The Easiest Most Delicious Ultimate Beef Ragu

The Easiest Most Delicious Ultimate Beef Ragu

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:480 Mins

Servings:6-8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) - Optional, can substitute with beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 pound (450g) dried pasta (such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni) - Optional
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Optional
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped - Optional

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides.
• Remove beef from the skillet and set aside. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the seared beef, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine (or beef broth), beef broth, bay leaves, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste.
• Stir everything together to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
• Remove the bay leaves. Using two forks, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine the shredded beef with the sauce. Let simmer on low for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and toss with the beef ragu. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-25g

Fiber:25-30g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Recipe Introduction: Slow Cooker Magic!

Fancy a proper hearty meal? Me too! Have you ever craved something so comforting it feels like a hug from the inside? Well, this is it.

The easiest, most delicious Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is about to become your new best friend. Get ready for flavours that'll knock your socks off!

What's the Big Deal?

This ain’t your average spag bol. The Italian Beef Ragu Slow Cooker method gives it a depth of flavour that's hard to beat.

Think Tuscany meets your kitchen. It's a classic dish elevated by modern convenience. This slow cooker recipe is so easy, even I can't mess it up.

It feeds 6-8 hungry souls.

Why You'll Love This

Honestly, this Rich Beef Stew With Carrots is proper good for you! Packed with protein from the beef, and plenty of vitamins from the veggies.

It's the perfect thing for a cold Sunday night. Or any night, actually. What makes this special? It’s the slow cooker magic.

It turns simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. It is one of the Slow Cooker Sunday Dinner Ideas !

Ready for the ingredients?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Ragu Party Started!

Right, so before we dive headfirst into making the easiest, most delicious Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, we need to gather our troops.

.. I mean, ingredients! Don't worry, it's not a massive shopping list. It is just proper simple, I promise! This Rich Beef Stew With Carrots will soon be ready to rock and roll.

Main Ingredients for This Beef Stew Dinner

Here's what you'll need to create this masterpiece, measured precisely. I am all for precision, I am:

• Beef: 2 lbs (900g) chuck roast. Look for good marbling – that's where all the flavour lives. You are looking for redness not brownness and a good firm feel!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Extra virgin is always a plus, but any will do.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1 cup .
• Carrots: 2 medium , chopped. Again, around 1 cup .
• Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. You guessed it, about 1 cup !
• Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
• Dried Oregano & Basil: 1 teaspoon each.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of a kick).
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can . San Marzano are fab if you can find them.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can .
• Red Wine: 1 cup (240ml) , dry (like Chianti or Merlot). Or beef broth if you are not drinking or feeling like it.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) .
• Bay Leaves: 2 .
• Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon . Adds a lovely tang.
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon .
• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Pappardelle or tagliatelle are perfect, but rigatoni works a treat too.
• Parmesan & Basil: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves for serving. This is a game changer and takes it to the next level. You are going to make a nice Slow Cooker Beef & Ale Stew .

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Honestly, the beauty of this dish is in the simple seasonings. Oregano and basil are the backbone. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely depth. You know, the essential part of the Italian Beef Ragu Slow Cooker .

Don't forget to taste and adjust! Salt and pepper are your friends, never be afraid to use them in cooking.

You want this Beef Stew Dinner to taste its best.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

We are all about easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Here's what you'll need:

• Slow Cooker: 6-quart or larger. This is crucial, can't really make a Slow Cooker Beef Ragu for Pasta without it!
• Large Skillet: For searing the beef.
• Basic Utensils: Cutting board, chef's knife, measuring cups and spoons.
• Alternatives: If you don't have a skillet, a large pot will do. You are on a journey to make The Best Beef Ragu Recipe Slow Cooker , so keep it simple!

And that's it! With these ingredients and tools, you're well on your way to making the easiest, most delicious Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Ragu.

Time to get cooking, my friend! Don't forget to tell your friends and get ready to hear "wow" and "Oh My God"! This is one of the best Slow Cooker Sunday Dinner Ideas .

The Easiest, Most Delicious Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Ragu (Guaranteed!)

Oh my gosh, you guys! I have got to share my absolute favourite recipe. And honestly? It's a total game-changer.

We are talking about The easiest, most delicious Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Ragu . Forget spending hours stirring on the stove.

This recipe is simple: chuck it all in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Think Rich Beef Stew With Carrots or a Beef Stew Dinner , but way easier!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, get your stuff together. This is your mise en place - basically just having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

Chop 1 large onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks . Mince 3 cloves of garlic . Cube 2 lbs (900g) of chuck roast .

Trust me, it makes the whole process smoother.

Want to be extra speedy? Chop the veg the night before. Keep them in the fridge. Safety first! Always use a clean chopping board, especially after dealing with raw beef.

No one wants that kind of drama.

Slow Cooker Sunday Dinner Ideas: Ragu Edition - Step-by-Step

Ready to get cooking? Follow these steps!

1. Sear the beef! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear it in batches until browned on all sides.
2. Sauté the aromatics. Remove the beef. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil , and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) . Cook for another minute.
3. Slow cooker time! Transfer the vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the beef, 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can of crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can of tomato sauce , 1 cup (240ml) of red wine (or beef broth) , 1 cup (240ml) of beef broth , 2 bay leaves , 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar , and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste .
4. Slow cook the Italian Beef Ragu Slow Cooker . Stir everything. Cover. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . The beef should be super tender.
5. Shred and simmer. Remove the bay leaves. Shred the beef with two forks. Stir well. Let it simmer on low for another 30 minutes .

Pro Tips for The Best Beef Ragu Recipe Slow Cooker

Don't skip the searing! Browning the beef adds so much flavour. Trust me on this one. It's all about that Maillard reaction, innit.

Deglaze the pan! After searing the beef, add a splash of red wine (or beef broth) to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits.

It adds a ton of flavour to your Slow Cooker Beef Ragu for Pasta !

Oh, and avoid the urge to cook on high the whole time. Low and slow is the way to go.

And that's it. You now have The easiest, most delicious Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Ragu ready to serve!

Recipe Notes for Your Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Right then, let's talk nitty-gritty. You've got The easiest, most delicious Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Ragu practically sorted, but a few tweaks here and there can elevate it to Michelin-star status.

Okay, maybe not, but definitely restaurant-worthy, you know?

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Beyond

Honestly, presentation matters. I find serving this Rich Beef Stew With Carrots over fresh pappardelle is proper lush. Think rustic, you know? A big bowl, a generous helping of ragu, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

For sides, some garlic bread is always a winner, isn't it? A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely.

A cracking Chianti is the drink to go with this proper Beef Stew Dinner

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftovers? Lucky you! The ragu keeps happily in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Freezing it is mega easy too.

Just portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It'll last for up to 3 months . When reheating, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight then gently heat on the hob.

If you're in a rush, the microwave works too, but watch it doesn't explode!

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Feeling adventurous? For a spicy kick , chuck in a chopped chilli with the veg. For a healthier version, try using turkey mince instead of beef, it won’t be the same as this Slow Cooker Beef & Ale Stew but it's still lush! Or swap some of the beef for mushrooms.

Want it more veggie? Try lentils instead. Seriously, it's proper versatile and tastes like Easy Slow Cooker Ragu Recipe

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

While this Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle is proper tasty, it's good to know what you're putting in your body.

It's packed with protein from the beef, and vitamins from the veggies. Obviously, it's not exactly a salad, so portion control is key, yeah? This Italian Beef Ragu Slow Cooker is all about balance.

And there you have it! Remember, cooking should be fun and remember this is the Best Beef Ragu Recipe Slow Cooker so don't be afraid to experiment.

Get stuck in and make Slow Cooker Sunday Dinner Ideas with my Slow Cooker Beef Ragu for Pasta . This recipe is pretty simple, I promise, and with a bit of practice, you'll be knocking up this ultimate ragu like a pro! Happy cooking, love!