Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re looking for a cozy meal that wraps you in warmth like a big hug on a cold day, let me introduce you to my Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu. I have a special place in my heart for this dish because it reminds me of the good old days spent at my grandma’s kitchen table, where we’d gather around steaming plates of tender beef and hearty sauce. It brings the whole family together, and honestly, it’s a recipe that practically cooks itself, leaving you free to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones—or just kick back with a good book.
What I love about this beef ragu is how simple yet flavorful it is! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a meal that feels super indulgent. Trust me, your house will smell so divine you might start humming songs like you’re in a cooking show. So let’s dive in and see what we’ll need to make this drool-worthy dish!
What’s in Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu?
Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the show! This cut is perfect for slow cooking due to its rich marbling, making it incredibly tender and flavorful once it’s done.
Olive Oil: A little fat goes a long way in getting that beautiful sear on the beef, enhancing its savory flavor.
Onion, Carrots, and Celery: Commonly known as the “holy trinity” of cooking, these veggies add depth and sweetness to the sauce. Plus, they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about them!
Garlic: Because let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better! It’s that aromatic hit that really ties everything together.
Crushed Tomatoes: A must-have for that rich, tomatoey base. I love using canned crushed tomatoes because they’re super convenient and still bursting with flavor.
Beef Broth: For extra richness and to prevent the dish from drying out. If you have homemade broth, even better!
Tomato Paste: This concentrated form of tomato provides a deeper umami flavor—don’t skip it!
Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme, and Smoked Paprika: A trifecta of seasoning that brings a world of flavor to the ragu. The smoked paprika, in particular, adds that lovely hint of smokiness I can’t get enough of!
Salt and Pepper: Simple, yet essential for finessing the flavor.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshness on top to make your dish feel fancy! Plus, it’s a nice bright contrast to the rich ragu.
Is Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Good for You?
When it comes to comfort food, this ragu strikes a balance between indulgent and nourishing.
Beef Chuck Roast: Rich in protein and essential vitamins like B12 and iron, it offers great sustenance—perfect for a hearty meal.
Vegetables: The onion, carrots, and celery not only contribute nutrition but also provide a good dose of fiber. It’s like sneaking in some veggies while you enjoy your meal!
Use leaner cuts of beef if you’re looking to reduce fat, but this dish really shines with a good chuck roast. Also, if you’re monitoring sodium, look for low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—what you need for this delicious dish!
Ingredients List
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, making it perfect for a family gathering or simply meal prep for the week—hello, leftovers!
How to Make Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu?
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy!
2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef roast to the skillet and sear it on all sides until beautifully browned. This step adds so much flavor! After that, remove the beef and set it aside.
3. In that same skillet, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they soften up nicely, which is basically the aroma of happiness. Add the minced garlic and give it a minute more, just until it smells heavenly.
4. Now, take out your slow cooker and dump in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and those sautéed veggies. Give it a good stir.
5. Place the seared beef chuck roast right on top of the tomato mixture in the slow cooker. Cover it up and let it cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and shreddable.
6. When it’s ready, shred that delicious beef with two forks and stir it back into the sauce. Give it a taste and add any extra salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serve your ragu warm, preferably over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes or your choice of pasta. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to make it pop!
Serve it Up with a Twist!
For a little variety, you can swap out the beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option. And if you’re feeling fancy, serve it over polenta for a delightful twist!
I hope you tuck into this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu and enjoy it as much as I do. Remember, good food is best shared, so don’t hesitate to whip this up for a gathering with friends or family. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—happy cooking!
