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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Pork Ragu Recipe

    Published: Mar 17, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Slow cooker pork mince ragu pin image.

    An easy and tasty slow cooker pork ragu recipe using tender pork mince.

    There's no browning to do, just chuck the ingredients into the crock pot or slow cooker basin, switch it on, and come home to a delicious and rich crockpot pork ragu!

    Pork ragu in a slow cooker.

    This slow-cooked pork ragu makes a nice change from traditional slow cooker spag bol using beef mince, and it's just as delicious!

    All you need is 10 minutes to cook some pasta, and dinner is served!

    👩‍🍳 Love slow cooker dinners? Try my easy slow cooker sausage casserole next!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🥄 Equipment
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ Frequently asked questions
    • 😋 More slow cooker recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    • An easy dump-and-go slow cooker pork mince recipe.
    • Simple easy-to-find ingredients.
    • No browning of the mince is required.
    • Great for batch cooking and freezing.
    • Delicious with pasta for an easy dinner.

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    Ingredients for slow cooker pork ragu.

    Pork - Instead of using a pork joint, I've used lean pork mince for ease. Try and find one which is 8% fat or less.

    Bacon Lardons - use smoked bacon lardons or pancetta.

    Onion - 1 brown onion, finely chopped.

    Garlic - 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped.

    Carrot - 1 carrot, washed and chopped finely (I never bother peeling it).

    Celery - 1 stalk, chopped finely (remove any stringy bits first).

    Passata - or swap for a tin of chopped tomatoes for a chunkier textured sauce.

    Tomato Puree - for a richer flavoured sauce.

    Bay Leaf - fresh or dried.

    Thyme - dried thyme gives the ragu a lovely herby flavour. Swap for an Italian herb seasoning or dried oregano if you prefer.

    Worcestershire Sauce - add a nice tangy taste to the ragu.

    Sugar - helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

    Salt & Pepper - for seasoning.

    Parsley - freshly chopped for garnish. You could also use basil.

    🥄 Equipment

    Which slow cooker? I use a Morphy Richards Sear and Stew 6.5 litre slow cooker, which means I can brown and slow cook in the same pot as the slow cooker pot is safe to use on the hob! The 6.5 litre capacity serves 6-8 main portions, so it’s ideal for families and those that like batch cooking. There is also a 3.5 litre version for smaller households and this recipe fits perfectly into that one!

    Don't forget to check out all of the slow cooker recipes on the blog.

    🔪 Instructions

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Put all of the ingredients into the slow cooker basin.

    Two: Mix well with a wooden spoon.

    Three: Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or high for 5-6 hours. Serve with pasta and grated Parmesan.

    Slow cooker pork ragu in a black slow cooker basin.

    💭 Expert tips

    • Use a mini chopper to finely chop the vegetables!
    • If you have more time, you can brown the mince first, but it is purely for aesthetic reasons in this recipe.
    • Use a lean pork mince for this recipe, especially if you aren't browning the mince first.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Serve the slow cooker pork ragu over pasta (tagliatelle, spaghetti, pappardelle, or even short pasta like rigatoni, work well), with a green side salad (my rocket and Parmesan salad is a good option), as well as cheesy garlic bread or homemade focaccia!

    Leftovers can be served over air fryer jacket potatoes, or used to make an easy lasagne!

    Slow cooker pork mince ragu in a slow cooker.

    📖 Variations

    • Add a glug of red wine for a richer flavour.
    • Swap the pork mince for turkey mince.
    • Use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme.
    • Add more vegetables such as finely chopped mushrooms and peppers.
    • Mix in some baby spinach or kale for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
    • For a spicy kick, add a chopped red chilli or dried chilli flakes.
    • Make the pork ragu in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker instead.
    • Make the ragu with boneless pork shoulder instead and shred the meat at the end of cooking.

    🥡 Storage

    Store - allow the pork ragu to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Reheat - in the microwave or in a saucepan on the hob.

    Freeze - place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.

    ❓ Frequently asked questions

    How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?

    If the sauce is too watery, you can thicken it by whisking together a tablespoon of cornflour with a tablespoon of cold water, then adding it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove the lid from the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes, you can. Simply double all the ingredients and cook in a larger slow cooker or in two slow cookers if necessary.

    Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can. You can prepare the pork ragu the night before and store it in the fridge overnight in the slow cooker basin. Then, in the morning, transfer it to the slow cooker and cook as directed.

    😋 More slow cooker recipes

    • Easy Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl Recipe
    • Easy Slow Cooker Beef Curry Recipe (No Browning)
    • Slow Cooker Chocolate Creme Egg Pudding
    • Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe (No Browning)
    Slow cooker pork mince ragu garnish with parsley.

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    Recipe

    Slow cooker pork ragu in a black crock pot.
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    5 from 3 votes

    Slow Cooker Pork Ragu

    An easy slow cooker pork ragu recipe using tender pork mince.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine British, Italian
    Keyword pork mince ragu slow cooker, slow cooker pork mince ragu, slow cooker pork ragu
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 7 hours
    Total Time 7 hours 5 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 635kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Chopping Board
    • Knife
    • Slow Cooker

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 500 g Pork Mince lean
    • 200 g Smoked Bacon Lardons or pancetta
    • 4 Garlic Cloves peeled and finely chopped
    • 1 Onion peeled and finely chopped
    • 1 Celery Stalk finely chopped
    • 1 Carrot finely chopped
    • 400 ml Passata or chopped tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon Tomato Puree
    • 1 Bay Leaf
    • 2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
    • ½ teaspoon Sugar
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • 1 tablespoon Parsley finely chopped

    Instructions

    • Put all of the ingredients into the slow cooker basin (except the parsley).
      500 g Pork Mince, 200 g Smoked Bacon Lardons, 4 Garlic Cloves, 1 Onion, 1 Celery Stalk, 1 Carrot, 400 ml Passata, 1 tablespoon Tomato Puree, 1 Bay Leaf, 2 teaspoon Dried Thyme, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce, ½ teaspoon Sugar, 1 teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • Mix well with a wooden spoon, ensuring the pork mince is broken up.
    • Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or high for 5-6 hours with the lid off for the last hour of cooking to thicken the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve with pasta and grated Parmesan.
      1 tablespoon Parsley

    Notes

    Expert Tips:
    • Use a mini chopper to finely chop the vegetables!
    • If you have more time, you can brown the mince first, but it is purely for aesthetic reasons in this recipe.
    • Use a lean pork mince for this recipe, especially if you aren't browning the mince first.
     
    Variations:
    • Add a glug of red wine for a richer flavour.
    • Swap the pork mince for turkey mince.
    • Use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme.
    • Add more vegetables such as finely chopped mushrooms and peppers.
    • Mix in some baby spinach or kale for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
    • use half beef mince and half pork mince.
     
    Storage:
    Store - allow the pork ragu to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Reheat - in the microwave or in a saucepan on the hob.
    Freeze - place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Slow Cooker Pork Ragu
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    635
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    40
    g
    62
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    12
    g
    75
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    9
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    15
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    90
    mg
    30
    %
    Sodium
     
    1600
    mg
    70
    %
    Potassium
     
    1040
    mg
    30
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    30
    g
    10
    %
    Fiber
     
    8
    g
    33
    %
    Sugar
     
    8
    g
    9
    %
    Protein
     
    40
    g
    80
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    3228
    IU
    65
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    19
    mg
    23
    %
    Calcium
     
    118
    mg
    12
    %
    Iron
     
    4
    mg
    22
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

    More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

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    • Slow Cooker Pork & Apple Casserole Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura

      March 17, 2023 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      Such a tasty slow cooker ragu. Pork mince makes a nice change from beef mince and is much lighter!

      Reply

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    Beth Sachs Food Blogger

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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