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Slow Cooker Beef Ragu Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired meal that requires minimal prep time. Tender chuck roast simmers slowly in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, fennel seeds, and bay leaves. Served over pappardelle pasta and topped with parmesan cheese, this dish offers delicious, melt-in-your-mouth beef perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Beef Ragu

  • 1.25–1.75 pounds chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and bone removed if present
  • 30 oz tomato sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta & Toppings

  • 8.8 oz pappardelle pasta
  • Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the trimmed chuck roast into the slow cooker along with the tomato sauce, thinly sliced garlic cloves, bay leaves, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cover the slow cooker with its lid securely.
  2. Cook the Beef Ragu: Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce and spices.
  3. Cook the Pasta: When the beef is nearly done, cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Ragu for Serving: Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves from the slow cooker. Shred the beef directly in the sauce using two forks to mix it well. Adjust salt to taste if needed.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Divide the cooked pasta among 4 bowls. Spoon generous amounts of the shredded beef ragu over the pasta. Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • If pappardelle pasta is unavailable, you can substitute with gemelli, penne, fettuccine, or any similar noodle.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
  • Removing excess fat from the chuck roast will help keep the ragu from becoming greasy.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/slow-cooker-beef-ragu-recipe/