Let Me Tell You About My Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
If there’s ever been a dish that makes my kitchen smell like an Italian dream, it’s this Slow Cooker Beef Ragu. It’s rich, hearty, and slow-simmered until the beef turns fall-apart tender in a sauce that’s deeply savory with hints of tomato, garlic, and herbs. The first time I made it, I remember lifting the lid after hours of slow cooking and being completely mesmerized by that comforting, rustic aroma it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
This recipe is the heart of authentic Italian food, simplified for the modern cook. It’s as cozy as beef stew, as flavorful as a short rib ragu, and just as satisfying as the best Italian comfort food you’ve ever had. Whether you spoon it over pasta, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes, this dish will feel like a hug in every bite.
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Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
- Total Time: 5Hours 20minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Rich, hearty Slow Cooker Beef Ragu made with tender shredded beef simmered in a flavorful tomato and red wine sauce authentic Italian comfort made simple.
Ingredients
3 lb beef chuck roast
2 tbsp olive oil- 1 onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf- Salt & pepper
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Sear beef in olive oil until browned; transfer to slow cooker.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic with tomato paste.
3. Add wine, tomatoes, broth, herbs, and beef to slow cooker.
4. Cook on low 8–9 hrs (or high 5–6 hrs).
5. Shred beef, return to sauce, and serve over pasta or polenta.
Notes
Add mushrooms or Parmesan rind for richer flavor.
Use short ribs for a premium version.
Sauce freezes beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 Hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italain
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 15
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love cozy, slow-cooked meals that taste like they simmered all day (because they did!), this beef ragu will steal your heart.
- Incredible flavor depth: Every ingredient builds on the next for a rich, complex sauce.
- Easy prep: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Versatile serving options: Perfect over pappardelle, gnocchi, or polenta.
- Perfect for meal prep: The flavor only gets better after a day in the fridge.
- Restaurant-quality comfort: Feels special but made from simple ingredients.
I love pairing it with a simple soup starter like my Creamy Mushroom Soup or Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup when I want to turn dinner into something truly comforting.
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What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast (3 pounds): The best cut for slow cooking it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the beef.
- Onion (1 large, diced): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2, chopped): Brings a subtle earthy sweetness.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Adds balance and aroma.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for authentic Italian flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Deepens the sauce with umami richness.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): Forms the hearty sauce base.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Keeps everything juicy.
- Red wine (1 cup, optional): Adds beautiful richness skip it if you prefer.
- Bay leaf (1): For depth and aroma.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings together those warm herbs.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish at the end.
Optional Add-Ins
- Short ribs: For an ultra-rich short rib ragu variation.
- Mushrooms: For earthy depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: If you like a bit of heat.
- Parmesan rind: Let it simmer in the sauce for incredible flavor.
This dish has that slow, patient magic that reminds me why I love authentic Italian recipes it’s all about building flavor and letting time do the work.
Let’s Get Cooking
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Pat the beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step locks in the juices and gives the ragu a rich, caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Build the Base
Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and tomato paste. Stir until fragrant and caramelized, about 1 minute. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up the browned bits from the pan those bits hold incredible flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook It Low and Long
Pour the skillet mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and a little more salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
Step 4: Shred and Finish the Sauce
Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and discard any excess fat. Return the meat to the sauce and stir everything together. Let it cook on “warm” for 15 minutes so the flavors fully blend.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the ragu over pappardelle pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or polenta. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil for the finishing touch.
When I want to make it a full comfort meal, I’ll serve it with my One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta or a simple soup like French Onion Soup.
Fun Variations You’ll Love
- Short Rib Upgrade: Swap the chuck for bone-in short ribs for a richer, more decadent ragu.
- Ground Beef Version: For a faster weeknight option, try it with ground beef like in my Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet.
- Spicy Ragu: Add crushed red pepper or a splash of chili oil.
- Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach near the end of cooking.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone before serving for a silky finish.
And if you’re ever in the mood for something lighter, this pairs beautifully with my Mediterranean Salmon Bowl for a surf-and-turf dinner night.
Before You Go, Here’s My Final Thought
This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. It’s cozy, rich, and layered with the kind of deep flavor that only comes from time and patience. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why Italian comfort food has such a special place in my kitchen it’s not just about feeding people, it’s about slowing down and savoring something beautiful.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how you serve it over pasta, potatoes, or even tucked into a crusty sandwich roll. And if you’re craving more hearty beef recipes, check out my Walking Taco Bake next it’s another slow-cooked comfort classic!
