This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is perfect for a cozy dinner! With tender beef simmered in rich tomato sauce, it’s packed with flavor. Serve it over pasta or bread for a warm hug in a bowl!
I love how it cooks itself while I relax. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and come back to a delicious meal—no fuss, just yum! Who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking, making the beef tender and flavorful. If you can’t find it, try a beef brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind, different cuts may have varying cooking times.
Onion: A large onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. You can use yellow onions for their mild flavor or red onions for a bit of color. If you need a quicker option, onion powder can work in a pinch but won’t have the same texture.
Crushed Tomatoes: They provide the base of the sauce. If you’re short on canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes work too! Just chop about 4-5 medium tomatoes and use them instead. For a different flavor, you can also use roasted tomatoes.
Red Wine: It enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If you want to omit it, just replace it with an extra cup of beef broth or use grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.
How Do I Ensure My Beef is Perfectly Tender?
Cooking time is key for tender beef! Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Brown the beef first! This step deepens the flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it.
- Always make sure the beef is covered with liquid when slow cooking. This helps it stay moist and tender.
- Cook on LOW heat for best results, as it allows the collagen in the beef to break down more effectively.
- After cooking, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker. This will also mix it well with the sauce.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious ragu that’s bursting with flavor!
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ragu:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Pasta or polenta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker. Plan for 7-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat for perfect tenderness. So, just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. This step isn’t essential, but it adds fantastic flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step!
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Once the beef is nicely browned, move it to the slow cooker. Don’t worry if there are bits stuck to the skillet; we’ll use that for flavor.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté until they soften, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells delicious.
4. Mix in Tomato Paste:
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook it for 1-2 minutes to develop more flavor. This is where the magic happens!
5. Combine with Tomatoes and Broth:
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if you’re using it). Stir everything together well and let it simmer in the skillet for about 2 minutes.
6. Pour Sauce Over Beef:
Pour the tasty tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Your kitchen is going to smell fantastic!
7. Season It Up:
Add the oregano, basil, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and shreds easily.
9. Shred and Mix:
When it’s ready, use two forks to shred the beef right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce so every bite is flavorful!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious ragu hot over cooked pasta or creamy polenta. Top it off with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra touch!
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ragu dinner! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly for different cuts.
Can I Prepare This Dish Without Red Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use red wine, simply replace it with additional beef broth for extra moisture and flavor. You won’t miss out on the delicious taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Freeze This Beef Ragu?
Yes! This beef ragu freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
