Olivia Carter
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing a delicious homemade pasta sauce? Look no further than this best-ever slow cooker ragu sauce recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a rich, flavorful sauce that rivals the best Italian restaurants.
The key to a good ragu sauce is letting it simmer for hours to develop deep, complex flavors. However, who has the time to stand over a stove all day? That’s where the slow cooker comes to the rescue. By cooking the sauce on low heat for several hours, the ingredients have time to meld together and create a sauce that is truly irresistible.
This slow cooker ragu sauce recipe calls for a combination of ground beef, pancetta, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. The pancetta adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the onions and garlic provide a savory base. The tomatoes and herbs bring freshness and brightness to the sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a comforting meal at home, this best-ever slow cooker ragu sauce is sure to impress. Serve it over al dente pasta and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a truly satisfying dining experience. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought sauce again!
What is Slow Cooker Ragu Sauce?
Slow Cooker Ragu Sauce is a rich and flavorful Italian pasta sauce that is made by slow cooking a combination of beef, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It is a traditional Italian sauce that is perfect for serving over pasta or as a base for lasagna. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and develop into a delicious, savory sauce.
This slow cooker method for making Ragu Sauce involves simmering the ingredients in a crock pot for several hours, allowing the flavors to infuse and the meat to become tender and juicy. This method of cooking is great for busy individuals or families, as you can simply set it and forget it. The sauce can be left to simmer all day, filling your home with tantalizing aromas.
Ragu Sauce typically contains a combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, celery, carrots, tomatoes, tomato paste, and a variety of herbs and spices. The ingredients are sautéed before being added to the slow cooker, enhancing the flavors and ensuring a rich, hearty sauce. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and develop, resulting in a sauce that is full of depth and complexity.
Once the sauce is finished cooking, it can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. It can be served over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, or used as a filling for lasagna or stuffed shells. The versatility of Ragu Sauce makes it a staple in many Italian households and a beloved comfort food option.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Ragu Sauce is a delicious and versatile Italian pasta sauce that is made by slow cooking a combination of ingredients until they are tender and flavorful. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a sauce that is rich, hearty, and perfect for serving over pasta. It is a traditional Italian sauce that is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Ragu Sauce?
Slow cooker ragu sauce offers a multitude of benefits that make it a top choice for any cooking enthusiast. Firstly, using a slow cooker allows for a hands-off cooking experience, as you simply add the ingredients and let the machine do the work. This makes it perfect for those with busy schedules or for anyone looking to simplify their cooking process.
One of the main advantages of using a slow cooker for ragu sauce is the enhanced flavor it produces. The low and slow cooking method allows the ingredients to simmer and meld together over a longer period of time, resulting in a rich and deeply flavorful sauce. The slow cooker also helps to tenderize tougher cuts of meat, such as beef or pork, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is sure to impress.
Additionally, using a slow cooker for ragu sauce allows for easy meal planning. You can prepare the sauce in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners or for entertaining guests. The slow cooker also has the added bonus of keeping the sauce warm for extended periods of time, allowing you to serve it throughout the day or evening without worrying about it cooling down.
Finally, slow cooker ragu sauce is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you want to serve it over pasta, use it as a base for lasagna, or incorporate it into other recipes, the slow cooker ragu sauce provides a delicious and flavorful base that can elevate any dish. With its convenience, enhanced flavor, and versatility, it’s no wonder that slow cooker ragu sauce is a popular choice among chefs and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect slow cooker ragu sauce requires a carefully selected combination of flavorful ingredients. Here are the key ingredients you will need:
- Ground Beef: For the base of the sauce, high-quality ground beef is essential. Choose lean beef to ensure a healthier option.
- Onions: Finely chopped onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the ragu sauce.
- Carrots: Diced carrots provide a hint of natural sweetness and contribute to the overall richness of the sauce.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds a unique freshness and texture to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic cloves infuse the sauce with a powerful aroma and depth of flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste acts as the base for the sauce, providing a concentrated and rich tomato flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes create a thick and hearty texture, blending well with the other ingredients.
- Dried Herbs: A combination of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the sauce.
- Red Wine: Adding a generous splash of red wine elevates the sauce, giving it a robust and complex taste.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth provides a savory and umami background to the sauce, enhancing the overall depth of flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
By combining these carefully chosen ingredients, you will create a slow cooker ragu sauce that is rich, flavorful, and sure to impress.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the best ever slow cooker ragu sauce:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is cooked, transfer it to the slow cooker and add the cooked onions and garlic.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, and Italian seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir well. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the ragu sauce over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy this flavorful and rich slow cooker ragu sauce with your favorite pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Ragu Sauce
Creating the perfect slow cooker ragu sauce requires attention to detail and a few key tips to ensure a rich and flavorful result. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best slow cooker ragu sauce:
1. Choose the Right Meat: The type of meat you use in your ragu sauce can greatly impact the final result. Opt for a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a rich and hearty flavor.
2. Brown the Meat: Before adding the meat to the slow cooker, take the time to brown it in a skillet. This will help enhance the flavor and texture, giving the sauce a more complex taste.
3. Add Layers of Flavor: To give your ragu sauce depth and complexity, incorporate layers of flavor. This can be achieved by adding ingredients such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and herbs like oregano and basil.
4. Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in the taste of your ragu sauce. Opt for fresh, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
5. Don’t Overcook: While the slow cooker is designed to cook food slowly, it’s important not to overcook your ragu sauce. Overcooking can cause the flavors to become dull and the sauce to become too thick. Aim for a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low heat.
6. Adjust the Seasonings: Taste your ragu sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add salt, pepper, or additional herbs and spices to enhance the flavor to your liking.
7. Serve with the Right Pasta: To elevate your slow cooker ragu sauce even further, pair it with the right pasta. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the sauce, such as penne or rigatoni, for a delicious and satisfying meal.
By following these tips, you can create a perfect slow cooker ragu sauce that will impress your family and friends with its rich and flavorful taste.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Ragu Sauce
Slow cooker ragu sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some top serving suggestions to make the most of this rich and flavorful sauce:
1. Over Pasta:
The classic way to enjoy slow cooker ragu sauce is to serve it over a bed of al dente pasta. Choose your favorite shape of pasta, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni, and toss it with the ragu sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.
2. With Crusty Bread:
Another great way to enjoy ragu sauce is to dip some crusty bread into it. The combination of the hearty sauce and the crispy bread is a match made in heaven. It’s perfect for sopping up all the delicious flavors.
3. As a Pizza Topping:
Get creative with your ragu sauce by using it as a topping for homemade pizza. Spread a generous amount of the sauce over the pizza dough, and add your favorite cheese and toppings. The slow-cooked flavors of the sauce will add a depth of flavor to your pizza.
4. With Polenta:
If you’re looking for something different, try serving the ragu sauce with creamy polenta. The combination of the rich sauce and the smooth polenta is a tasty and satisfying meal. It’s a great option for a cozy dinner on a cold evening.
5. As a Filling for Stuffed Vegetables:
Use the ragu sauce as a filling for stuffed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Simply hollow out the vegetables, stuff them with the sauce, and bake until tender. The flavors of the sauce will blend perfectly with the roasted vegetables.
These serving suggestions are just a starting point – feel free to get creative and adapt the ragu sauce to your own taste. Whether you choose pasta, bread, pizza, polenta, or stuffed vegetables, the slow cooker ragu sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Traditional Pasta Dishes
Throughout history, pasta has been a staple in many traditional cuisines around the world. Whether it’s spaghetti, lasagna, or ravioli, these dishes have stood the test of time and continue to be beloved by pasta lovers everywhere.
One classic and well-loved traditional pasta dish is spaghetti carbonara. Originating from Italy, this creamy and flavorful dish combines al dente pasta with crispy bacon, eggs, cheese, and black pepper. The result is a rich and satisfying meal that has become a favorite among pasta enthusiasts.
Popular Traditional Pasta Dishes:
- Lasagna: Layered with pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, this dish is a crowd pleaser at any gathering.
- Ravioli: These filled pasta pockets can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, or vegetables, providing endless options for different flavors and textures.
- Spaghetti Bolognese: A classic Italian dish, this hearty meat sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti for a comforting and filling meal.
- Penne alla Vodka: This creamy and slightly spicy pasta dish combines penne pasta with a tomato cream sauce infused with vodka for a unique and delicious flavor.
- Tortellini: These small, ring-shaped pastas are typically filled with meat or cheese and are often served in a broth or with a creamy sauce.
No matter which traditional pasta dish you choose, the combination of pasta with various sauces and fillings makes for a versatile and satisfying meal. Whether it’s a family recipe passed down through generations or a dish enjoyed at a local trattoria, traditional pasta dishes continue to bring joy and comfort to dinner tables worldwide.
10 Best Ever Slow Cooker Ragu Sauce
Ragu Old World Style Meat Pasta Sauce 14 oz (Pack of 12) Pack (Pack of 12)
Staub Precision Induction Multi Cooker: Braise, Brown, Steam, Slow Cook and Warm with your Staub Dutch Oven, Matte Black, Dutch Oven Sold Separately
Features
| Part Number | 1028021 |
| Model | 1028021 |
| Color | Black |
| Size | 4.5 Quarts |
- PERFECT COMPANION TO YOUR STAUB DUTCH OVEN: Precision Induction Multi-Cooker combines the tradition and excellence of cast iron cookware with the precision of electric induction cooking.
- TAKES ONE POT COOKING TO NEW LEVELS: Retractable control panel with hidden display features 6 programs: Braise, Brown, Steam, Slow Cook High/Low, Keep Warm, and Manual Temperature Control
- COMPATIBLE WITH 5.5 QUART COCOTTE: Energy-saving insulating ring designed to fit the 5.5-quart STAUB Dutch oven helps retain heat and ensures even heat distribution throughout pan. Induction base can also be used without the insulating ring, base fits pans with up to a 9.5-inch base
- PRECISION COOKING: Push button temperature adjustment in 5°F increments with a single press; hold button down to adjust in 10°F increments. Protective Mat made from silicone safeguards table and countertops from heat damage
- ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE: Staub Dutch oven and accessory ring for 4-qt sold separately
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven with Lid, 5.5 Quart, Flame
Features
| Part Number | LS2501-262SS |
| Model | 21177260902430 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Color | Flame |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2015-09-01T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 5.5 Qt |
| Language | English |
- Colorful exterior enamel is shock-resistant to prevent chipping and cracking
- Dome-shaped lid locks in flavor by promoting continuous circulation of heat and moisture
- Sand-colored interior enamel has a smooth finish that promotes caramelization, prevents sticking and resists stains
- Wide loop handles provide a safe and comfortable grip
- Stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature
Ragu Double Cheddar Cheesy Sauce 15.5oz (Pack of 12) Made with Real Cheese
De Cecco Semolina Pasta, Rigatoni No.24, 1 Pound (Pack of 12)
Features
| Part Number | SKDDH81 |
| Release Date | 2014-01-21T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 192 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
| Publication Date | 2014-01-21T00:00:01Z |
- Contains 12-16 oz boxes
- 100% Durum Wheat Semolina
- Made in Italy
- DISCOVER THE RECIPES
- Shaped through Bronze Dies to create a rough surface to better retain sauce
- Slowly Dried at low Temperature to Preserve Nutritional Properties. GMO Free. Kosher.
- GMO FreeNo Trans Fat, No Saturated Fat, No Added Sugar
- Good source of Protein, Thiamin, Folic Acid, Iron, Riboflavin and Niacin
- Premium Quality Semolina Pasta produced by renowned De Cecco Pasta Maker
- It is a rather adaptable cut and is suitable with tomato or vegetable- based sauces. They are at their best with meat –based sauces such as with stew, meat and mushrooms, veal and pork, sausage and fowl ragùs. Best are liquid based sauces able to to cling to the pasta's ridges.
- Made in Italy, Kosher Certified
FAQ
What are some traditional pasta dishes from Italy?
Some traditional pasta dishes from Italy include spaghetti carbonara, lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, ravioli, and penne arrabbiata.
What is spaghetti carbonara?
Spaghetti carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with eggs, pancetta or bacon, cheese (usually Pecorino Romano), and black pepper. It is a creamy and rich dish.
What is lasagna?
Lasagna is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with layers of pasta sheets, meat sauce, cheese, and béchamel sauce. It is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is fettuccine alfredo?
Fettuccine alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish made with fettuccine noodles, butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream. The sauce is rich and creamy, coating the pasta strands.
What is penne arrabbiata?
Penne arrabbiata is a spicy pasta dish from Italy. It is made with penne noodles, a spicy tomato sauce (arrabbiata means “angry” in Italian), garlic, chilli flakes, and olive oil. It has a fiery and bold flavour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traditional pasta dishes are a culinary treasure that have been enjoyed for centuries. From the rich and comforting flavours of Italian classics like spaghetti carbonara and lasagna to the vibrant and fresh tastes of Mediterranean dishes like pasta primavera and penne arrabbiata, there is a pasta dish for every palate. These dishes not only satisfy hunger but also bring people together, no matter their cultural background. So next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and timeless meal, look no further than traditional pasta dishes. Bon appétit!
