
Slow-Cooker Pork Ragu
This slow-cooked pasta sauce goes well beyond the average spaghetti topper with all-day slow-cooked flavor. Pork shoulder, bacon and aromatic vegetables cook in a crushed tomato sauce and thicken to a hearty, rich consistency that pairs well with rigatoni pasta in particular. Make it a day ahead when you have some extra time, and let the flavors mellow and meld—or just be sure to save some leftovers! This take on a classic Italian sauce is sure to impress your dinner table regulars and special guests alike.
Directions
Recipe Ingredients
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon, chopped (half of a 12-oz package)
- 1 1/2 lb boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 cup Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
- 1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups cooked rigatoni pasta (about 4 1/2 cups uncooked)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired
- Chopped fresh oregano leaves, basil or Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, if desired