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INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

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Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a comforting and hearty Italian dish made with tender shredded beef cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for those cold days when you want a cozy meal. Serve it over pappardelle, polenta, or even mashed potatoes for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Ingredients
  3. Step-by-Step Instructions
  4. Cook Notes & Tips
  5. Variations
  6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  7. Conclusion

Ingredients

For Beef Ragu

  • 2-3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked pappardelle, polenta, or mashed potatoes, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

  1. To the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves.
  2. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Cook the Beef Ragu

  1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Shred the Beef

  1. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaves.
  2. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Serve the beef ragu over cooked pappardelle, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
  2. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Cook Notes & Tips

  • Red Wine: The red wine adds depth of flavor, but you can replace it with more beef broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
  • Beef Cut: Beef chuck roast works best for this recipe, but you can also use brisket or boneless short ribs.
  • Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the ragu cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Variations

  • Vegetable Beef Ragu: Add diced carrots and celery to the slow cooker for added vegetables and flavor.
  • Spicy Beef Ragu: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Mushroom Beef Ragu: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a rich, earthy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Beef Ragu Ahead of Time?

Yes, beef ragu can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits.

2. How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover beef ragu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Can I Freeze Beef Ragu?

Yes, beef ragu freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. What Can I Serve with Beef Ragu?

Beef ragu pairs well with pappardelle pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. A simple side salad or crusty bread also makes a great addition.

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for a comforting family meal. With tender, shredded beef and a flavorful tomato sauce, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it over your favorite base, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Italian classic with minimal effort.

Happy cooking!

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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Welcome to our flavorful meals section! Today, we're sharing a delicious recipe for Greek Chicken Gyros. This dish features tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped up in soft pita bread. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s get started! Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade: 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless 2 tablespoons olive oil Juice of 1 lemon 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste For the Tzatziki Sauce: 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cucumber, grated and drained 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped Salt and pepper to taste For Serving: 4 pita breads 1 tomato, sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced Fresh lettuce Instructions Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results. Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce Prepare Cucumber: Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean cloth or paper towel. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use. Step 3: Cook the Chicken Heat Grill or Skillet: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips. Step 4: Assemble the Gyros Warm Pita Breads: Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a skillet until they are pliable and slightly toasted. Assemble Gyros: Place a generous amount of sliced chicken on each pita bread. Top with sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, fresh lettuce, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Step 5: Serve Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken gyros immediately while everything is fresh and warm. Enjoy! Cooking Notes and Tips Chicken: For the most flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Tzatziki Sauce: Make sure to drain the cucumber well to avoid a watery sauce. You can also use fresh mint instead of dill for a different flavor profile. Pita Bread: If you can't find pita bread, you can use flatbreads or naan as a substitute. Variations Spicy Chicken Gyros Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick. Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl Serve the marinated chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce over a bed of rice or quinoa instead of pita bread for a gyro bowl. Vegetarian Gyros Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, falafel, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version. Lemon Herb Chicken Gyros Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, mint, and cilantro to the chicken marinade for a bright, herbaceous flavor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the chicken and assemble the gyros just before serving. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before serving. Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. What can I serve with these gyros? These gyros pair well with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a simple cucumber salad. How can I make the gyros gluten-free? Use gluten-free pita bread or serve the ingredients over a bed of lettuce for a gluten-free option. Conclusion These Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. With tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, they're sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones!

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe