Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
Rich and hearty beef ragu slow-cooked with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for spooning over your favorite pasta. This Italian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 205 minutes, pairs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can, crushed San Marzano canned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 2: Remove the browned beef and set aside. Lower heat to medium and add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 7 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Deglaze the pot by pouring in 1 cup dry red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the pot and add 28 oz crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving. Serve hot over cooked pasta or creamy polenta.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes and Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 205 minutes (25 min prep + 180 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes and Fresh Basil?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes and Fresh Basil?
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 Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes and Fresh Basil 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu with San Marzano Tomatoes and Fresh Basil?
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.
