An Italian beef ragu is a classic Italian meat sauce known for its deep, rich flavors and hearty texture. It’s so cozy and comforting and hearty that it feels like fall weather on a plate. Traditionally slow-cooked, this dish brings out the best in beef, making it fall-apart tender with a bold, savory taste that’s perfect for a robust al dente pasta or creamy polenta. We love serving this hearty, meaty sauce with thick noodles like pappardelle because they hold up best to the heft of the sauce that is way too overpowering for more delicate pastas like angel hair or even spaghetti. The combination of beef chuck roast, red wine, and fresh herbs creates a deeply flavorful sauce that’s both hearty and satisfying. Yet despite its complex flavors, this classic beef ragu recipe is actually pretty straightforward. With the help of a Dutch oven or slow cooker, most of the work is hands-off, giving you time to relax while it cooks. It’s perfect for a Sunday dinner with family or whenever you have guests coming over. Plus, the slow-cooked meat sauce in this dish warms you up from the inside out, making it perfect for a when you need a bit of home-cooked comfort or the weather starts turning colder. For more tasty recipes featuring beef chuck roast, check out my Dutch Oven Pot Roast, Shredded Beef Chimichangas, Mississippi Pot Roast in Crock Pot, Easy Sauerbraten Recipe, and Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles!
Why We Love This Recipe
It’s an easy family dinner for during the week, but with rich flavors that work well for special occasions. While we love serving it over pappardelle, this sauce pairs beautifully with any type of rustic or hearty pasta or even creamy polenta. It’s great for making ahead and enjoying the next day, as the flavors meld even more overnight.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Beef Chuck Roast – The best cut of beef for this recipe, providing rich flavor and tender texture after slow cooking. Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the beef and vegetables. Olive Oil – Used for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, adding a depth of flavor. Carrots, Onion, and Celery – These aromatic vegetables form the base of the sauce, adding sweetness and depth. Garlic – Adds a robust, savory note to the sauce. Tomato Paste – Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce its rich, hearty base. Red Wine or Beef Broth – Used to deglaze the pan and enhance the sauce’s depth. We don’t drink wine at our house, but I enjoy cooking with it so these small bottles are perfect since I don’t have to open up a large bottle and waste a bunch of it. Or you can just skip the wine and use beef broth instead. Fresh Rosemary and Thyme – Tied together with kitchen twine, these herbs infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors. Crushed Tomatoes – Form the body of the sauce, adding texture and sweetness. Beef Broth – Adds richness and helps to create the perfect consistency. Pappardelle Pasta – Our pasta of choice for its wide, flat noodles that hold the sauce beautifully. Heavy Cream – Adds a touch of creaminess to balance the tomato’s acidity. Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for serving, adding a salty, umami finish. Fresh Parsley – Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Tips for Success
Take the time to properly sear the beef. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish. Don’t rush the cooking process. Slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to develop fully. Fresh rosemary and thyme add an aromatic depth that dried herbs can’t match.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute the beef chuck roast with beef brisket or shanks. Use beef broth instead of red wine if you prefer. Any wide, flat pasta like tagliatelle or fettuccine works well in place of pappardelle. But you could even make this work with farfalle (bowtie) pasta or another shape. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. Dried herbs can be used instead of fresh herbs in a pinch, but reduce the quantity by half.
More Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Spicy Steak, Rice, Lentils & Quinoa Mexican Shredded Beef Barbacoa Crockpot Cubed Steak Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Creamy polenta is a fantastic base for beef ragu, providing a smooth, buttery complement to the rich sauce. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious ragu.
Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Mississippi Pot Roast in Crock Pot
Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)
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