Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry red wine (such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 28 oz (800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 oz (410g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb (450g) pappardelle pasta (fresh or dried)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Pour red wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (deglaze). Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce the wine slightly. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Pour the tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Remove the bay leaves. Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Cook pappardelle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the slow cooker or serve the ragu over the pasta. Add a little pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This beef pasta recipes is really good!