Cozy Beef Ragu (Slow-Simmered & Meal Prep Friendly)
This cozy Beef Ragu is rich, slow-simmered, and packed with flavor. Made with tender beef, tomatoes, and aromatics, it’s a comforting, high-protein sauce perfect for pasta, meal prep, or freezer dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chuck roast cut into large chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 2 carrots finely diced
- 2 celery stalks finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine optional, but recommended
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: parmesan rind for extra richness
Let's Make It
How to Make Beef Ragu (Stovetop)
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with red wine, scraping up all the browned bits. Let simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and parmesan rind (if using).
- Return beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fall-apart tender.
- Shred the beef directly in the pot and stir everything together. Remove bay leaf and rind.
Crockpot Option (Very Busy-Mom Friendly)
- Sear the beef first (worth it).
- Add everything to the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours.
- Shred and stir before serving.