Description
This Short Rib Ragu is a rich, savory Italian-inspired sauce made with tender braised short ribs, tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic herbs. Perfect served over pasta, polenta, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef short ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1–2 cups beef broth, as needed
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Season & sear: Season short ribs with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown ribs on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Deglaze: Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes & herbs: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and short ribs. Add enough beef broth to partially submerge ribs.
- Braise: Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5–3 hours, until ribs are tender and falling off the bone. Alternatively, bake covered at 325°F (165°C) for the same time.
- Shred & finish: Remove ribs and shred meat, discarding bones. Return meat to sauce and simmer 10 more minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Spoon ragu over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra depth, make this ragu a day ahead to allow flavors to meld. Freeze leftovers in portions for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish / Sauce
- Method: Braising / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: short rib ragu, braised beef, Italian sauce, pasta sauce, comfort food