Slow Cooker Beef Ragu (Paleo, AIP & Whole30 option)

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Ragu (Paleo, AIP & Whole30 option)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 lb beef stew meat; 3/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 medium carrot, diced; 1/2 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce (sub nomato sauce for AIP); 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup red wine (sub more broth for AIP & whole30); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

by Michelle on Oct 12, 2020 (updated Dec 12, 2024)

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This slow cooker beef ragu is the perfect comforting meal for minimal effort. It’s perfect served over pasta and is easy to make paleo, whole30, and AIP-friendly.

What is Beef Ragu?

Ragu is an Italian dish made with slow-cooked, tender shredded meat that’s cooked with sauteed vegetables and a rich sauce! It’s very commonly made with beef, but it can also be made with other meats like lamb, pork, etc. The sauce usually consists of tomato, wine, broth, and fresh Italian herbs!

This is the perfect meal to set and forget in the slow cooker for several hours and come back to a hearty and comforting meal. Plus, it’s easy to make into a dish that’s paleo, whole30, and AIP-friendly.

The Ingredients for Beef Ragu

Beef stew meat. I like to grab beef stew meat since it’s so easy to just toss in the slow cooker. However, you can also use chuck roast that you cube at home.
Tomato sauce. Or you can use nomato sauce to keep it AIP! Keep in mind that the color may vary.
Red wine and broth. Keep in mind alcohol does cook off and the wine is really for flavor, but you easily just use more broth instead of wine.
Carrot, onion, and garlic.

How to make Beef Ragu in the Slow cooker

Optional– sear the stew meat until lightly browned on all sides in a skillet over medium heat along with olive oil.
Add to the slow cooker: Add the beef to the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Add the remainder of the ingredients and stir well to combine, ensuring the meat is well coated and covered. Set the slow cooker to low, place the lid on, and allow to cook for 7-8 hours with.
Shred: Remove the lid from the slow cooker and shred the meat with two forks. Top with parsley and salt further to taste.
Serve: Over a pasta of your choice along with extra sauce from the ragu.

Can you make beef ragu in the instant pot?

Technically, you can though I highly recommend sticking with the slow cooker function. I tried this recipe in the Instant Pot for about 90 minutes on high pressure and I didn’t think it developed as much flavor as the slow-cooked version. If anything, you can use the slow cooker function on your instant pot as well!

What do you serve beef ragu with?

Beef ragu is typically served over pappardelle, and this Jovial tagliatelle is the perfect gluten-free version. For a paleo and AIP version, check out their cassava pasta! I’ve had this recipe with both penne and fusilli and it’s just as delicious.

If you’d rather forgo traditional pasta and go with something keto and whole30, you can simply enjoy this ragu with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash!

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