Sunday Dinner Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

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Few things feel as comforting as walking through your door and being greeted by the rich, savory aroma of slow-simmered beef ragu. This Sunday Dinner Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is everything you want in a cozy evening meal: warm, hearty, tender, and layered with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want to meal prep something that tastes like it took hours (because it did!), this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple.

Beef ragu is the kind of dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. The beef slowly cooks to fork-tender perfection, soaking up the deep notes of tomatoes, red wine, garlic, and herbs. Served over pasta, polenta, or even a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, this ragu turns any Sunday into something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

It’s a one-pot wonder that saves you time without sacrificing flavor. Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a meal that smells incredible and tastes even better. The leftovers are just as delicious (if not better) the next day, making it ideal for easy weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s a versatile base you can serve in multiple ways.

What Cut of Beef is Best for Ragu?

For the most flavorful and tender ragu, opt for a well-marbled cut like chuck roast. It breaks down beautifully over long, slow cooking and turns meltingly soft. If you prefer leaner cuts, you can go for brisket or even short ribs, but keep in mind that marbling equals richness, and that’s the soul of this dish.

Ingredients for the Sunday Dinner Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

This recipe is all about layering big, cozy flavors. Each ingredient plays a role in building that deep, rich profile we love in a good ragu.

• Beef chuck roast: The star of the dish, known for its marbling and tenderness when slow cooked.
• Onion: Adds sweet, savory depth and melts into the sauce as it cooks.
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and bulk to the ragu.
• Celery: Adds aromatic flavor and rounds out the vegetable base.
• Garlic: Essential for building savory depth.
• Crushed tomatoes: Form the rich, tangy base of the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Red wine: Adds complexity and enhances the meatiness (use a dry red like Cabernet or Merlot).
• Beef broth: Helps create the saucy consistency while boosting flavor.
• Bay leaf and Italian seasoning: Infuse the ragu with warm, herbal notes.
• Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance every bite.

How To Make the Sunday Dinner Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Step 1: Sear the Beef

For extra flavor, sear the beef chunks in a hot skillet until browned on all sides before adding to the slow cooker. This step isn’t essential, but it adds depth.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Season and Cook

Nestle the seared beef into the sauce and add the bay leaf, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 4: Shred and Simmer

Once the beef is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low for another 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors fully meld.

How to Serve and Store Your Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

This beef ragu is incredibly flexible. It easily feeds 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size. Ladle it generously over pappardelle, rigatoni, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes. It also makes an amazing base for stuffed shells or lasagna.

To store, let the ragu cool completely and transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Beef Ragu?

Crusty Garlic Bread

A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the saucy goodness.

Creamy Polenta

Swap pasta for soft, creamy polenta for a rustic, ultra-cozy dinner.

Simple Green Salad

A lightly dressed salad with arugula or mixed greens adds freshness and balances the richness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The crisp, slightly bitter notes of roasted sprouts pair well with the deep tomato flavors.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Nutty, cheesy cauliflower brings texture and compliments the dish beautifully.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

The sweet tang of balsamic carrots adds a lovely contrast.

Red Wine

Since the recipe uses red wine, serve it with the same bottle to keep the flavors flowing.

Classic Tiramisu

End your Sunday feast with a coffee-kissed dessert that echoes the Italian roots of ragu.

Want More Slow Cooker Dinner Ideas?

If you love this beef ragu, you’ll want to try these next:

• Irresistible Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup for something ultra-creamy and comforting.
• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake for a hearty meat-and-potatoes fix.
• Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes that pair beautifully with beef dishes.
• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup for a cozy bowl of flavor-packed comfort.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re craving creamy pasta dishes too.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Serve it over gnocchi? I love hearing how others make these meals their own. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your twist.

Explore beautifully curated slow-cooked meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next Sunday favorite!

Conclusion

This Sunday Dinner Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting or winding down your weekend, this dish delivers heartwarming satisfaction every time. Add it to your rotation and enjoy the slow-cooked magic any day of the week.

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