Slow-Cooker American Lamb Ragu with Rigatoni

Recipe provided by | ANDREA SLONECKER

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Servings: 8-10


INGREDIENTS

1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes

1 cup dry red wine

1 large yellow onion, finely diced

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves (or 3 teaspoons dried)

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 (3-pound) boneless American lamb shoulder roast, halved (see Note)

1 teaspoon dried red chile flakes

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 to 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 pound dried rigatoni

Parmesan cheese, for grating

DIRECTIONS

In a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker, combine the tomatoes and juices, wine, onion, tomato paste, oregano, garlic, and chile flakes. Season the roast with the salt and nestle it in the tomato mixture. Cover and cook until the meat is very tender and can easily be pulled apart, about 6 hours on high or 9 to 10 hours on low.

Shred the meat with 2 forks and stir it into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt as needed. Add enough vinegar to brighten the flavor.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Return the pasta to the same pot and add enough of the sauce to coat the noodles, stirring over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes.

Serve the pasta in warm bowls, with another big spoonful of the sauce on top of each and plenty of Parmesan cheese.

Note: Special order a lamb shoulder roast from your butcher, or substitute cubed stew meat and reduce the cooking time to about 4 hours on high, or 6 to 8 hours on low.