Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu
This slow-cooked beef ragu is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The beef is cooked low and slow in a rich tomato sauce, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal. Serve over your favorite pasta or polenta for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Stir in the parsley and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve over your favorite pasta or polenta.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 463 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 103 mg
- Sodium: 845 mg
- Potassium: 845 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 545 IU
- Vitamin C: 11 mg
- Calcium: 79 mg
- Iron: 4 mg
Additional Tips and Variations:
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils. You can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
This slow-cooked beef ragu is a delicious and comforting meal that is sure to please the whole family. Serve over your favorite pasta or polenta for a hearty and satisfying dinner. Enjoy!
