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Short Rib Ragu

Indulgent Short Rib Ragu That Transforms Dinner Time

This indulgent Short Rib Ragu will warm your soul with its rich flavors and comforting aroma, perfect for dinner gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Ragu
  • 4 pounds Short Ribs or beef chuck for a more economical option
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion diced; shallots can be used for a milder taste
  • 2 medium Carrots diced; parsnips can be used for a unique flavor twist
  • 2 stalks Celery diced; green bell pepper can be used
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced; adjust quantity for preference
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste or thick tomato sauce
  • 1 cup Dry Red Wine or beef broth for non-alcoholic version
  • 28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes or fresh tomatoes
  • 2 cups Beef Broth or vegetable broth for lighter option
  • 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary or dried herbs
  • 1 sprig Fresh Thyme or dried herbs
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf or dried herbs
  • 1 piece Parmesan Rind optional; omit if unavailable
  • to taste Salt or sea salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley for garnish; chives make a great alternative
  • 1 pound Pasta e.g., pappardelle; larger shapes hold sauce best
  • to taste Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano for sharper taste

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Short Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry, season with salt and black pepper, heat olive oil in a Dutch oven, and sear ribs for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed and cook diced onions, carrots, and celery for 8-10 minutes until softened.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in dry red wine, scrape browned bits from the pot and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Combine the Ragu Ingredients: Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Add the seared short ribs and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook the ragu for 3 to 3.5 hours at 325°F in the oven or on low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
  7. Shred the Meat: Remove ribs, shred meat from bones, and return to sauce. Strain sauce if desired.
  8. Thicken the Sauce: Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken, adjusting seasonings to taste.
  9. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
  10. Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta with ragu, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 36gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Browning the short ribs well is essential for deeper flavors. Always reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.

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