Are you ready to indulge in a comforting dish that brings warmth to your soul? This Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Ragu Recipe is full of rich flavors that simmer together beautifully, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing your dinner guests!
This recipe is a culinary masterpiece that showcases tender beef braised in a luscious tomato and red wine sauce. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is something you won’t want to miss; it’s the kind of fragrance that evokes a sense of home and togetherness.
Whether served over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, this ragu is versatile and sure to please. It’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or weekend feasts.
Contents
The Essence of Braised Beef Ragu
This dish offers a comforting warmth that can brighten any meal.
The rich flavors meld beautifully as the beef simmers in a luscious tomato and red wine sauce.
Each bite is a testament to the magic of slow cooking.
Preparing the Beef
Begin by seasoning the beef chunks generously.
Searing them in olive oil creates a beautiful crust, sealing in the juices.
This step adds depth to the overall flavor profile of the ragu.
Layering Flavors with Vegetables
Next, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft.
Adding minced garlic introduces an aromatic layer that complements the beef.
These vegetables lay the foundation for a savory sauce.
Creating the Ragu
Return the browned beef to the pot and mix in crushed tomatoes and red wine.
A splash of beef broth enriches the sauce, while herbs like oregano add aromatic notes.
This combination simmers together, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Slow Cooking for Tenderness
Low and slow is the mantra here.
Letting the ragu cook for several hours transforms the beef into fork-tender morsels.
The long cooking time melds all the elements into a harmonious dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ragu over al dente pasta for a classic pairing.
Garnishing with fresh basil and grated Parmesan adds a delightful freshness.
Accompany it with a glass of red wine and crusty bread for an inviting meal.
The Ultimate Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Ragu
This Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Ragu is a rich, savory dish, featuring fork-tender beef simmered in a robust sauce that is both aromatic and satisfying. The balance of flavors makes it a perfect match for pasta or bread, creating a delightful eating experience.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Cooked pasta or bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, oregano, bay leaves, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low, allowing it to cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves. Shred the beef into smaller pieces using two forks. Serve over cooked pasta or with crusty bread, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
