Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with chuck roast, tomatoes, and herbs. Rich, tender, and perfect over pappardelle for an easy Italian dinner.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2.5 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 3–4 large chunks
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup carrots finely diced
- 2 celery stalks finely diced
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup Merlot
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 –3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 16 ounces pappardelle pasta
Instructions
- Brown the beef (optional but recommended). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides for about 3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Build the sauce. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, Merlot, and crushed tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine and coat the beef. Top with bay leaves and fresh thyme.
- Slow cook until tender. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily. Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme stems, then shred the beef directly in the sauce using two forks.
- Cook pasta and serve. Cook the pappardelle according to package directions. Drain and toss with the beef ragu. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use well-marbled chuck roast. This cut becomes tender and shreddable after long cooking. Lean cuts can turn dry.
- Cook on LOW for the most tender beef. Low and slow creates fall-apart texture. Cooking on high may result in slightly tougher meat.
- Brown the beef first (if possible). Searing builds deeper, richer flavor in the finished ragu. It’s worth the extra step.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Slow cooking softens salt and seasoning, so always check before serving.
- Reserve some pasta water. A splash of starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pappardelle and creates a silky finish.
Nutrition
Calories: 543kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 956mg | Potassium: 1074mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3050IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 6mg
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