Shredded beef ragu with Instant Pot method is made with tender and juicy pieces of beef, swimming in a rich and savory tomato sauce. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to make it a complete meal.
While you are here be sure to check out these delicious Beef Birria Quesatacos con Consome and these Brown Gravy Smothered Hamburger Steaks.
Why we love this recipe
One thing I know, and two things for sure, it is smoldering hot in south Florida! Now that the weather is heating up, it is time to pull out any and every cooking gadget to help combat the heat.
It was only right to pull out the Instant Pot to help make this shredded beef ragu recipe. It was made in just under an hour, and was absolutely delicious!
What if I do not own an Instant Pot?
An Instant Pot is just the brand name for a pressure cooker. So any pressure cooker will work for this recipe. Do not worry though, if you do not own either, the good ol' oven will work just as well!
The point of the Instant Pot (as mentioned above), is to cut down on cooking time. Another reason I love it, is because it does not heat up the entire house when using it!
How to cook the shredded beef ragu in the oven:
To cook the beef in the oven, you will follow the exact recipe, except using an oven safe dish versus an Instant Pot. I highly recommend using a large dutch oven or deep cast iron skillet if you own one.
Simply season, and sear the meat as directed. Next, cover with all of the sauces. If the dish you are using has a lid, cover the dish with it prior to placing it in the oven. Aluminum foil can also be used in place of a lid if necessary.
The cooking times may vary if using the oven instead of the Instant Pot. Bake the meat at 375 degrees for one hour. Remove and check the liquid level. If the sauce becomes too thick, add additional water or broth to thin it out (about one to two tablespoons at a time).
Place the dish back in the oven and cook for an additional hour. The meat should be easy to shred with two forks, or using tongs. Once this tenderness is achieved, it is done!
What to serve with the ragu:
We always enjoy this as a complete meal. So cook as directed, then serve it over some mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta! In terms of side dishes, here are some great ideas:
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pound Beef roast chuck roast or cut of beef
- 1 whole Onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Carrots chopped
- 1 cup Celery chopped
- 28 ounce can Crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 1 cup Red wine merlot or cabernet
- 2 cups Water
- 2 whole Bay leaves
Seasoning for Beef
- 3 tablespoons Seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Start the Instant Pot on saute mode. Cut the roast into large chunks, no need to make them even. Add the beef to a large bowl, coat with olive oil and all of the seasonings: seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon.
- Using tongs or hands, turn the meat over and over until it is coated evenly with the seasoning.
- Add the meat into the instant pot in one even layer to sear, do not over crowd as this can be done in steps. Sear on all sides until brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the seared beef and set aside on a clean plate. Continue with the rest of the meat until all pieces are seared.
- Once all pieces of beef are seared, add them back into the instant pot. Next add the carrots, celery, and onion as well.
- Pour all of the wet ingredients directly over the meat. The Crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, wine, and water.
- Mix well until it is all combined thoroughly. Place the bay leaves into the pot. Cover and set to meat mode or pressure cook for one hour.
- Remove the lid and the meat should be fork tender. Shred with two forks or using tongs.
Chenée says
I made this tonight and it was the BEST Sunday dinner we've had in a while! Love that I could make the meat in the instant pot -- it made it so easy!