Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Cooked pasta or polenta, for serving