The moment you take your first bite of this slow cooked beef ragu, you’ll fall in love with its rich, deep tomato flavors and fall-apart tender chunks of beef. Paired with velvety, buttery Parmesan polenta, this dish brings an Italian-inspired comfort to your dinner table that feels both fancy and cozy.
Perfect for a lazy Sunday dinner or a weeknight where you want to impress without the stress, this crockpot recipe does all the work for you. Just set it and forget it, then whip up the creamy polenta right before serving. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug, making this a true crowd-pleaser and family favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1/2 cup dry red wine
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
For the Polenta:
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1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
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4 cups water
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons butter
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear beef chunks until browned on all sides. Transfer to a crockpot.
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In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
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Transfer sautéed mixture to crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
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Remove beef and shred with two forks. Return to the sauce and stir to combine.
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In the last 30 minutes of ragu cooking, prepare polenta: bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat and stir frequently for 20-25 minutes, until thick and creamy.
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Stir in butter and Parmesan into the polenta.
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Serve beef ragu generously over a scoop of creamy polenta. Top with fresh herbs and more Parmesan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) + 25 minutes (polenta) | Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooked Beef Ragu with Creamy Polenta
Few dishes deliver comfort and depth of flavor quite like a rich, slow-cooked beef ragu. This recipe, served over a creamy bed of buttery Parmesan polenta, is the perfect balance of rustic tradition and modern convenience. It combines the hearty goodness of Italian-style braised beef with the silky texture of classic cornmeal porridge. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth, soul-warming meal that feels gourmet—but is actually very easy to prepare.
Let’s dive deeper into why this dish has earned a permanent spot on many dinner tables.
The Origins of Beef Ragu and Polenta
Ragu is an Italian meat-based sauce, traditionally slow-cooked with tomatoes, wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs. It’s known for its robust flavor and versatility. While most people are familiar with Bolognese (a type of ragu from Bologna), this beef version draws inspiration from Southern Italian kitchens, where tougher cuts of meat are transformed into tender, saucy perfection through hours of simmering.
Polenta, on the other hand, is a Northern Italian staple made from coarsely ground cornmeal. It was historically considered peasant food—humble, filling, and made with simple ingredients. But when paired with something as rich and flavorful as beef ragu, it becomes elevated into a comforting and indulgent dish.
The combination of ragu and polenta is a beautiful union of Northern and Southern Italian traditions—a dish that showcases regional flavors and heritage in every bite.
Crockpot Convenience Meets Classic Flavors
One of the best things about this recipe is that it delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor with very little active cooking time. Thanks to the crockpot (or slow cooker), the beef cooks low and slow, allowing the connective tissues in the chuck roast to break down, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy.
The red wine and tomato base develops complexity as it simmers all day, infusing every strand of beef with rich, savory notes. You don’t need to hover over the stove, stir constantly, or stress about timing—it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal.
By the time dinner rolls around, all you need to do is whip up the polenta, which takes less than 30 minutes and uses just a few pantry staples.
Benefits of This Recipe
1. High in Protein and Nutrients:
Beef chuck is a great source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all essential for energy, muscle repair, and immune function. It’s also satisfying and hearty—perfect for cold weather or post-workout recovery meals.
2. Naturally Gluten-Free:
Both the ragu and the polenta are gluten-free by nature, making this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
3. Budget-Friendly and Great for Leftovers:
Tougher cuts of beef like chuck are often more affordable than premium steaks, yet deliver incredible flavor when slow cooked. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making this a meal that stretches your dollar.
4. Customizable to Your Taste:
You can add mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to the ragu if you’d like to incorporate more vegetables. You can also make the polenta creamier by using milk or broth instead of water. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for even more aromatic depth.
5. Crowd-Pleaser Approved:
Whether you’re cooking for family, a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s comforting, filling, and elegant enough to serve guests.
Tips for Success
Sear the Beef First:
While it may be tempting to toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away, searing the beef first in a hot skillet adds a crucial depth of flavor through caramelization. Don’t skip this step if you want the best possible taste.
Use Good-Quality Crushed Tomatoes and Red Wine:
Since the sauce has so few ingredients, quality matters. Opt for San Marzano tomatoes if available, and choose a dry red wine you’d actually enjoy drinking.
Cook the Polenta Slowly:
Polenta needs a bit of patience. Stir it often to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Don’t forget to finish it with butter and Parmesan for richness.
Shred the Beef Thoroughly:
Use two forks to pull apart the beef until it’s nice and stringy—this helps it absorb all that gorgeous sauce and makes for a fork-tender result.
What to Serve with It
While this dish is satisfying on its own, here are a few optional sides and garnishes that pair beautifully:
- A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for extra nutrients
- A bold Italian red wine like Chianti, Barbera, or Sangiovese
Storage and Freezing Tips
This recipe stores and freezes beautifully.
- To Store: Let the ragu cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Polenta can also be stored separately and reheated with a splash of milk or water to regain its creamy texture.
- To Freeze: Freeze the ragu (without the polenta) for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooked Beef Ragu with Creamy Polenta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the magic that happens when simple ingredients are treated with time and care.
Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight dinner or plating it for a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting—a true testament to the power of slow cooking and timeless flavors.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a meal that brings comfort, elegance, and rich flavor to the table with minimal effort, this Slow Cooked Beef Ragu with Creamy Polenta checks every box. It’s a dish rooted in tradition, made modern with the ease of a slow cooker, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. The tender beef melts in your mouth, the sauce is deeply savory, and the creamy polenta ties it all together in the most satisfying way.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you may just find yourself coming back to it again and again.