Slow Cooker Beef Ragu: Whole30, Paleo, Gluten-Free Recipe
This Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with tender beef chuck roast, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato base, it’s cooked low and slow to develop deep, satisfying flavors. This recipe is Whole30, Paleo, and Gluten-Free friendly, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and perfect for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Liquids
- 2.5–3 lb. beef chuck roast
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup sliced or diced white mushrooms
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced white onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Tomato Base
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
Seasonings
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp black pepper
Thickening Agent
- 1 tbsp arrowroot flour dissolved in 1 tbsp water
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Assemble: Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker. Add almond milk, pomegranate juice, beef broth, sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, onions, celery, minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, dried parsley flakes, and black pepper. Gently mix just enough to distribute ingredients evenly around the beef.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cook the mixture on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The beef is done when it is tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, dissolve the arrowroot flour in water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to thicken the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes if needed to activate the thickener.
- Serve: Shred the beef in the sauce and serve over your choice of mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower for a Whole30-friendly option, or gluten-free noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For Whole30 and Paleo compliance, serve over mashed cauliflower instead of traditional mashed potatoes.
- You can omit the arrowroot thickener if you prefer a thinner sauce or are avoiding starches.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Ensure your canned tomatoes and tomato paste are free from added sugars to maintain Whole30 compliance.
Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Ragu, Whole30, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Beef Chuck Roast, Slow Cooker Dinner, Healthy Beef Ragu, Comfort Food
