As I stirred the pot, an aromatic symphony unfolded, filling my kitchen with the essence of rich Short Rib Ragù. This heartwarming dish captures the magic that happens when tender, seared beef mingles with a blend of diced vegetables, red wine, and crushed tomatoes. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your weekend dinners or cozy Sunday gatherings into something truly special. The beauty of this recipe lies in its effortless, slow-cooked richness—a comfort food that not only warms the soul but also delivers a depth of flavor that gets even better the longer it sits. Best of all, it’s a dish that invites you to savor each delectable bite. Are you ready to embrace this culinary journey that promises indulgence in every spoonful?

Why is Short Rib Ragù a Must-Try?

Indulgent Comfort: This Short Rib Ragù offers a feast for the senses, with melt-in-your-mouth beef paired perfectly with a sumptuous tomato sauce.

Slow-Cooked Goodness: The magic of slow cooking means bold flavors develop over time, allowing a simple recipe to transform into something unforgettable.

Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it over pasta, creamy polenta, or even a warm, crusty bread; this dish adapts beautifully to your favorite sides.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, this dish is a guaranteed hit, making it a beloved choice for family dinners or special occasions.

Leftover Luxury: With even richer flavor the next day, you’ll eagerly enjoy any leftovers, creating a delicious, hassle-free meal for busy weekdays.

Short Rib Ragù Ingredients

For the Sauce

Beef Short Ribs – Tender and flavorful, these are the star of the dish, becoming succulent through slow braising.
Light Olive Oil (or Vegetable/Avocado Oil) – Used for searing the beef and sautéing vegetables, ensuring a delicious base.
Kosher Salt – Essential for bringing out the robust flavors in the ragù during cooking.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper – A subtle kick that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
White Onion – Finely diced to create a sweet, aromatic foundation for the ragù.
Celery – Adds a savory layer to the aromatics, finely diced for even cooking.
Carrot – A hint of sweetness from finely diced carrot enhances the flavor profile.
Garlic Cloves – Minced to infuse essential flavor throughout the dish.
Tomato Paste – A key ingredient that deepens flavor and balances the sauce with its natural sweetness.
Dry Red Wine – Adds layers of acidity and complexity that beautifully meld with the beef.
Beef or Chicken Broth – Provides moisture and richness, forming the body of the sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes (14 oz can) – Thickens the sauce and brings a bright freshness to the dish.
Herb Bundle (Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley Stems) – Enhances the ragù with fragrant herbal notes as it cooks.
Bay Leaves – A subtle addition that contributes gentle herbal undertones.
Sherry or Red Wine Vinegar – A final splash at the end for a touch of brightness and balance.

For Serving

Pasta (Tagliatelle or Pappardelle) – Wide noodles that capture the rich sauce and pieces of beef beautifully, completing this Short Rib Ragù.
Fresh Parsley (for Garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
Parmigiano Reggiano (for Garnish) – A rich, nutty finishing touch that complements the flavors exquisitely.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Short Rib Ragù

Step 1: Season Ribs
Generously season the beef short ribs with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper, ensuring every surface is coated. This step builds a robust flavor base for the Short Rib Ragù. Set the seasoned ribs aside while you heat the oil.

Step 2: Sear Meat
In a heavy Dutch oven, heat a couple of tablespoons of light olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the short ribs in batches, searing each side for about 3-4 minutes until deeply browned. This step creates a savory crust, enhancing the ragù's richness. Once browned, transfer the ribs to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the finely diced onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This forms a flavorful base for your Short Rib Ragù.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste
Stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This deepens the flavor of the Short Rib Ragù, adding richness and complexity, giving it a beautiful color.

Step 5: Deglaze
Pour in 1 to 1.5 cups of dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any remaining bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the wine to reduce by half for about 5-7 minutes. This process infuses the ragù with acidity and enhances its depth of flavor.

Step 6: Combine & Simmer
Return the short ribs to the pot, followed by beef or chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, the herb bundle, and a couple of bay leaves. Cover the pot slightly ajar and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 2.5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds, transforming your ragù into a comforting delight.

Step 7: Shred Meat
After the simmering time, carefully remove the herb bundle and bay leaves from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat in the sauce, discarding any bones if necessary. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making every bite of your Short Rib Ragù rich and satisfying.

Step 8: Finish Sauce
Stir in a splash of sherry or red wine vinegar, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. If the sauce needs thickening, let it cook for an additional few minutes uncovered. This final touch brightens the ragù, making it even more delightful.

Step 9: Cook Pasta
While the ragù simmers, prepare your pasta according to package instructions, bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook tagliatelle or pappardelle until al dente, usually about 2-3 minutes less than the package indicates. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water if desired.

Step 10: Serve
To serve, twirl the cooked pasta onto plates or bowls, generously ladle the Short Rib Ragù on top, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano. This elegant presentation makes for a delicious and visually appealing meal, perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead Options

Short Rib Ragù is ideal for meal prep, allowing you to savor its flavors without spending hours in the kitchen during busy weeknights. You can prepare the ragù up to 3 days in advance; simply follow the recipe up to the shredding step, then refrigerate the sauce. To maintain the quality, let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. When you're ready to indulge, gently reheat the ragù on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Boil your pasta just before serving to keep it fresh, and then combine it with the ragù for a comforting meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made!

Short Rib Ragù Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to mix things up and customize this incredible Short Rib Ragù to suit your taste and dietary preferences!

Wine Variations: Substitute with white wine for a lighter taste, creating a fresh twist on this classic dish.
Different Meats: Try oxtail, chuck roast, or even lamb for a unique flavor profile. Each meat brings its own wonderful richness!
Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute with lentils and mushrooms prepared in the same way. You’ll still get that hearty, comforting feel but with plant-based goodness.
Add Heat: Incorporate a pinch of red chili flakes or Calabrian chili paste for a spicy kick. It's a great way to awaken the palate!
Creaminess: Finish with a swirl of butter or a splash of cream for added richness that elevates the sauce to new decadent heights.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs! Try basil or a hint of sage for a new aromatic profile that will surprise your taste buds.
Sauce Thickness: If you're looking to adjust the thickness, use a little reserved pasta water while mixing in the ragù to achieve the perfect consistency.
Serving Style: Serve over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or with thick slices of rustic bread; the options are endless for delightful pairings that elevate your meal.

Remember, cooking is all about creativity and joy, so feel free to take these suggestions and make this Short Rib Ragù your very own!

What to Serve with Short Rib Ragù?

Embrace an indulgent dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the heartwarming flavors of your Short Rib Ragù.

Creamy Polenta: Its smooth, buttery texture perfectly contrasts with the rich ragù, creating a divine mouthfeel.
Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables add freshness and a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory notes of the dish.
Arugula Salad: A light arugula salad with a zesty vinaigrette brings brightness and a peppery kick, enhancing the palate.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting, luxurious base that pairs beautifully with the hearty ragù.
Full-bodied Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti complements the ragù's richness, enhancing your meal.
Chocolate Mousse: Indulge your sweet tooth with a rich chocolate mousse for a decadent finish, contrasting the savory entrée with sweetness.
Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed garlic spinach provides a fresh, healthful side that balances the robust flavors of the ragù while adding vibrant color to your plate.

Expert Tips for Short Rib Ragù

Sear in Batches: Always sear the short ribs in batches to prevent overcrowding the pot; this builds a deep, rich flavor for your ragù.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality beef broth and decent red wine, as they significantly enhance the flavor of the Short Rib Ragù; don’t skimp here!
Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick after simmering, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Blend Aromatics: For a smoother sauce, consider blending the cooked vegetable mixture before adding the meat and liquids; this creates a velvety texture.
Flavor Infusion: Let the ragù rest for a few hours or overnight; the flavors develop beautifully, making leftovers even more enjoyable!

How to Store and Freeze Short Rib Ragù

Room Temperature: Short Rib Ragù should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to reach desired consistency.

Short Rib Ragù Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best beef short ribs?
Absolutely! When selecting beef short ribs, look for ones with a good amount of marbling and a rich, deep color. This marbling is crucial as it melts during cooking, making the meat succulent and flavorful. If possible, choose bone-in short ribs as they add even more depth to the dish.

What is the best way to store leftover Short Rib Ragù?
Very simple! Allow your Short Rib Ragù to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Make sure to label it with the date so you don’t forget!

Can I freeze Short Rib Ragù? If yes, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Short Rib Ragù, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on low until warmed through.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
Not a problem at all! If you find your Short Rib Ragù is thicker than you’d like after simmering, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to thin it out. Stir gently until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, too!

Is this recipe safe for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, it's important to be cautious! If you have allergies, be aware of the ingredients. Common concerns could include the beef, which is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Additionally, the red wine can be substituted with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version. Always check the labels if you're offering this to guests or family members with specific dietary needs or restrictions.