Description

Warm, hearty, and packed with slow-simmered richness, this Sunday Dinner Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a comforting, low-effort meal that delivers big on flavor. Perfect for lazy weekends or when you need a meal that practically cooks itself, this recipe combines tender shredded beef, aromatic vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and herbs into a deeply savory sauce. Serve it over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or wide pasta like pappardelle for a soul-satisfying dinner. Ideal for easy dinner plans, cozy comfort food nights, and make-ahead meals, this is one of those go-to food ideas you’ll turn to again and again.

Ingredients

3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 carrots, peeled and diced

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup dry red wine

28 ounces crushed tomatoes

15 ounces diced tomatoes, drained

2 bay leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Polenta, mashed potatoes, pappardelle, or gnocchi for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear on all sides until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.

2. In the same skillet, add onion, carrot, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook another 1–2 minutes.

3. Deglaze pan with red wine, scraping browned bits. Let simmer 2–3 minutes. Pour over beef in slow cooker.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and season.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. Shred beef, return to sauce, and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes.

6. Serve over polenta, potatoes, or pasta. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For deeper flavor, always sear the beef before slow cooking.

Use both crushed and diced tomatoes for optimal sauce texture.

Let the sauce rest 10–15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 460
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 115mg