Create a Flavorful Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu for Dinner

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a mouthwatering Italian dish that’s perfect for cozy family gatherings or a comforting solo dinner. This hearty, slow-simmered sauce is packed with tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, tomatoey flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. The secret to its deep, complex taste? Letting the ingredients meld together over hours of slow cooking, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify. Get ready to experience the ultimate Sunday supper with this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe.

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Ingredients for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

The key to a truly outstanding Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the depth of flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this Sunday slow cooker masterpiece:

• 2.5 – 3 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes: The perfect cut of beef for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to brown the beef, adding a rich, caramelized flavor.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups): Provides a savory, aromatic base for the sauce.
• 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup): Add sweetness and texture to the ragu.
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup): Lend a subtle bitterness and crunch to balance the richness.
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the ragu with a warm, pungent flavor.
• 1/4 cup tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 cup dry red wine (or beef broth if preferred): Adds depth and acidity to the ragu.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes: The star of the show, providing a rich, authentic tomato base.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and extra tomato flavor.
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred): Helps create a luscious, velvety sauce.
• 2 bay leaves: Contributes an earthy, herbal note to the ragu.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a touch of warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Provides a subtle, earthy background flavor.
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary): Lends a fragrant, pine-like essence.
• 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste): Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste): Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat and a subtle kick.

For serving, you’ll want to pair the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with your choice of cooked pasta, such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni. Top it off with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a complete Italian-inspired feast.

How to Make Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Preparing this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a straightforward process, but the key is allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a delicious, authentic Italian-style ragu:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, cook the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes more. Deglaze the pan with the red wine (or beef broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Add to the Slow Cooker: Pour the vegetable mixture into the slow cooker with the browned beef. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
5. Shred and Return: Remove the beef cubes from the slow cooker, shred them with two forks, and then return the shredded beef to the sauce. Stir to combine. Discard the bay leaves and rosemary sprig (if used).
6. Serve: Toss the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with your desired pasta, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with chopped basil or parsley. Enjoy this comforting, Italian-inspired Sunday supper!

Tips for Perfecting Your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

To ensure your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu turns out utterly delicious, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Choose the Right Beef: Opt for a boneless beef chuck roast, as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Avoid using leaner cuts, as they may dry out during the long cooking time.
• Brown the Beef: Taking the time to brown the beef cubes before adding them to the slow cooker adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the ragu. The caramelization creates a rich, savory base for the sauce.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to customize the ragu to your liking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can make a slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch and a few tablespoons of the hot cooking liquid, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: For a gluten-free version, serve the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Vegetarians can enjoy it over roasted vegetables or creamy polenta.

Pairing Suggestions for Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

To create a complete and satisfying Italian-inspired feast, pair your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with the following delightful accompaniments:

• Wine: A bold, full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti, Malbec, or Cabernet Sauvignon, will beautifully complement the rich, savory flavors of the ragu.
• Side Dishes: Serve the ragu with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
• Dessert: End your Sunday supper with a classic Italian dessert, such as tiramisu, cannoli, or a creamy gelato.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

One of the best things about Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is that it makes a fantastic leftover dish. Here’s how to store and reheat it for future enjoyment:

• Storing: Allow the ragu to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: When ready to serve, thaw the frozen ragu in the refrigerator overnight (if applicable). Reheat the ragu gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much.
• Leftover Ideas: Get creative with your Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu leftovers! Use it as a topping for baked potatoes, toss it with freshly cooked pasta, or even layer it in a lasagna for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

FAQs About Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

How long do you cook beef ragu in the slow cooker?

For the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, the recommended cooking time is 8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH, until the beef is fork-tender.

How long should you let ragu cook?

The longer you let the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu cook, the more the flavors will meld and develop. For the best results, aim for a minimum of 8 hours on the LOW setting or 4-5 hours on HIGH.

How to cook beef in a slow cooker for Sunday dinner?

To cook beef in a slow cooker for a delicious Sunday dinner, follow the steps for the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe. First, brown the beef cubes to develop flavor, then add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Let the ragu simmer away for 8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH for tender, flavorful beef.

Why should you not put raw meat in a slow cooker?

It’s generally not recommended to put raw meat directly into a slow cooker. Raw meat can release juices that may not fully cook, potentially leading to food safety issues. By browning the beef cubes first, as done in the Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe, you ensure the meat is properly seared and sealed, locking in the flavors and preventing any potential bacterial growth during the long cooking time.

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Savor the Slow-Simmered Goodness of Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is the epitome of comfort and flavor, perfect for gathering your loved ones around the table for a cozy, Italian-inspired feast. With its meltingly tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is a true labor of love that’s well worth the wait. So, set aside some time on a leisurely Sunday and let the slow cooker work its magic – your tastebuds (and your family) will thank you. Buon appetito!

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