This delicious beef ragu is made with beef shin and cooked in the slow cooker which gives it a lovely rich flavour.
I love a good ragu and this recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is an absolute winner. The meat cooks slowly over several hours and becomes tender and soft. You could also use gravy beef, lamb shanks or even beef cheeks if you like.

This recipe can be served with any type of pasta you like or even mashed potato. Gnocchi is amazing with it as well.
I find that this recipe makes enough for around 12 portions so I freeze the leftovers in batches for use at a later date.
If you’re feeling inspired by Italian cooking, be sure to check out my tasty recipes for Italian Pork Meatballs, Tuscan Chicken, Baked Risotto and also Venison Ragu!
Common questions about Beef Ragu:
What other cuts of meat could I use? Beef cheeks, gravy beef, chuck steak or even lamb shanks would all work well in this recipe.
Does this freeze well? Yes. Freeze in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Defrost, then heat to piping hot in a saucepan on the stovetop.
Can you make this in a Multi-cooker or Instant pot? Yes please check out my recipe post for Multicooker ragu.
Pin this post to your dinners board on Pinterest and save it for later
MADE THIS RECIPE?
PLEASE CLICK ON THE STARS BELOW AND RATE IT!

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
This delicious ragu is made with beef shin and cooked in the slow cooker which gives it a lovely rich flavour.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 300g mushrooms, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 5 rashers of bacon, sliced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 Tbsp Italian herbs
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 3 bay leaves
- 1.2 kg beef shin or diced beef
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker then lay beef on top.
- Cook on high for 4+ hours or low for 7+ hours.
- Remove beef and shred the meat, discard bones then add meat back to the sauce and stir. Season to taste.
- Serve on top of pasta of your choice with parmesan grated on top.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 438Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 307mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 37g
Nutritional values are approximate. Please use your own calculations if you require a special diet.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CHECKING OUT MY RECIPE.
FOLLOW ALONG AT MY FACEBOOK PAGE.
OR TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM @VJ_COOKS AND HASHTAG IT #VJCOOKS
More slow cooker recipes
Here are more of my favourite recipes that can be made in a slow cooker.
Slow cooker whole chicken soup
This delicious soup is super easy to make and by cooking the whole chicken you will extract all of the health giving nutritional value.
Slow cooker lamb shanks
This is my super simple recipe for lamb shanks, it's so easy and they always come out melt in your mouth perfect.
Slow cooker moroccan lamb with apricots
This Moroccan lamb with apricots and chickpeas is the perfect comfort food. Served on top of mash or couscous.
Slow cooker Smokey sausage casserole
A hearty and flavoursome sausage and bean casserole served with soft and fluffy potatoes.
Slow cooker sausage pasta
This is a great budget friendly recipe that will feed a crowd or make enough to freeze for later.
Slow cooker Thai chicken curry
The perfect Thai chicken curry with carrots and peas made in the slow cooker. You can use green, red, massaman or panang curry paste.
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
This delicious ragu is made with beef shin and red wine which gives it a lovely rich flavour.
Slow cooker Mac and Cheese
This recipe is so easy you just throw all the ingredients in the pot, give it a few stirs as it cooks and you will have a delicious dinner.
Slow cooker Sticky Asian Beef
This easy beef meal is made in the slow cooker and can be served in bao buns or rice bowls.
Slow cooker spaghetti bolognese
This recipe makes a large batch of delicious bolognese enough for at least 2 family sized meals. Perfect for traditional spaghetti bolognese, lasagne or any other Italian style mince dish.
Slow cooker pulled pork
This pulled pork is made in the slow cooker so you can prep it in the morning and come home to delicious Asian style pulled pork. Perfect served in bao buns.