Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta

User Reviews

4.9

48 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    8 hrs

  • Servings

    6

  • Course

    Dinner

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta

Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta Slow-cooked braised beef in a hearty homemade Italian tomato garlic sauce on top of creamy parmesan polenta. A true comfort food!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • (1) .5 to 3 lb. beef roast (such as chuck)
  • 1 to 2 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 5 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 1 carrot (diced)
  • (1) ounce can San Marzano Tomatoes (puree in blender)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 8 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

Parmesan Polenta:

  • 8 Tablespoons salted butter (divided)
  • 1 small onion (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups water or beef broth
  • 1 1/2 cups polenta (corn grits)
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese

Garnish:

  • fresh basil
  • Parmesan Cheese
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Instructions

Slow Braised Italian Beef Ragu:

  1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add oil and then carefully place roast on in the pan. Be cautious of splattering oil. Sear on both sides for about 2-3 minutes.  
  2. Place the beef roast into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic, onion, carrots, tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, and red chili flakes. 
  3. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred meat with two forks. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed. 
  4. While meat is cooking, cook polenta 30 minutes before ready to serve. See below for polenta instructions. Place the parmesan polenta in a bowl and top with beef ragu and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Parmesan Polenta:

  1. Heat a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Melt 4 Tablespoons of butter. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Increase heat to medium-high and add the milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil. Slowly pour the polenta into the pot, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to LOW and cover the pan.
  3. Simmer, stirring often every 5-10 minutes, for about 30 minutes. Watch carefully so the polenta doesn't burn. Taste to check if it is creamy.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 4 Tablespoons of butter. Add a small amount of cheese at a time and keep stirring. If polenta becomes too thick, add more milk. Add more salt, if needed

Notes

  • Polenta recipe adapted from Five Mary's Ranch Cookbook
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4.9

48 reviews
Excellent

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