir the mixture to ensure perfect distribution of ingredients throughout the cooking vessel.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours.

The beef will transform into melt-in-your-mouth tender goodness, absorbing all the rich surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Shred and Incorporate Beef

Carefully remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker.

Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large fatty pieces.

Return the shredded beef to the sauce, stirring to create a harmonious blend.

Step 6: Prepare and Serve Pasta

While the beef finishes its culinary journey, cook your chosen pasta.

• Tagliatelle
• Pappardelle
• Fettuccine

Once the pasta is cooked, mix it directly into the ragu, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this classic dish.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

• Use chuck roast for maximum tenderness, which breaks down slowly and absorbs rich flavors during extended cooking.
• Layer seasonings generously, combining dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to create a complex, aromatic base for your ragu.
• Select wide, flat pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle to capture thick sauce between its ribbons, ensuring each bite is perfectly sauced.
• Carefully remove and discard large fat pieces when shredding beef to keep the ragu lean while maintaining incredible moisture and taste.
• Slow-cook diced carrots, celery, and onions until they naturally dissolve, creating a thick, luxurious sauce base without additional thickeners.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Properly

• Transfer cooled ragu to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Pack ragu in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour ragu into a saucepan, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely. This method helps maintain original sauce consistency and rich flavors.

What Goes Great with Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

• Pair with Bold Red Wines: Robust Italian Chianti or Sangiovese wines perfectly complement the rich, meaty flavors of the beef ragu, cutting through the sauce's richness with their tannic structure.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread Sides: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread alongside the ragu to soak up the delicious sauce, creating an extra layer of enjoyment and texture.
• Brighten with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top to add a light, fresh contrast to the hearty beef dish, providing a pop of color and zesty flavor.
• Balance with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the ragu's richness, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy meat sauce.

Creative Ragu Variations to Mix Things Up

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Ragu: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that's packed with nutrients and freshness.
• Vegetarian Lentil Ragu: Replace beef with hearty green or brown lentils, maintaining the rich, satisfying texture while creating a plant-based protein option.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Transfer all ingredients to an Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, reducing cooking time dramatically while preserving intense flavors.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Lamb Ragu: Substitute chuck roast with lamb shoulder and add rosemary and mint for a classic Mediterranean flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this ragu?

While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with bottom round or rump roast. Just ensure the cut has enough marbling to keep the meat moist during long cooking.

• Is it possible to make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Use a Dutch oven and cook at 325°F for about 3-4 hours, covered. Check periodically to ensure there’s enough liquid and the meat doesn’t dry out.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Make sure to check your beef broth label to confirm it’s gluten-free as well.

• Can I freeze the beef ragu?

Absolutely! The ragu freezes excellently. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker beef ragu delivers rich Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with mouthwatering depth. Tender shredded beef nestled over creamy polenta creates a satisfying meal that welcomes you into warm culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chuck roast
• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) beef broth

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Seasonings and Serving:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) pasta (such as tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine), cooked according to package

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Instructions

1. Infuse chuck roast with a robust blend of salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme, ensuring a rich flavor foundation for the ragu.
2. Create an aromatic base in the slow cooker by layering minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and celery, which will contribute depth and help thicken the sauce during cooking.
3. Position the seasoned roast atop the vegetable medley, then gently pour beef broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the cooking vessel.
4. Slow cook at low temperature (195°F) for 8 hours, allowing the meat to transform into a tender, flavor-absorbing masterpiece. If time is limited, high heat for 4-5 hours can expedite the process.
5. Carefully extract the beef from the slow cooker, meticulously shredding it with two forks and discarding excess fat. Reintegrate the shredded meat into the sauce, ensuring complete incorporation.
6. Simultaneously prepare pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine) according to package instructions, selecting wide ribbon varieties that capture sauce effectively.
7. Combine hot pasta with the ragu, thoroughly coating each strand to create a harmonious, flavor-packed dish ready for serving.

Notes

• Seasoning is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors in this ragu, so take time to coat the beef thoroughly with herbs and spices.
• Slow cooking breaks down tough meat fibers, creating incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s perfect for comfort meals.
• Choose fatty cuts like chuck roast for maximum flavor and tenderness, as the marbling helps keep the meat juicy during the long cooking process.
• For gluten-free options, swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg