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Short Rib Ragu

Short Rib Ragu: The Ultimate Comfort Food with Rich, Slow-Cooked Flavor

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Tender and flavorful slow-cooked short rib ragù, perfect for hearty pasta or polenta. A comforting dish that fills your kitchen with rich aromas and delivers deep, satisfying flavors.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef short ribs – de-boned, cut into 2″ (5cm) cubes
  • 2 tbsp light olive oil (or vegetable or avocado oil)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1 cup white onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup celery, finely diced
  • ½ cup carrot, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 cup broth (beef or chicken)
  • 1 ¾ cup crushed tomatoes (14 oz can)
  • Herb bundle (rosemary, thyme, parsley stems)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb pasta (tagliatelle or pappardelle)
  • Chopped parsley and grated Parmigiano Reggiano for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season short ribs with kosher salt on all sides.
  2. Heat oil in a large braiser or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs on all sides in batches without crowding. Transfer to plate.
  3. If too much grease, remove excess leaving 2 tbsp in pot.
  4. Sauté onion, celery, carrot, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until onion softens.
  5. Add tomato paste, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ½ tsp cracked pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  6. Deglaze pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
  7. Return short ribs to pot, add broth and crushed tomatoes.
  8. Add herb bundle and bay leaves. Bring to low simmer, cover with lid slightly ajar. Cook 2-2.5 hours, adding broth/water if drying out.
  9. Check tenderness; cook up to 3 hours until ribs fall apart.
  10. Remove bay leaves and herbs. Shred meat in pot, discard cartilage.
  11. Adjust seasoning, add vinegar. Reduce sauce further if too runny.
  12. Serve ragù over cooked pasta, garnish with parsley and Parmigiano.

Notes

  • Use deboned short ribs cut English style for convenience; bone-in adds flavor.
  • Stewing beef cubes can be a budget-friendly substitute.
  • Pairs well with polenta, ravioli filling, lasagna layers, roasted veggies, or hummus topping.
  • Recommended pasta: pappardelle, tagliatelle, orecchiette, rigatoni, cavatelli.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian