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–+ servings

Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

A hearty Italian-inspired dish made with tender beef chuck simmered slowly in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic vegetables and herbs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 - 3 lbs boneless beef chuck roast Trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch cubes.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Essential for searing the beef and enhancing flavor.
  • 1 large yellow onion Finely chopped, about 1.5 cups.
  • 2 large carrots Peeled and finely chopped, about 1 cup.
  • 2 stalks celery Finely chopped, about 1 cup.
  • 4-6 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste Deepens the tomato flavor in the sauce.
  • 1 cup dry apple vinegar Such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti.
  • 1 can crushed San Marzano tomatoes 28-ounce / 794g.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5-ounce / 411g, undrained.
  • 1 cup beef broth Low sodium preferred.
  • 2 leaves bay leaves Should be removed before serving.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary Crushed or use one sprig of fresh.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground.
  • optional red pepper flakes For a hint of heat.

Method
 

  1. Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels before seasoning generously with about ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add half of the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer without overcrowding, searing them on all sides until deeply browned.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet; sauté until softened before adding minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes.
  4. After stirring in tomato paste and allowing it to cook down slightly, pour in apple vinegar to deglaze by scraping up browned bits from bottom of skillet while simmering until reduced by half.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

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