Crock-Pot Beef Ragu

This Crock-Pot Beef Ragu is a rich, slow-cooked Italian-style sauce made with tender shredded beef, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Simmered to perfection in the slow cooker, this hearty and flavorful ragu is perfect for serving over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does all the work!
• Rich and flavorful – A deep, savory sauce with melt-in-your-mouth beef.
• Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
• Versatile – Serve over pasta, polenta, or as a sandwich filling.
• Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 ½ lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
• Transfer to the slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
• Pour in red wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
• Transfer everything to the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook the Ragu

• Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the Crock-Pot.
• Stir to combine, then cover and cook on:
  • LOW for 8 hours (best for tender beef)
  • HIGH for 4-5 hours

4. Shred the Beef

• Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
• Return the shredded beef to the sauce and stir well.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the bay leaf.
• Serve over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
• Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (LOW) or 4-5 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Ragu – Add extra red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili paste.
• Pork & Beef Mix – Use half pork shoulder and half beef chuck for deeper flavor.
• Vegetable-Packed – Stir in mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers.
• Dairy-Free Option – Skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
• Low-Carb Version – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of beef for ragu?

Chuck roast is ideal because it’s marbled and tenderizes well during slow cooking.

Can I make this without wine?

Yes! Substitute extra beef broth or balsamic vinegar for added depth.

What pasta pairs best with ragu?

Pappardelle, fettuccine, rigatoni, or tagliatelle hold the sauce well.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook on HIGH for 45 minutes, then natural release.

How do I thicken the ragu?

Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes after slow cooking to reduce the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What can I serve with this dish?

Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.

Can I use ground beef instead?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Brown 1 ½ lbs ground beef before slow cooking.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze in portions and reheat for easy meals.

How can I make it more authentic?

Use San Marzano tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

Conclusion

This Crock-Pot Beef Ragu is rich, hearty, and full of deep flavors, making it the perfect comfort food for any night. Whether served over pasta, polenta, or as a sandwich filling, this slow-cooked dish will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a warm, comforting Italian classic!