🍝 Slow Cooker Ground Beef Ragu

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork for extra flavor)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely diced

• 2 carrots, finely diced

• 2 celery stalks, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup beef broth (or red wine for depth)

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté veggies: Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to caramelize.

3. Transfer to slow cooker: Add beef mixture to the slow cooker along with crushed tomatoes, broth (or wine), Italian seasoning, thyme, bay leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until flavors meld and sauce thickens.

5. Finish: Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning.

6. Serve: Spoon over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh basil/parsley and Parmesan.