Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu Over Pappardelle Pasta

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This easy Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu Over Pappardelle is a rich, hearty dish perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender beef cooks in a flavorful tomato and red wine sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal. Serve it over pappardelle for a classic Italian touch—simple, delicious, and effortless!

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Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 1 celery rib, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (3 g) dried oregano
  • 1½ tsp (2 g) dried thyme
  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast, cut in two
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 6 tbsp (90 ml) tomato paste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) red wine
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 lb (454 g) pappardelle pasta
  • Grated Parmesan, for serving

How To Make Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu Over Pappardelle Pasta

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Combine the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, oregano, and thyme in a 6-quart (6-litre) slow cooker.
  2. Season and add the beef: Generously season the beef with salt and pepper, then place it in the slow cooker.
  3. Add liquids and cook: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
  4. Shred the beef: Remove the beef and bay leaves. Shred the beef using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
  5. Cook the pasta: Boil the pappardelle according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water.
  6. Combine and serve: Return the pasta to the pot, add the ragu, and stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water to thicken the sauce. Serve with grated Parmesan.

Recipe Tips

  • Sear the beef for extra flavor: Browning the beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker adds a deep, rich taste.
  • Use a good-quality red wine: A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot enhances the sauce’s depth—don’t use cooking wine.
  • Shred the beef while it’s hot: It’s much easier to pull apart when warm, so don’t let it cool too much before shredding.
  • Don’t skip the reserved pasta water: Adding a little starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles, making it silky and rich.
  • Let the ragu rest before serving: Letting it sit for 10–15 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld for an even better taste.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Yes, you can use brisket or round roast if you prefer, but chuck roast is ideal for shredding due to its tenderness.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The ragu tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

What Other Pasta Can I Use Instead of Pappardelle?

You can swap pappardelle for tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even penne for a similar texture and flavor.

Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?

Yes, you can braise the beef in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 3–4 hours until it’s fork-tender.

Can I Freeze the Leftovers?

Yes, the ragu freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

Check out More Recipes:

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu Over Pappardelle Pasta

Recipe by Shili MohamedCourse: , DinnerCuisine: , ItalianDifficulty: , Medium
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

8

hours 
Calories

678

kcal

This easy Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu Over Pappardelle is a rich, hearty dish perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender beef cooks in a flavorful tomato and red wine sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal. Serve it over pappardelle for a classic Italian touch—simple, delicious, and effortless!

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced

  • 1 carrot, shredded

  • 1 celery rib, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp (3 g) dried oregano

  • 1½ tsp (2 g) dried thyme

  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast, cut in two

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes

  • 6 tbsp (90 ml) tomato paste

  • ½ cup (120 ml) red wine

  • 3 bay leaves

  • 1 lb (454 g) pappardelle pasta

  • Grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions

  • Prepare the slow cooker: Combine the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, oregano, and thyme in a 6-quart (6-litre) slow cooker.
  • Season and add the beef: Generously season the beef with salt and pepper, then place it in the slow cooker.
  • Add liquids and cook: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
  • Shred the beef: Remove the beef and bay leaves. Shred the beef using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
  • Cook the pasta: Boil the pappardelle according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water.
  • Combine and serve: Return the pasta to the pot, add the ragu, and stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water to thicken the sauce. Serve with grated Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts

8 servings per container


  • Amount Per ServingCalories678
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 26g 34%
    • Saturated Fat 9g 45%
  • Cholesterol 170mg 57%
  • Sodium 1451mg 64%
  • Total Carbohydrate 69g 26%
    • Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
    • Total Sugars 8g
  • Protein 42g 84%

    * The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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