Name: Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef chuck roast; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 large carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup red wine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces pappardelle pasta or creamy polenta for serving

There are few things as comforting as a slow-simmered pot of beef ragu. This dish delivers rich, meaty flavor layered with tender shreds of beef, all soaked into a tomato-based sauce that hugs every strand of pasta or gnocchi it touches. It transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen—when really, your slow cooker did most of the work.

Slow cooker beef ragu is the kind of recipe that rewards you with a full-flavored, rustic Italian-style dinner that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for cozy Sunday meals. It fills your kitchen with the most delicious aroma, and the leftovers (if you have any) taste even better the next day. Whether served over pappardelle, polenta, or stuffed into a warm roll, this ragu is pure comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

This ragu is the definition of effortless indulgence. With minimal prep, you get a deeply satisfying sauce that slow-cooks into tender perfection. It’s freezer-friendly, feeds a crowd, and pairs with just about any carb you love. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish for entertaining since it only gets better with time. The beef becomes pull-apart tender, the sauce thickens beautifully, and every spoonful tastes like home.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Ragu?

Chuck roast is the go-to for slow cooker beef ragu. It’s a cut that’s full of connective tissue, which breaks down during the long, slow cook and creates those juicy, shreddable pieces of beef. If chuck roast isn’t available, short ribs or even brisket can work beautifully. The key is choosing a cut that benefits from low-and-slow cooking for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

When it comes to a rich, slow-simmered ragu, it’s all about layering simple ingredients that bring depth and comfort. Here’s what you need:

Beef chuck roast
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
Carrot
Celery stalk
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Red wine
Olive oil
Dried oregano
Bay leaf
Salt and black pepper
Pappardelle pasta or polenta for serving

Each of these plays an important role—from the aromatic base of onion, garlic, and celery to the acidity and richness from tomatoes and wine. The herbs bring earthy notes, and the broth ensures everything stays moist and deeply flavored.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear it on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds a layer of flavor that builds the foundation of your ragu.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to develop a deeper, slightly sweet flavor.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, oregano, bay leaf, and a bit more salt and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine.

Step 4: Let It Simmer Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours) until the beef is fork-tender. Remove the bay leaf, shred the beef directly into the sauce, and stir everything to coat.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Spoon the ragu over cooked pappardelle, creamy polenta, or even mashed potatoes. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Beef Ragu

This hearty ragu feeds around 6 people, making it great for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it over thick-cut pasta like pappardelle, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery polenta. It also works beautifully as a sandwich filling or a base for baked pasta dishes.

To store, let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It freezes beautifully too—just portion into freezer bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Beef Ragu?

A Bright Green Salad

A simple arugula or spring mix salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the ragu.

Garlic Bread

Crispy edges and soft centers are perfect for scooping up all that saucy goodness.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots bring earthy sweetness to the table.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Crunchy, cheesy potatoes are always a hit.

Burrata with Tomatoes

Creamy burrata served with cherry tomatoes and balsamic glaze adds a fresh, luxurious touch.

Italian Green Beans

Cooked until tender and tossed with olive oil and garlic.

Antipasto Platter

Before the ragu, set out marinated olives, cheese, and cured meats.

A Glass of Red Wine

A bold red like Chianti or Barbera pairs beautifully with the savory richness of the dish.

Want More Pasta and Sauce Ideas?

If this ragu recipe has you in the mood for more pasta perfection, here are a few favorites from Janet Dishes:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta with a velvety sauce and fresh greens.
One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a cheesy and comforting one-dish meal.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce if you’re looking for a lighter, protein-packed twist.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta filled with sun-dried tomatoes and cream.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a bold, spicy kick.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest slow cooker board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know how your ragu turns out! Did you use wine or swap it out? Serve it over pasta or something more unique?

Explore beautifully curated slow-cooked dinners and hearty comfort meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite cozy night-in recipe.

Conclusion

Slow cooker beef ragu is a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s hearty, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding the family, prepping meals ahead, or hosting a relaxed dinner, this ragu is bound to impress. It’s comfort food at its finest—slow-simmered and deeply loved.