Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
This rich and savory Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is the ultimate comfort food. Made with fall-apart tender beef simmered in a deeply flavorful tomato-based sauce, this no-fuss recipe is perfect for busy nights or cozy weekend meals. Serve over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes for a hearty Italian-inspired dinner. Ideal for meal prepping, freezing, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 kg beef chuck or round roast cut into 4 large pieces
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 450 g canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups grape or pomegranate juice or water with splash of vinegar
- 500 ml beef broth
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 beef stock cube
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1–2 teaspoons salt adjust to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 2 tablespoons water to mix with cornstarch
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Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear beef on both sides until well browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add onion and cook until translucent. Transfer mixture to slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, juice or vinegar mixture, beef broth, tomato paste, stock cube, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef shreds easily with two forks.
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes.
- Shred the beef into the sauce and mix well to combine.
- Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
Notes
- For best results, sear the beef before slow cooking—it adds deep flavor.
- The sauce thickens as it cools and even more overnight. Great for leftovers!
- Adjust salt and sweetness to taste depending on the juice or broth used.
- This dish is freezer-friendly. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.