Italian Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes
Tender beef slowly braised in a rich San Marzano tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs, perfect for a comforting pasta topping. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 210 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck roast, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck roast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 medium, finely chopped carrot
- 1, finely chopped celery stalk
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (28 oz), crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Brown the beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until deeply caramelized; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion, 1 medium finely chopped carrot, and 1 finely chopped celery stalk; sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until deep red.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until reduced by half.
- Step 6: Return the beef to the pot and add 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1 bay leaf; stir to combine.
- Step 7: Bring to a simmer, cover partially, reduce heat to low, and cook for 3 hours until beef is fall-apart tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving over pasta or creamy polenta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Italian Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes?
Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
