Description
A comforting Beef Ragu that simmers low and slow, transforming lean beef and simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 – 3 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- For serving: cooked pasta, fresh Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet, sautéing until softened.
- Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, then add red wine to deglaze the pan, simmering until reduced.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker, adding the seared beef and remaining ingredients. Ensure everything is well mixed.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Remove the beef, shred it, and return it to the sauce. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Let rest for 15-30 minutes before serving over pasta with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs.
Notes
For richer flavor, brown meat in batches and don’t skip deglazing with wine. Let ragu rest for enhanced flavor blending.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg