If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty, and richly flavored dish to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, Short Rib Ragu is the answer. This Italian-inspired braised beef sauce brings together the bold flavors of red wine, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and melt-in-your-mouth short ribs for a dish that tastes even better the next day. Whether you serve it over tagliatelle, creamy polenta, or layer it into a baked pasta, this ragu delivers true comfort in every bite.
Don’t miss our Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe for a spicy twist that complements this ragu beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Short Rib Ragu
Rich Flavor, Minimal Effort
This dish simmers low and slow for over two hours, allowing the short ribs to break down and flavor to develop, but your active time in the kitchen is less than 30 minutes.
Versatile and Meal-Prep Friendly
Short Rib Ragu is ideal for big-batch cooking. Make it ahead for the week, freeze it, or transform leftovers into lasagna, ravioli filling, or even a gourmet pizza topping.
Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home
With just a few quality ingredients—beef, red wine, tomatoes, and herbs—you’ll recreate a dish that rivals fine dining without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients for Short Rib Ragu
Main Ingredients
- Beef Short Ribs (2 lbs): Preferably boneless, cut into 2″ cubes. Bone-in works too for richer flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes (1¾ cups): Use canned or substitute fresh if in season.
- Onion, Carrot & Celery: A classic mirepoix base for flavor and texture.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Minced for deep savory notes.
- Beef or Chicken Broth (1 cup)
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing.
- Kosher Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds brightness at the end.
- Herb Bundle: Rosemary, thyme, parsley stems + bay leaves.
- Parmesan & Fresh Parsley: For garnish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Short Rib Ragu
1. Sear the Short Ribs
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven. Generously salt the short ribs and sear on all sides until browned. Work in batches to avoid steaming. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add tomato paste, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Deglaze & Build the Sauce
Add seared ribs, broth, crushed tomatoes, herb bundle, and bay leaves. Simmer partially covered for 2.5 hours.
4. Shred and Finish
Remove herbs and bay leaves. Shred the meat (discard bones if using bone-in). Stir in vinegar. Simmer longer to thicken if needed.
Best Ways to Serve Short Rib Ragu
With Pasta
Thick, sturdy pastas like:
| Pasta Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pappardelle | Holds onto the meaty sauce |
| Tagliatelle | Classic pairing in Italy |
| Rigatoni | Great for soaking up ragu |
| Cavatelli | Adds a chewy, hearty bite |
With Grains or Veggies
- Creamy Polenta or Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Cauliflower or Root Vegetables
- Vermicelli Rice or Hummus Base
Looking for inspiration? Try our Mushroom Rice side dish as a perfect complement to the ragu.
Storage, Reheating & Freezing
Refrigerator
- Store up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Reheat gently in a pot over low heat
Freezer
- Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating
Expert Cooking Tips for Success
Don’t Crowd the Pot
Sear ribs in small batches for proper browning. Crowding leads to steaming instead of caramelization.
Prep Ahead (Mise en Place)
Dice veggies and gather ingredients before starting. It helps you stay on track during cooking.
Oven Alternative
You can braise the ragu in a 325°F oven for the same amount of time instead of stovetop.
Conclusion
Short Rib Ragu is a timeless, deeply satisfying meal that brings together richness, texture, and comfort in every spoonful. It’s ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant weekend gatherings. Take the time to let it simmer, and you’ll be rewarded with layers of flavor that only improve with time.
Discover great ideas like our Greek Moussaka for another hearty dinner option or check out this easy Tagliatelle Pasta Salad for a lighter side dish. Don’t miss our Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes for a spicy meat-lovers treat.