Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
Table of Contents
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
Welcome to this mouthwatering Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe! If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, you’re in for a treat with this slow cooker recipe. Imagine tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty and aromatic ragu that will delight your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe will become a favorite in your household:
1. Easy and Convenient: Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
2. Flavorful and Rich: The long, slow cooking process enhances the flavors, resulting in a deliciously robust ragu.
3. Versatile: Serve the beef ragu over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
4. Perfect for Crowds: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd at gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
For this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a slow cooker, combine the beef chuck roast, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. Once the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat into the sauce.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
This Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is now ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef ragu over cooked pasta, such as pappardelle or rigatoni, for a classic combination. You can also spoon the ragu over creamy polenta or serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
– For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of beef chuck roast.
– Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
– Incorporate diced carrots and celery for added vegetables.
Pro Tips for Success
1. Brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
2. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the ragu during the last hour of cooking.
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, this beef ragu can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While beef chuck roast works best for this recipe, you can also use beef brisket or short ribs.
Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can simmer the ragu on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
Q: What other herbs can I use in this recipe?
A: You can experiment with thyme, rosemary, or marjoram for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
This Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance with joy. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. Enjoy the rich, comforting goodness of this slow-cooked beef ragu and savor every bite!
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe
Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty and aromatic ragu that is sure to delight your taste buds. This slow cooker recipe is easy to make and results in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a slow cooker, combine the beef chuck roast, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the ingredients until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Once the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat into the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the beef ragu over cooked pasta, such as pappardelle or rigatoni, or over creamy polenta, with a side of crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
