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slow cooker beef ragu

Healthy Slow Cooker Beef Ragu (Easy Weeknight Meal)

A healthy and comforting Italian-style slow cooker beef ragu made with lean beef, vegetables, and herbs, served over your favorite pasta or veggie noodles.
Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lean beef chuck or top sirloin trimmed and cut into large chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for searing, optional
  • 1 yellow onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
  • 2 cups baby spinach optional, stirred in at end

Instructions
 

Step 1 – Sear the Beef (Optional but recommended):

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side). Transfer to slow cooker.

Step 2 – Sauté Aromatics:

  • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add to the slow cooker.

Step 3 – Add Remaining Ingredients:

  • To the slow cooker, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and mushrooms (if using). Stir gently to combine.

Step 4 – Slow Cook:

  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is very tender and pulls apart easily.

Step 5 – Shred Beef:

  • Remove the bay leaves. Transfer the beef to a plate and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir well to coat in the sauce.

Step 6 – Final Simmer and Add Spinach (Optional):

  • If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 20–30 minutes. Stir in spinach during the last 5 minutes if using, until wilted.

Step 7 – Serve:

  • Serve hot over whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or your choice of grain or veggie base.
Keyword Slow Cooker Beef Ragu