Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
User Reviews
4.7
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is prepared by browning lean ground sirloin and Italian chicken sausage seasoned with kosher salt, then transferring the browned meat to a slow cooker. Onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed until softened and added to the slow cooker along with crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and optionally a parmesan rind for added depth. The mixture cooks low for 4 to 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld without burning.
The result is a thick, savory ragu sauce with tender bits of meat and soft vegetables, balanced by the acidity of tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Removing bay leaves and rind before serving leaves a smooth rich sauce.
This ragu pairs well with robust pasta shapes like pappardelle or rigatoni, making for a filling, classic Italian-style sauce. It is adaptable to stovetop simmering if a slow cooker is unavailable, using broth and careful stirring to avoid burning.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (finely chopped 1 cup)
- 1 medium carrot (peeled and chopped 1/2 cup)
- 1 large celery (diced 1/3 cup)
- 3/4 pound ground sirloin beef (90% lean)
- 1 link chicken sausage 2.9 oz, removed from casing, Italian, spicy or sweet
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (I swear by Tuttorosso)
- 2 bay leaf
- parmesan optional, rind
- 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet over high heat, brown the beef and sausage and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Brown the meat, breaking it into smaller pieces with your spoon until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add 2 teaspoons olive oil to the skillet. Add onions, celery and carrots and sauté on medium-low for about 3 to 4 minutes, until soft. Transfer to the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and Parmesan rind if using, cover and cook low 4 to 6 hours. (Any longer, the sauce will burn.)
- When the meat sauce is ready, discard bay leaves and rind and serve.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 5 1/4 cups of ragu sauce.
- If you lack a slow cooker, simmer the sauce on the stove covered for 1 to 2 hours with 1/2 cup broth, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 176 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 7/8 cup | |
| Calories | 176kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 553mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
You'll Also Love
