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Slow Cooker Ground Beef Ragu

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Ragu Recipe

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Ragu is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. With tender ground beef, a rich tomato-based sauce, and plenty of herbs, this ragu simmers slowly to develop deep, robust flavors that taste like they’ve been cooking for hours (because they have!). Serve it over your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, or even polenta for a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.

Table of Contents

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

 

Introduction

Ragu is an Italian-style meat sauce that’s known for its rich, deep flavors and comforting qualities. This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Ragu takes the classic recipe and makes it even more convenient with the help of a slow cooker. The ground beef is slowly simmered in a mixture of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, resulting in a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or creamy polenta. Let’s get started!

 

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

 

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked onion, garlic, and ground beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible, but it’s not necessary.
  5. Serve: Once the ragu is done cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over your favorite pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

 

Cook Notes & Tips

  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for this recipe to avoid too much grease in the sauce.
  • Consistency: If the ragu is too thick for your liking, you can add more beef broth or even a splash of red wine to loosen it up.
  • Flavor Boost: Adding a Parmesan rind to the slow cooker will give the sauce an extra depth of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving.

 

Variations

  • Ground Turkey or Pork: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra vegetables and more texture.
  • Creamy Ragu: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamy variation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Freeze Leftover Ragu?

Yes! Allow the ragu to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

2. How Long Does Leftover Ragu Last in the Fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

Absolutely! Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños to give the ragu more heat.

 

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Ragu is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor, thanks to the slow cooking process that allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. Whether you serve it over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes, this ragu is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, slow-cooked meal without any of the fuss!

Happy Cooking!