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Beef ragu with creamy polenta topped with tender shredded beef in tomato sauce

Crockpot Beef Ragu with Creamy Polenta and Tomatoes

Crockpot beef ragu is a comforting slow-cooked dish with tender shredded beef, rich tomato flavor, and creamy polenta. It is a hearty meal made for cozy dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 361
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Ragu
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 lbs. (1361 g) beef rump roast or round roast
  • half a yellow or white onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 28-ounce (794 g) cans San Marzano whole tomatoes (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • black pepper to taste
Creamy Polenta
  • 6 cups water
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan. Add the beef as one whole piece and brown each side for about 5 minutes, turning until the exterior is golden. Cover the pan with a lid if needed to reduce splattering.
Cooking
  1. Transfer the beef and all remaining ingredients to a 5 quart crockpot or slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
  2. Check that the beef separates easily when pulled with two forks. Shred the beef into pieces and stir it back into the sauce.
Polenta
  1. Bring the water to a boil and add the salt. Gradually add the cornmeal while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  2. Continue whisking or stirring as the polenta thickens for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the butter until melted.
  3. For firm polenta, transfer it to a rectangular dish, cool for 15-20 minutes, and cut into pieces. For softer polenta, serve scoops immediately before it sets.

Notes

The tomato sauce can be adjusted in several ways depending on the desired meat-to-tomato ratio. Two cans can be used with one drained and one undrained, both cans can be used undrained, or one undrained can can be used for a different sauce balance.