Short Rib Ragu Recipe

Short rib ragu is a comforting, rich, and deeply flavorful dish that takes your regular pasta night to the next level. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked short ribs with a savory tomato-based sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. If you’ve never tried this recipe before, it’s time to indulge in one of the most luxurious pasta dishes you can make at home. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the sauce, and the sauce itself packs a punch with its savory, umami-rich flavors. Pair it with your favorite pasta, and you have an unforgettable meal.

Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests at a dinner party, short rib ragu is a dish that delivers both in taste and presentation.

With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The short ribs simmer in a flavorful tomato sauce, creating a deep, savory ragu.
• Tender Meat: Slow-cooked short ribs become perfectly tender and melt in your mouth.
• Perfect for Pasta: This ragu pairs beautifully with any pasta, making it an ideal meal for pasta lovers.
• Hearty & Comforting: A perfect dish for colder months or when you need a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ragu gets even better the next day, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy the flavors the following day.

🛠️ What Do You Need to Prepare Short Rib Ragu? (Ingredients)

Before you begin making your short rib ragu, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish. Make sure to gather everything ahead of time for a smooth cooking process.

• 4 bone-in short ribs (about 3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 sprig thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Pasta of your choice (pappardelle, rigatoni, or tagliatelle are excellent options)

🍽️ How to Make Easy Short Rib Ragu Step-by-Step?

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this rich and comforting short rib ragu. Follow the steps closely to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth result.

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Start by seasoning your short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until they’re brown and caramelized. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the short ribs and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot with Red Wine
If using red wine, pour it into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Herbs
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the short ribs to the pot. Add the beef broth and stir to combine.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Ragu
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the ragu cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the short ribs are fork-tender and the meat easily falls off the bone. Check the pot every 30 minutes, and if necessary, add a little more broth if the sauce gets too thick.

🍲 Variations

While the traditional short rib ragu is a classic, there are several variations you can try depending on your preferences.

• Add Mushrooms: If you love earthy flavors, consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the ragu. The mushrooms soak up the sauce and enhance the overall flavor.
• Make it Spicy: For a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce as it simmers.
• Use Different Meats: While short ribs are traditional, you can substitute them with other cuts of beef like chuck roast or brisket.
• Add a Splash of Cream: Stir in some heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking for a creamier, more luxurious sauce.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like sage, basil, or oregano to alter the flavor profile.

📝 Cooking Notes

• Searing the Short Ribs: Don’t rush the searing process; it’s essential for developing deep flavor. Searing on high heat creates a caramelized crust on the meat, which adds richness to the ragu.
• Wine: The wine adds a lot of depth and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Slow Cooking: The beauty of this dish lies in its slow-cooked nature. The longer you let the ragu simmer, the more tender the meat will become, and the richer the flavors will be.
• Freezing: This ragu freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Short rib ragu is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various side dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve with your ragu:

• Pasta: Pappardelle or any wide, flat pasta is ideal for catching the thick, meaty sauce. Rigatoni and tagliatelle also work well.
• Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
• Salad: Pair the ragu with a light, fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.
• Wine: A full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti, complements the flavors of the ragu.

💡 Helpful Tips

• Cook Low and Slow: The key to tender meat and flavorful sauce is slow cooking. Don’t rush the process, as the flavors develop the longer it simmers.
• Bone-In for More Flavor: Using bone-in short ribs gives the ragu more depth and richness. The marrow in the bones adds extra flavor to the sauce.
• Shred the Meat: After cooking, use two forks to shred the short ribs into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to coat the pasta and ensures every bite is packed with beef.
• Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before shredding it. This helps keep it moist and juicy.

🏅 Tips for the Best Short Rib Ragu

• Season Well: Don’t be afraid to season the meat generously with salt and pepper before searing. It makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme work wonders in this ragu. They infuse the sauce with fragrant notes, but remember to remove the stems before serving.
• Control the Heat: Keep the cooking temperature low once you’ve added the short ribs and broth. A gentle simmer is the secret to tender, falling-apart meat.
• Finish with Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the dish.

⏰ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

🍏 Nutritional Information (Per serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 40g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g

❓ FAQs

Can I make short rib ragu ahead of time?
Yes! Short rib ragu actually gets better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use boneless short ribs?
Boneless short ribs will work, but bone-in ribs add more flavor. If using boneless, the cooking time may be slightly shorter.

Can I freeze the ragu?
Yes! The ragu freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

🎉 Conclusion

Short rib ragu is a dish that brings people together around the table. Its tender meat and rich, flavorful sauce make it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

With its luxurious flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, short rib ragu is an unforgettable dish that you’ll want to make over and over again.

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