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Short Rib Ragu

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Short Rib Ragu is a rich and comforting braised beef dish where tender short ribs simmer in a red wine and tomato sauce until fall-apart soft. Served over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes, it’s a rustic yet indulgent meal perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 3–4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
  • 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet or Merlot)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Pasta (like pappardelle), polenta, or mashed potatoes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened.
  5. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Return short ribs to the pot. Add bay leaves and herbs if using.
  7. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat or in a 325°F oven for 2.5–3 hours, until ribs are fork-tender.
  8. Remove ribs, shred meat, discard bones and excess fat. Return shredded meat to the pot.
  9. Simmer sauce uncovered for 10–15 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Serve hot over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
  • Use boneless short ribs or chuck roast if needed.
  • Stir in butter before serving for a richer sauce.
  • Substitute red wine with extra broth and Worcestershire sauce if needed.
  • Makes a great make-ahead dish—flavors improve overnight.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/short-rib-ragu/