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Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

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Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu is a rich and comforting Italian-style meat sauce featuring tender, slow-cooked lamb simmered with tomatoes, wine, aromatics, and herbs until it becomes velvety and deeply flavorful—perfect for pasta, gnocchi, or polenta.

Ingredients

  • 2–2.5 lbs lamb shoulder or lamb shank, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 cup stock (lamb, beef, or chicken)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed or chopped tomatoes
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1–2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pasta of choice, for serving
  • Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino, for serving
  • Optional: chili flakes, cream, extra cheese

Instructions

  1. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Brown in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden on all sides.
  2. In the same pan, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook briefly to develop flavor.
  3. Pour in red wine to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Reduce by half. Add stock, tomatoes, herbs, and browned lamb. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the lamb is very tender.
  5. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaves. Shred lamb into the sauce and stir well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; add cream or cheese if desired.
  6. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving a little pasta water.
  7. Toss pasta with lamb ragu, adding pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Serve topped with grated Parmesan or Pecorino and fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Lamb shoulder provides the richest flavor and best texture.
  • For a lighter version, use lean ground lamb.
  • Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
  • Use fresh oregano, marjoram, or mint for variation.
  • Freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/slow-cooker-lamb-ragu/