Slow Cooker Ragu For Kids

A super easy slow cooker ragu recipe. Makes a great family meal that everyone will enjoy!

You must all know by now that I’m not one to spend hours in the kitchen. Although I enjoy leisurely cooking when I have the time (rare at the moment!) most days I am scrambling to get dinner on the table before the kids are too tired to eat.

Quick and easy family meals are what I am striving for this winter and my secret weapon to achieve this is my beloved slow cooker! 

What’s so good about a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot?

There are so many reason why I love using the slow cooker at this time of year, but my top four would have to be these:

It’s a Time Saver

Slow cookers really are a busy parents best friend! My favourite thing about the slow cooker is that for the majority of slow cooker recipes you can pretty much just throw all the ingredients in, switch it on and then several hours later you have a delicious family meal ready for dinner! So easy and perfect for a busy weeknight.

Economical to Run

As well as being great for saving you time, they are also relatively cheap to run compared to using the oven so they also have the potential to save you money this winter which is something I’m sure we are all striving to do!

Great For Cheaper Cuts of Meat

On the subject of saving money, slow cookers and crock pots are great for tenderising meat meaning you can buy cheaper cuts of meat to use in them with compromising on taste!

Versatile

There are so many different recipes you can make in the slow cooker! As well as pasta sauces, you can make stews, casseroles, soups, and curries to name but a few! I’ve even come up with a recipe for a Slow Cooker Fudge Cake which really is the ultimate comfort food!

Easiest Ragu Recipe Ever!

This slow cooker beef ragu recipe is so easy; simply throw the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and later that day you will have a delicious and hearty meal.

Ingredient Notes

What Cut of Beef Should I Use?

You can pretty much use any cut of beef that you want. It really doesn’t have to be the best cut of beef money can buy. To be honest the cheaper the better in my opinion for slow cooking. If you prefer to fry the meat before putting it in the slow cooker, you can do, but I don’t think it makes a difference to the taste.

What Type of Pasta Should I Serve this with?

Again, this really down to your own personal preference! Pappardelle pasta is lovely with a ragu sauce but in this recipe I’ve served mine with penne pasta and some vegetables. You could serve yours with any pasta of your choice and some nice crusty bread to mop up Whatever pasta you like if absolutely fine.

Red Wine

The red wine ingredient is optional. It is only a small amount but it does make for a really lovely rich sauce. But if you’d rather not use it, then please feel free to leave it out.

Top Tip 

For an extra special touch add my one secret ingredient…. parmesan cheese rind! 

You know the ends of the block of parmesan that usually end up lingering in the back of your fridge. Never throw them out; that’s an order! 

Keep them in the fridge or freezer and add them to the ragu.

There are so many delicious flavours in there that will melt into the sauce. And such a good use of something that you might otherwise have thrown in the bin! It’s well worth a try.

Just remember to remove the rinds before before serving!

How Do I Store Any Leftovers?

Leave any leftover ragu sauce to cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

The sauce can also be frozen and stored for up the 3 months.

If you are looking for more recipes that the whole family can enjoy, then why not check out some of my other great recipes, like my One Pot Recipes or my 30 Minute Meals.

If you give my delicious beef ragu recipe a try then please do let me know what you think. Or tag me in a picture on Facebook, or Instagram. I’d love to see your creations!