Best Ever Slow Cooker Beef Ragu (2025)

When the venerable chuck roast meets Italian food, you get this Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Sauce.

Nothing says “comfort food” like a rich and hearty sauce paired with pasta, especially when it involves minimal effort with maximum flavor.

I’ve been enjoying my slow cooker recipe kick and am very proud of this flavorful sauce. I love how easy it is to throw dinner into the crock pot!

And I also LOVE Italian food, so this sauce is something I should have made long ago.

This dish is perfect for those who crave the deep, intricate flavors of Italian cuisine without the time-consuming preparation. It represents a tasty budget meal!

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low – 8 hours
• Main Ingredients: Chuck roast, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras: Add spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of cinnamon for more heat or some sweetness in your ragu
• Tips: Serve beef ragu with pappardelle pasta or another shape, polenta, or crusty bread and cheese for a hearty meal

Best Ever Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

If you’ve been following this website for any length of time, you might know my love affair with the chuck roast. It’s the most flavorful cut of beef and perfect for the slow cooker.

You could sear the chuck roast in olive oil first and brown it before adding it to the crock pot, but I found it was plenty juicy and tender without the added step.

There is no need to do any browning and put the sauce on the stove, stirring occasionally for forever.

You can take the chuck roast and all the veggies and seasonings, throw it into the crock pot, and then set it and forget it.

This will make your entire house smell AMAZING all day while it cooks. But don’t cheat and serve it early!

You’ve really got to let this one cook on low for at least 8 hours. That’s how we get nice shredded beef!

The meat fibers in the chuck roast will slowly break down as this tough cut of meat becomes tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites of delicious beef mixed in a rich and robust tomato sauce.

Mix it all up in the crock pot, serve it over cooked pasta or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a hearty meal your kids will love.

Are you hungry yet? Let’s get cooking!

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Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brittany Kline

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Ingredients

• 2 lb. chuck roast
• 1/2 onion diced
• 1/3 cup diced carrot about 1/2 medium
• 2/3 cup diced celery 1 stalk
• 1 Tbsp garlic
• 2 beef bouillon or 1/2 beef broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 3 tbsp tomato paste half 6 oz can
• 1/2 cup red wine

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
• Shred meat (it should fall apart at this point) and serve over pasta.

Recipe Substitutions

For those looking to switch things up or perhaps adapt this beef ragu recipe to suit your preferences, there are numerous substitutions and variations you can make for a a fun twist:

The Meat

While chuck roast is my go-to cut for many slow-cooked dishes due to its rich flavor and tenderness, other cuts of beef can also yield delicious results in your beef ragu.

Brisket and short ribs are excellent alternatives, offering a similar depth of flavor and becoming exceptionally tender after hours in the slow cooker.

I’ve also seen people use flank steak for beef ragu, which can become tender when slow-cooked, though I’m still a bigger fan of chuck roast.

For those seeking a leaner option, round roast can be used, though it’s naturally tougher and less fatty than chuck, brisket, or short ribs.

But for leaner cuts, consider adding a bit more broth or wine to the recipe to ensure the sauce remains rich and the meat tender.

If beef isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using boneless chicken thighs or pork shoulder.

These meats still offer a rich taste and take well to slow cooking, becoming exceptionally tender and flavorful.

The Veggies & Seasonings

In terms of vegetables, feel free to get creative.

Swap out the standard onion, carrot, and celery for mushrooms, bell peppers, or even squash to add a different texture and taste profile to the sauce.

Personally, I’d keep the onion in to ensure a more classic red sauce flavor, which would work well with mushrooms and bell peppers.

If you have other recommendations for some “hidden” veggies to add, I’m all ears!!

Also adjusting the seasoning in beef ragu can alter its flavor profile to suit your taste or to complement the ingredients you have on hand.

Add spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of cinnamon for a little sweetness or a gentle warmth without overwhelming the inherent flavors of the beef and tomatoes.

If you’re after a bit of a kick, don’t hesitate to throw in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

For those who enjoy a more nuanced layer of flavor, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a spoonful of brown sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enrich the overall taste of the ragu.

When I switch things up, I start with a small amount and taste as I go, as it’s easier to add more seasoning than to correct an overly seasoned sauce.

Serving It Up

While we typically serve beef ragu with pappardelle pasta or another shape, it also pairs beautifully with polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.

I love serving up a meaty sauce with Rigatoni, and my girls love pasta, but I would love to serve this over mashed potatoes for something different!

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using the ragu as a filling in lasagna or toss it with some gnocchi for a unique and delicious dish.

For a lighter option, try serving it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist.

And don’t forget to top your beef ragu with some freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh thyme and herbs for a finishing touch of flavor and freshness.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

What’s beef ragu made of?

Beef ragu is typically made from chuck roast (or other cuts of beef), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs and spices, tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, and sometimes wine.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as brisket or short ribs, in place of the chuck roast. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of beef used.

What are some good appetizers or sides to eat with beef ragu?

Some delicious options include garlic bread, a green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant.

Is Beef Ragu the same as a Bolognese?

No, beef ragu and bolognese are different types of pasta sauces.

Beef ragu is a slow-cooked sauce made with shredded beef, while bolognese is a meat-based sauce made with ground beef.

Beef ragu is a thick tomato sauce that has shredded beef pieces; bolognese is thicker, with milk to make it creamy, and usually has small beef pieces that make it chunky.

Final Thoughts

This slow-cooked beef ragu recipe represents comfort food at its finest, offering a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you stick with the classic chuck roast or explore other cuts of beef, the rich flavors and tender meat will undoubtedly make this dish a favorite.

By experimenting with different vegetables, seasonings, and serving options, you can customize the ragu to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Don’t forget to pair it with your preferred sides or pasta for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Remember, the beauty of this ragu lies in its simplicity and the magic of slow cooking, turning basic ingredients into a mouthwatering feast. Happy cooking!

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