Slow Cooker Valentine's Dinner: Hearty Beef Ragu (Print Version)
Slow Cooker Valentines Dinner recipes made easy! Enjoy a romantic, effortless beef ragu that simmers all day. Perfect for your cozy date night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Dietary: Comfort Food
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ragu Ingredients
01 -
2-3 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
02 -
28 oz can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano style recommended)
03 -
1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
04 -
1 cup beef broth, low sodium
→ Flavor Foundations
05 -
2 tbsp olive oil
06 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
07 -
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings & Herbs
08 -
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
09 -
4 sprigs fresh thyme
10 -
2 bay leaves
11 -
1 tsp salt, or to taste
12 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
→ Finishing Touches (Optional)
13 -
1 piece Parmesan rind (about 2 inches, optional)
14 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
15 -
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, pat that chuck roast super dry with paper towels. Seriously, this step is crucial for a good sear. Then, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. You're building flavor here, don't rush it! I once skipped this, thinking "it's going in the slow cooker anyway," and the ragu just wasn't as rich or deep. Little mistakes, big lessons, right?
02 -
In the same skillet (don't clean it, those little browned bits are flavor gold!), add your chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point! It's like the promise of something truly delicious is wafting through your kitchen. This is where the magic really starts for our Slow Cooker Valentine's Dinner.
03 -
Pour in the red wine and scrape up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly and burn off some of the alcohol. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. See how it all comes together? I always take a deep breath here, the aroma is just so comforting. This is the foundation of that incredible sauce!
04 -
Carefully transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Pour the tomato-wine mixture over the beef. Add the fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and if you have one, that glorious Parmesan rind. Season with a good pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. I sometimes forget the bay leaves until the last minute, only to remember them sitting on the counter. Oops! Just toss them in, it'll be fine.
05 -
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting! My kitchen always smells divine during this time. I usually sneak a peek, but try not to lift the lid too often, you lose all that precious heat. This is the beauty of a Slow Cooker Valentine's Dinner – minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
06 -
Once the beef is fall-apart tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaves and herb sprigs. Return the shredded beef to the sauce, stir it all together, and taste for seasoning. You might need a little more salt or pepper. Oh, and sometimes I'll give the sauce a little mash with a potato masher if I want it extra smooth. Serve this luscious Slow Cooker Valentine's Dinner over pasta, polenta, or creamy mashed potatoes. Pure bliss!
# Notes:
01 -
Always sear the beef first for deeper flavor; it's a step you shouldn't skip!
02 -
This ragu is even better the next day, so make it ahead for less stress.
03 -
No red wine? Use beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar; it works in a pinch.
04 -
Serve over creamy polenta with fresh Parmesan for an extra special touch.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
03 -
Wooden spoon
04 -
Two forks
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 20-30g
Protein: 35-45g