How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This dish is made by slowly cooking beef, along with a variety of aromatic vegetables and spices, in a slow cooker until the meat is tender and flavorful. The result is a rich and hearty sauce that is perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or any other type of grain. In this essay, we will discuss the ingredients and steps for making a delicious Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, as well as tips for cooking and serving.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 large celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons of dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  • Brown the Beef: In a large pan, heat a little bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides. This will add flavor and richness to the sauce. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
  • Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine the Ingredients: Add the browned beef, cooked aromatics, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, dried basil, and thyme to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Cook the Ragu: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
  • Serve the Ragu: Serve the Slow Cooker Beef Ragu over pasta, rice, or any other type of grain. Top with fresh basil, if desired.
See also  How to Cook a Turkey in the oven to be moist without stuffing

Tips for Making the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Ragu:

  • Use Good-Quality Beef: Using good-quality beef, such as chuck roast, will ensure that your ragu is rich and flavorful. Avoid using lean cuts of beef, as they can become tough and dry when slow-cooked.
  • Don’t Skimp on the Aromatics: The aromatic vegetables, such as onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, play a crucial role in adding depth of flavor to the ragu. Make sure to cook them until they are softened and fragrant before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Use Canned Tomatoes: Using canned tomatoes ensures that the sauce is rich and flavorful, even if the fresh tomatoes are out of season.
  • Let the Ragu Cool: Before serving, let the ragu cool for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. This will also make it easier to spoon the ragu over the pasta or rice.

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a rich and flavorful ragu that is sure to impress your family and friends.