Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to make anything in the slow cooker. If I see a recipe I like for something, I might adapt it for the slow cooker so we can go about our day running errands or going for coffee and not have to worry about what's for supper. I know a lot of you feel that way. This recipe fits the bill. 

My favourite slow cooker recipes are stews, chilis and sauces. I've also made some yummy soups in it, too. This Ragu is a "made for us" version of a recipe I came across on the Canadian Living website. Not having had all of the necessary ingredients at home at the time, I improvised and came up with this delicious take on the recipe. The ingredients are what I had on hand but you can use your own favourite brands. Oh heavens it's good and a keeper! Enjoy

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Cooking time: 7 ½ hours on Low

Makes 6 cups

1 lb (454g) stewing beef cubes
4 slices of uncooked bacon, diced

2 large onions, chopped (or 2 cups frozen)

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (the more the merrier)

1 10oz (284ml) can of Beef Broth
1 20oz (540ml) can Chunky Stewed Tomatoes 

1 small can tomato paste – I used 3 tbsps

1 teaspoon sugar (white or brown)

2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

3 bay leaves

Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste

These are the brands of broth and tomatoes that I used (and prefer). 

Mix ingredients together well with stewing beef in a plastic bag or large bowl and place in slow cooker (or just mix it all in the slow cooker).  


Cook on low for 7 and 1/2 hours. Discard bay leaves. Shred or mash beef in slow cooker. Mix all together well. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes. 

Enjoy! 

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

I have lovely childhood memories of coming home from school and smelling a pork roast cooking in the oven. My Mom made an awesome roast and pork was always my favourite. She loved to cook and try out new recipes, too. I know that's where I get it from. My father did a lot of cooking, too. It made us all interested in working in the kitchen. My three brothers are awesome cooks. 

This is just a basic recipe. I like to use this for any roast or even a whole chicken (for which I use chicken broth and I replace the dried onions with poultry seasoning). I've even used it to slow cook turkey breasts. They come out so moist and delicious. 

Slow Cooker Pork Roast

1 5-lb pork shoulder blade roast

1 10-oz beef broth (I use low-sodium)

2 tablespoons dried, diced onions (not French onions)

Fresh ground salt and pepper to taste

Pour about 1/4 of the can of broth into your slow cooker. Put in the pork roast. Pour the remainder of the broth over the roast. Generously season with freshly ground salt and pepper. Disperse dried onions over roast and into the broth around the sides. 

Cook on Low for 7-8 hrs. 

And... Voila! 

Enjoy!