Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Name: Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into chunks; 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 teaspoons of dried oregano; 1 teaspoon of dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup of red wine (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the rich, hearty flavors of this Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, where tender chunks of beef are simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner served over pasta or polenta. Let the slow cooker do the work for you while your home fills with mouthwatering scents.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2025-12-08T11:58:16.548Z

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is perfect for anyone looking to create an unforgettable meal with minimal effort.

A Hearty Family Meal

When it comes to family meals, nothing beats a hearty dish that brings everyone together. This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a perfect example of comfort food at its best. The tender chunks of beef, simmered in a savory sauce made from fresh tomatoes and fragrant herbs, create a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the soul. It’s an ideal choice for Sunday dinners, allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones while enjoying a delicious meal.

Serving this beef ragu over pasta or polenta transforms it into a filling feast that everyone will adore. Whether you’re hosting friends, entertaining family, or simply enjoying a quiet night in, the joy of sharing good food can’t be understated. Plus, the great thing about this recipe is its versatility; you can easily adjust the seasoning or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.

Convenient Cooking with a Slow Cooker

One of the standout features of this recipe is its convenience. Slow cookers are a busy cook’s best friend, allowing you to prepare a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Simply prepare the ingredients, set your cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day. This slow cooking method not only saves time but also maximizes flavors, allowing the spices and ingredients to meld beautifully over several hours.

Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of beef ragu wafting through your home. This dish is best enjoyed after a slow cooking session, where the beef becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce. Your slow cooker will create a comforting atmosphere, making dinnertime a delightful experience.

Perfect Pairings

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients

2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into chunks
1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 teaspoons of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup of red wine (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to use.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Beef Ragu.

Prepare the Beef

Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. In a skillet, brown the beef on all sides over medium heat, then transfer to the slow cooker.

Add the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker with the beef.

Mix in the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red wine. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.

Serve

Shred the beef with two forks, stir, and serve over pasta or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your warm and hearty meal!

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu stores exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep. After enjoying your meal, any leftover ragu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can last in the freezer for up to three months, retaining its rich flavors.

When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. For the best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but stir the ragu halfway through heating to ensure even warmth. Serve it again with a fresh garnish of parsley and your choice of starch, and it’ll taste just as good as the first time!

Customizations and Variations

This beef ragu recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to make it truly your own! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. You can also alter the herbs to suit your taste; fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can bring a new dimension to the dish. Additionally, adjusting the amount of garlic or using spicy sausage instead of beef can give it an intriguing twist that you might enjoy.

If you want to accommodate dietary restrictions, consider using alternatives like ground turkey or even plant-based proteins. These options can also work wonderfully with the same cooking technique, resulting in a delicious meal that caters to everyone’s preferences. The flexibility of this recipe means that you can enjoy it year-round, adapting it to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use brisket or a round roast as alternatives.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Serve it over gluten-free pasta or enjoy it on its own.