Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
Table of Contents
- Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle Recipe Introduction
- Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour
- Prep Like a Pro for Your Beef Pasta Recipes
- Getting Saucy: Step-by-Step
- Pro Tips for the Best Italian Beef Pasta Ever
- Recipe Notes: Making This The Best Beef Pasta Recipe Ever
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Craving Comfort Food Recipes?
Fancy a hug in a bowl? You know, one of those beef pasta recipes that just makes everything better? This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle is pure magic.
It's hearty, flavorful, and uses good quality ingredients. Honestly, this will become a regular meal.
Brief Overview: A Taste of Italy
This ragu has roots in Italy. Picture Nonna slaving away over a hot stove. This is comfort food recipes at its finest, modernized for busy lives.
It's medium difficulty. Plan for about 25 minutes of prep and 6- 8 hours in the slow cooker. This recipe will easily serve 6-8 hungry people.
Main Benefits: Nutritious and Delicious
Slow cooking beef recipes for dinner means super tender meat. Also, It is packed with protein and nutrients. This red wine beef ragu is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
It is also great for impressing guests. What makes this recipe special is that anyone can make it. Even if you're new in cooking.
This ragu? It's a game changer. I once burnt the garlic so bad it was black. Don't do that! Low and slow is the way to go.
Ground beef recipes for dinner are quick, but this? This is an experience. Now, let's talk ingredients.
Alright, let's talk grub! We're diving headfirst into beef pasta recipes , particularly, a cracking Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle.
Honestly, this is proper comfort food, the kind that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a cuppa after.
You know?
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour
This ain't just chucking stuff in a pot. It’s about building layers of flavour. We're going to make some proper beef recipes for dinner !
Main Players: Beefy Goodness & More
- Beef Chuck Roast: 2 lbs (900g) , cut into 1 inch cubes. Get the good stuff! Marbling means flavour, innit? Look for a nice even colour and some fat running through it. This is the starting place for amazing ground beef recipes for dinner .
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . For searing.
- Onion: 1 large , finely chopped.
- Carrots: 2 , finely chopped.
- Celery: 2 stalks , finely chopped. This trio's the base, the Holy Trinity.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick).
- Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Something you'd actually drink. A cheap Chianti's perfect. Adds to that Red Wine Beef Ragu .
- Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz (800g) .
- Diced Tomatoes: 14.5 oz (410g) , undrained.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons .
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) .
- Bay Leaves: 2 . Don't forget to remove them later!
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon .
- Pappardelle Pasta: 1 lb (450g) (fresh or dried). This Pappardelle Pasta Recipe will be great.
- Parmesan Cheese: For serving.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish.
Seasoning: The Spice is Right!
Oregano and thyme are key for that proper Italian beef pasta vibe. Red pepper flakes? Oh my gosh! If you like a bit of heat, go for it.
Balsamic vinegar at the end adds a lovely tang. You can also try some Worcestershire sauce, if you want something tangier.
For substitutions, honestly, dried Italian seasoning works in a pinch if you're missing individual herbs. A dash of sugar will do the trick!
Equipment: Keep It Simple!
- Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger). This is key for a Slow Cooker Beef Ragu .
- Large Skillet. For searing.
- Large Pot. For pasta.
- Slotted Spoon.
- Sharp Knife.
Don't stress if you don't have exactly the right stuff. A Dutch oven can work instead of a slow cooker.
A regular frying pan will do if you don't have a skillet. We are making beef recipes easy so if you can skip it, go for it.
It is all about those great comfort food recipes and family dinner ideas , not perfection!
Alright, let's talk about my fave: Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle ! Honestly, there's nothing quite like coming home to this after a long day.
It's seriously the ultimate in comfort food recipes . Picture tender, melt-in-your mouth beef in a rich, red wine sauce. You know? This is Nan's Sunday roast, but leveled up.
Prep Like a Pro for Your Beef Pasta Recipes
First things first, mise en place , darling! Chop your 2 lbs (900g) of beef chuck roast into 1 inch cubes.
Dice one large onion , two carrots , and two celery stalks . Mince four cloves of garlic . Get all your spices measured out oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy.
This is the way to make easier even the beef recipes easy . Organising your ingredients saves loads of time, trust me.
A word of warning: please use a sharp knife. No one wants a trip to A&E!
Getting Saucy: step-by-step
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet.
Season your beef with salt and pepper, then sear it in batches until browned. Don't overcrowd the pan! Transfer to your slow cooker.
Add your chopped veg to the skillet and sauté for 5- 7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and spices, cook for 1 minute.
Pour in ½ cup (120ml) dry red wine (I like Chianti) to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 2- 3 minutes , scraping up those tasty browned bits. Pour over the beef.
Add 28oz (800g) crushed tomatoes , 14.5oz (410g) diced tomatoes , 2 tablespoons tomato paste , 1 cup (240ml) beef broth , and 2 bay leaves to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6- 8 hours .
Remove bay leaves and shred the beef. Stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar .
Cook your 1 lb (450g) pappardelle pasta until al dente.
Serve the ragu over the pasta, with Parmesan and parsley. Sorted! You can prepare the Slow Cooker Beef Ragu and enjoy some tasty beef recipes for dinner
Pro Tips for the Best Italian Beef Pasta Ever
- Don't skip the searing! It adds so much flavour to your red wine beef ragu .
- Avoid overcooking the pasta. Nobody likes mushy pasta.
- Want to make it ahead? This ragu is amazing the next day. Honestly, give it a go!.
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It's proper family dinner ideas sorted. It is also a fantastic ground beef recipes for dinner for the family.
I've made this loads of times and I always tweak it a little bit based on what's in the cupboard.
Don't be afraid to experiment!. Trust me, give this beef pasta recipes a try you won't regret it!
Alright, lets get down to the nitty gritty of my Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle. This isn't just a recipe. It's a hug in a bowl, seriously.
Recipe Notes: Making This The Best Beef Pasta Recipe Ever
Honestly, every Beef Pasta Recipe has its quirks. Here are a few of mine, learned from making this dish more times than I can count.
Think of it like those little secrets your grandma passes down.
Serving Like a Pro
You know presentation matters, right? For plating, I like to swirl the Pappardelle Pasta Recipe into a nest shape. Then, I spoon a generous amount of the Red Wine Beef Ragu right in the middle.
A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley adds that touch of class.
To keep things proper British, serve with crusty bread to mop up all that lovely sauce. A simple green salad cuts through the richness.
And, if you're feeling fancy, a glass of Chianti doesn’t hurt. It truly elevates this dish!
Storage Savvy
Leftover Italian Beef Pasta ? Lucky you! This ragu keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing is also an option. Portion it out before freezing for easy reheating. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight and warm it through on the stovetop.
Or even easier, microwave it. It tastes just as good, promise.
Variations on a Theme
Got dietary restrictions? No worries. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. It’s a simple swap.
Want to go meat free? Use hearty mushrooms like portobello. You'll create a delicious vegetarian ragu which is a good substitute and makes this one of the best beef recipes easy to adapt.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the gist. This ragu is packed with protein thanks to the beef. The tomatoes give you vitamins, and the red wine? Well, it’s good for the soul!.
It's hearty comfort food recipes perfect for those Family Dinner Ideas . Do bare in mind, it’s rich, so maybe not an everyday meal.
But definitely worth it for a treat. And If you need some inspiration for Beef Recipes For Dinner , this Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner is a great start.
So there you have it! I've shared my insider tips for making this Beef Pasta Recipe a guaranteed hit. It's simpler than you think, and the results are just incredible.
Now, go get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!. Maybe even try it as a Slow Cooker Beef Ragu and let it simmer all day.
Honestly, you'll be glad you did. This beef ragu recipe will not disappoint!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this beef pasta recipe if I don't have a slow cooker?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can easily adapt it for the oven or stovetop. For the oven, use a Dutch oven and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender. On the stovetop, simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Just think of it as a Sunday roast, but for pasta!
What's the best way to store leftover beef ragu? And how long does it last?
Leftover beef ragu is brilliant for lunch the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. It's practically a new meal!
Are there any healthy tweaks I can make to this beef pasta recipe without sacrificing flavour?
Definitely! To lighten things up, you can use lean ground beef or trim excess fat from the chuck roast before cooking. Increase the amount of vegetables, like adding mushrooms or bell peppers, for extra nutrients and fibre. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. A little effort goes a long way!
My ragu is a bit bland. What can I do to boost the flavour?
Flavour lacking? Fear not! A few tweaks can really bring it to life. Try adding a pinch more salt and freshly ground black pepper, a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, or a small amount of parmesan rind during the slow cooking process for umami flavour.
Don't be shy with the herbs too - dried oregano and thyme are your friends!
Can I use different types of pasta with this beef pasta recipe?
Of course! While pappardelle is a classic choice for ragu, you can easily substitute it with other wide, flat pasta shapes like tagliatelle or fettuccine. Penne or rigatoni also work well, as their ridges help to grab onto the sauce. Even a good ol' spaghetti will do the trick in a pinch.
Ultimately, it's down to personal preference it's your tea at the end of the day!
I'm short on time. Can I speed up the cooking process for this beef pasta recipes?
While the slow cooking process is key to the rich flavour of this ragu, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to significantly reduce cooking time. Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then add all ingredients to the pressure cooker.
Cook on high pressure for 45-60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. It won't be quite the same depth of flavour, but it's a great option when you're in a rush. Think of it as a speedy version of your Nan's classic dish!
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu With Pappardelle
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 5g |