Using a crockpot, also known as a slow cooker, to make ragu sauce can yield delicious results with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to meld together for a rich and hearty sauce. Here's how you can make your ragu sauce better using a crockpot:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
Brown the Ground Meat: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef (or beef/pork mixture) to the other side. Cook the meat until it browns and breaks into crumbles.
Transfer to Crockpot: Once the meat is browned, transfer the entire contents of the skillet (including the vegetables and meat) into the crockpot.
Add the Remaining Ingredients: To the crockpot, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook the ragu sauce on low heat for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on high heat for 3-4 hours, but the low and slow method is recommended for better flavor development.
Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the ragu sauce over cooked pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni). You can also top it with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.
With the crockpot method, the ragu sauce will be rich, flavorful, and perfect for serving over pasta or even using in lasagna or other Italian dishes. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to intensify, resulting in a tastier and more satisfying sauce. Enjoy!