Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu – Rich, Tender & Easy to Make 🍝🍖✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty beef ragu that practically cooks itself, then this Crockpot Recipes Beef is your perfect choice. This Ragu Recipe combines tender, slow-cooked beef with rich tomato flavors, creating an irresistible slow cooker dinner that will become a family favorite. Whether you’re a busy parent or an experienced home cook, this crockpot dish simplifies dinner preparation while delivering maximum flavor. Discover why beef recipes for dinner like this are celebrated for their ease and deliciousness.
2. Ingredients for the Best Beef Ragu in a Crockpot
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
3. How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Preparation
Begin by seasoning the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. This ensures the meat will be flavorful and tender after slow cooking. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the beef on all sides until golden. This step adds depth to your beef ragu and enhances the overall taste.
Layering the Ingredients
Transfer the browned beef into your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Combining these ingredients creates a robust base for your beef ragu.
Cooking Process
Set your Crockpot to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. During this slow cooking process, the beef becomes irresistibly tender, and the flavors meld perfectly to create a rich Ragu Recipe. For an even more intense flavor, occasionally stir the mixture during cooking.
4. Serving Suggestions for Perfect Beef Ragu
This beef ragu pairs beautifully with wide pasta like pappardelle or convincing gluten-free options. For a wholesome meal, serve it alongside freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread. For a lighter option, try serving the ragu over spiralized vegetables or a bed of polenta.
Looking for complementary flavors? Check out Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole or the flavorful Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken to diversify your dinner menu.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze the beef ragu in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy the same tender, flavorful results.
For exploring more crockpot recipes, visit Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew.
6. Why Choose This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu?
This beef ragu recipe offers several advantages: it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal active cooking time, and yields a deeply flavorful dish with melt-in-your-mouth beef. Using a slow cooker ensures the meat is perfectly tender, while you attend to other tasks or relax. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this slow cooker recipes beef is unbeatable.
7. Additional Tips and Variations
Want to add a touch of spice? Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant, and add plant-based protein. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a personalized flavor.
For handy kitchen tools, consider the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to chop vegetables quickly, or the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set for easy cooking and serving.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Ragu
Q: Can I make beef ragu in a regular slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is designed for slow cooker use, whether it’s a Crock-Pot or another brand. Just follow the same steps and cooking time.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, preparing the beef ragu in advance lets the flavors meld even more. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer shelf life.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes! The beef ragu is perfect for making ahead and reheating, making it excellent for busy weeknights or lunchboxes.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy the convenience and incredible flavor of this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu. With its tender meat, rich tomato sauce, and minimal effort, it’s a show-stopping beef recipe for dinner. Whether served over pasta, polenta, or vegetables, this crockpot dish will impress your family and guests alike. For added kitchen gear, explore accessories like the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker or the King Arthur Baking Cookbook for more culinary inspiration. Bring the ease and rich flavors of this crockpot recipes beef to your table today!
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Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu – Rich, Tender & Easy to Make
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Discover the hearty and easy-to-make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, a rich and tender beef dish cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, requiring minimal active prep time and offering maximum taste. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this beef ragu pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or vegetables, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the beef on all sides until golden.
- Transfer the browned beef into your crockpot. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld thoroughly. Stir occasionally during cooking for an even depth of flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during cooking.
- Serve over wide pasta like pappardelle or gluten-free alternatives for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
