Name: Slow Cooker Italian Beef Ragu
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-492237H5M37S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 lbs beef roast (cheapest cut recommended); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary (chopped); 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (chopped); 1 small red onion (peeled and finely chopped); 4 garlic cloves (peeled and finely chopped); 1 carrot (peeled and finely chopped); 1 celery stick (finely chopped); 1½ cups red wine (such as Chianti); 3 cans (14 oz each) chopped or crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp pearl barley (optional); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 lb fresh or dried pappardelle pasta (or rigatoni); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 handfuls grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

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Tender and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Italian Beef Ragu is a dish that brings warmth to any table. Imagine walking in after a long day and being greeted by the rich aroma of beef simmering gently with tomatoes and herbs. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple it is to prepare using a slow cooker. You can toss in your ingredients, let them meld while you attend to other things, and later enjoy a meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a weekday dinner, this ragu offers heartiness and satisfaction. Plus, leftovers are a delicious bonus!

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the good stuff!

Why This Recipe Works

Tenderly cooked beef melds beautifully with aromatic herbs and the richness of tomatoes, creating a dish that’s truly comforting. The slow cooking process breaks down tougher cuts of meat, transforming them into a luscious ragu that practically falls apart. With the slow cooker, you can embrace hands-off cooking, which makes enjoying a homemade meal easy and stress-free.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Italian Beef Ragu

This recipe shines as it works wonders for family dinners or when entertaining guests. The delightful fusion of flavors will transport you straight to Italy with every bite. Plus, this is one of those meals that gets better over time, so you might find yourself looking forward to the leftovers even more!

Ingredients

3-4 lbs beef roast (cheapest cut recommended)
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary (chopped)
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (chopped)
1 small red onion (peeled and finely chopped)
4 garlic cloves (peeled and finely chopped)
1 carrot (peeled and finely chopped)
1 celery stick (finely chopped)
1½ cups red wine (such as Chianti)
3 cans (14 oz each) chopped or crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp pearl barley (optional)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 lb fresh or dried pappardelle pasta (or rigatoni)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 handfuls grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

Preparing the Vegetables

Chop and Prepare the Base

Start by finely chopping the red onion, carrot, and celery. Don’t forget to mince the garlic and chop the rosemary and thyme. These ingredients will form the base of your ragu, so place them neatly at the bottom of your slow cooker.

Brown the Beef

Sear the Meat for Rich Flavor

Cut your beef roast into 2”-3” cubes. Next, grab a skillet and heat olive oil over high heat. Brown the meat in stages, avoiding overcrowding the pan. This crucial step locks in flavor, making your ragu that much more delicious.

Deglaze and Combine

Add the Wine for Depth

After browning the beef, remove the skillet from heat. Pour the red wine into the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful bits stuck at the bottom. This mixture adds depth to your ragu, so pour it into the slow cooker over the vegetables.

Introduce the Tomatoes

A Tomato Infusion

Time to add flavor! Toss in three cans of chopped tomatoes into the slow cooker. For an added boost in texture and taste, sprinkle the pearl barley on top, followed by salt and black pepper.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Time for the Magic!

Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 10-12 hours. In the last hour, take off the lid and shred the beef using two forks. If it seems a bit dry, feel free to add an additional tablespoon of fresh herbs and a splash of water or wine.

Final Touch

Enhance with Butter

In those final moments of cooking, stir in the butter. It adds a glossy finish and delightful richness to your ragu.

Cooking the Pasta

Bring Everything Together

While your ragu finishes cooking, boil the pappardelle pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Don’t forget to drain it and reserve some of that tasty pasta water!

Combine and Serve

Perfectly Mixed

Now it’s time for the magic moment! Toss about ⅓ of the beef ragu with the hot pasta and sprinkle it generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with a side salad, which adds freshness to your plate.
Or, go classic and serve with crusty bread—perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Tips for Success

For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine overnight.
Check the slow cooker settings to avoid overcooking your ingredients.

Variations

Swap out the pappardelle with a gluten-free pasta option to cater to dietary needs.
Add in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.

Storage Tips

Leftover ragu keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
It also freezes beautifully, making it easy to have a quick meal on hand later!

Pairing Ideas

A glass of Chianti or any robust red wine pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Consider serving it with a simple garlic bread for that comfort-food experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While tougher cuts are best for shredding, feel free to work with what you have.

2. Is it necessary to brown the beef?
Browning adds beautiful depth of flavor, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors meld together beautifully when made a day ahead.

4. How do I adjust the spice levels?
You can add red pepper flakes or use spicier sausage in the ragu for an extra kick.

5. What can I substitute for wine?
Try beef broth or grape juice as a non-alcoholic alternative.

This Slow Cooker Italian Beef Ragu is not just easy to prepare; it captures the essence of authentic Italian dining. Enjoy this dish for a cozy dinner, and feel free to play around with variations that make it your own. Every hearty bite is a comforting classic to look forward to!