Slow cooker beef ragout on polenta is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cold winter night. This Italian-inspired dish is made with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked together in a slow cooker until the meat is fall-apart tender. Polenta, a creamy cornmeal porridge, is the perfect accompaniment to the rich beef ragout, soaking up all the delicious flavors. With minimal effort, you can create a satisfying and flavorful meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
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CROCKPOT BRAISED BEEF RAGU WITH POLENTA
Crockpot Braised Beef Ragu with Polenta! Browned meat with canned tomatoes and flavored with red wine, bay leaves, and pinches of basil and oregano.
Provided by Pinch of Yum
Categories Dinner
Time 7h50m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Optional, but for best tasting results: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan. Add the beef in one whole piece and fry on each side for about 5 minutes, turning until the whole exterior is golden brown. I had some splattering issues so I covered the pan with a lid.
- Place all remaining ingredients with the beef in a crockpot or slow cooker (5 quart size worked for me). Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours. When the beef falls apart easily when pulled at with two forks, it is ready. Shred the beef into pieces and give it a good stir.
- For the polenta, boil the water and add the salt. Slowly add the cornmeal, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The polenta will start to thicken quickly. Continue whisking or stirring for 2-3 minutes before removing from heat. Stir in the butter until melted (you can also add cheese I'M JUST SAYING). For solid and chewy polenta, pour into a rectangular dish, let cool for 15-20 minutes, and cut into pieces. For softer polenta (my preference), serve scoops of polenta immediately before it has hardened.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 361 calories, Sugar 4.4 g, Sodium 1312.2 mg, Fat 14.7 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, TransFat 0.5 g, Carbohydrate 26.8 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 31 g, Cholesterol 109.8 mg
SLOW-COOKER BEEF AND POLENTA
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 8h25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Toss the beef with the Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Scatter the mushrooms and garlic in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker; top with the beef. Add the pepperoncini, brine, tomatoes and beef broth. Cover and cook on low until the beef is tender, 8 hours.
- Uncover the slow cooker and let stand 5 minutes. Spoon off any fat from the top and discard. Shred the beef with 2 forks.
- Meanwhile, cook the polenta as the label directs. Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan and butter until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and top with the beef mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 580, Fat 18 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Cholesterol 157 milligrams, Sodium 1384 milligrams, Carbohydrate 46 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 52 grams, Sugar 5 grams
PAPPARDELLE WITH SLOW-COOKER BEEF RAGù
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 7h25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Whisk the tomatoes, wine, tomato paste, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the rosemary and parmesan rind. Season the beef all over with salt and pepper and add to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until the meat is very tender, 7 hours. Shred the meat in the slow cooker with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Discard the rosemary sprig and parmesan rind.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain. Return the pasta to the pot and add the shredded meat and sauce; stir in the reserved cooking water. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir in half the parsley. Divide among bowls and drizzle with the olive oil; top with shredded parmesan and the remaining parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 540, Fat 17 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Cholesterol 144 milligrams, Sodium 849 milligrams, Carbohydrate 58 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 40 grams, Sugar 5 grams
BEEF RAGOUT ON POLENTA
From Pillsbury Doughboy Slow Cooker Recipies (2003). Book recommends using split corn muffins or wedges of corn bread as alternative to polenta.
Provided by LaJuneBug
Categories Meat
Time 10h20m
Yield 5 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In 4 to 6 quart slow cooker, layer onion, bell pepper, carrots, beef, pepper and pasta sauce.
- Cover; cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.9, Fat 25.3, SaturatedFat 9.6, Cholesterol 94.4, Sodium 457.9, Carbohydrate 13.6, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 9.2, Protein 26.2
SLOW-COOKER POLENTA
This Italian classic is so simple to make, you can now make it any night of the week. -Elisabeth Matelski, Boston, Massachusetts
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 6h10m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine 12 cups broth, cornmeal, onion, garlic, bay leaves and salt. Cook, covered, on low , 6-8 hours, until liquid is absorbed and polenta is creamy. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cream, cheese, butter, pepper and remaining broth. If desired, serve with additional cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 255 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 1168mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the ragout will be. Choose high-quality beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful red wine.
- Brown the beef before cooking: Browning the beef adds flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This will give the ragout a more complex flavor. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Use a good red wine: The wine will add flavor and depth to the sauce. Choose a dry red wine that you would enjoy drinking.
- Simmer the ragout for at least 2 hours: This will allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
- Serve the ragout over polenta: Polenta is a creamy, cornmeal-based dish that pairs perfectly with ragout. You can also serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Conclusion:
Slow-cooker beef ragout is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. With a little planning, you can have a delicious and hearty meal on the table with minimal effort. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this slow-cooker beef ragout a try. You won't be disappointed!
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