Pork Ragu
Pork butt or shoulder is an economical cut of meat that’s perfect for making this slow-cooked stew topping for pasta.
Pork Ragu
Pork butt or shoulder is an economical cut of meat that’s perfect for making this slow-cooked stew topping for pasta.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 (2 pound) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 6 cups cooked pappardelle pasta
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh oregano leaves, basil or parsley, if desired
Instructions
- Spray a large slow cooker with cooking spray.
- In 5 quart Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. With slotted spoon, remove bacon to small bowl.
- Season pork with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Add half of the pork to bacon drippings in Dutch oven, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. With slotted spoon, remove pork from Dutch oven to slow cooker. Repeat with remaining pork.
- Add onions, carrots, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to Dutch oven; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
- Stir in garlic and oregano; cook for 30 seconds.
- Add broth and wine (if using); heat to simmering, stirring to remove brown bits on bottom. Transfer mixture to slow cooker with pork. Stir in tomatoes and bacon.
- Cover; cook on LOW heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or until pork is tender and easily falls apart.
- Before serving, shred pork with two forks.
- Serve over cooked pasta. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs.
Notes
Photo credit: (c) Can Stock Photo / FomaA
