Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or when you want to impress guests with your culinary skills. The rich flavors of tender beef short ribs meld beautifully with the pasta, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Everyone will love the blend of ingredients, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The combination of beef short ribs and slow cooking results in an incredibly deep and savory sauce.
Comfort Food: This dish embodies everything we love about classic Italian cuisine—rich, hearty, and utterly comforting.
Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation that wows guests.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance, the steps are straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
Meal Prep Friendly: This ragu can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Large pot

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and braising slowly; it retains heat well.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts while dicing vegetables, making prep quick and easy.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to work on while keeping your kitchen organized.

Ingredients

For the Ragu

2 pounds beef short ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red apple vinegar (like Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

1 pound pasta (such as pappardelle or tagliatelle)
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step ensures that your ragu will cook evenly once it’s in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Short Ribs

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
1. Brown the ribs on all sides for about 4-5 minutes per side.
2. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot where you browned the meat:
1. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Cook until soft, around 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

Pour in the red apple vinegar while scraping up any brown bits left in the pot.
1. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by half for about 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Mix in crushed tomatoes along with beef broth.
1. Return the browned short ribs back into the pot.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Add bay leaf and thyme to enhance flavors.
1. Stir well to combine everything before bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Braise in the Oven

Cover your Dutch oven with a lid:
1. Transfer it to your preheated oven.
2. Cook for about 2 hours or until meat is tender and falls off bone.

Step 8: Shred the Meat

Remove from the oven:
1. Take out short ribs; once cool enough to handle, shred meat off bones.
2. Discard bones then return shredded meat to pot.

Step 9: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot:
1. Bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain well.

Step 10: Combine Pasta and Ragu

Toss cooked pasta into ragu until well coated:
1. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed based on taste.

Step 11: Serve

Plate your delicious pasta:
1. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

These steps will lead you to an incredible Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta that is sure to impress! Enjoy this amazing ultimate recipe at your next gathering or cozy night in!

How to Serve Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Serving Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta is an opportunity to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

Pair with Fresh Bread

Garlic Bread: Crispy bread infused with garlic butter complements the sauce perfectly.
Crusty Baguette: Ideal for mopping up the delicious ragu sauce.

Add a Side Salad

Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the hearty pasta.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing adds richness that pairs well with the meatiness of the ragu.

Include Vegetables

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts well with the savory ragu.
Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach provides a fresh touch to the meal.

How to Perfect Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Achieving the perfect Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips.

Use Quality Meat: Opt for well-marbled beef short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Don’t Rush Browning: Take your time browning the short ribs; this step builds depth in flavor.
Let It Simmer: Allowing the ragu to simmer gently melds the flavors beautifully; patience pays off!
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for a balanced taste.

Best Side Dishes for Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Complementing your Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up sauce.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus adds a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the ragu.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side that brightens the plate.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a delightful balance to the savory ragu.
Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes offer a unique texture that’s delicious alongside pasta.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the short ribs can lead to less flavor in your ragu. Always take the time to sear them well before adding other ingredients.
Not Deglazing Properly: Neglecting to deglaze with vinegar can leave behind flavorful bits stuck to the pot. Make sure to scrape these up for a richer sauce.
Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can result in a bland dish. Always sample your ragu before serving and tweak as necessary.
Using Overcooked Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy and ruin the texture of your dish. Keep an eye on cooking times and aim for al dente.
Rushing the Simmering Process: Skipping the simmering time or cooking at too high a temperature can prevent proper flavor development. Allow your ragu to simmer gently for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Place cooled ragu in freezer-safe containers.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat ragu until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta?

Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta is a hearty dish featuring tender beef short ribs cooked slowly with vegetables, tomatoes, and broth, served over pasta.

How long does it take to make Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta?

The total time needed is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I customize Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta?

Yes! You can add different vegetables or use various types of pasta based on your preference.

How do I store leftover Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Pappardelle or tagliatelle are ideal choices as they hold the rich sauce beautifully.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken thighs for a lighter option while maintaining great flavor.

Final Thoughts

Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. It offers rich flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes. Give this amazing recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!

Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

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Braised Short Rib Ragu Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is a comforting dish that transforms tender beef short ribs into a rich, savory sauce that clings to your favorite pasta. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The slow-cooked flavors of this ragu meld beautifully with the pasta, resulting in a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Serve it topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a presentation that will wow everyone at the table.

Author: Emery
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Braising
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef short ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red apple vinegar
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
Fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound pasta (pappardelle or tagliatelle)
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for serving

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides (4–5 minutes per side). Remove from pot.
In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft (5–7 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Deglaze with red apple vinegar; simmer until reduced by half (5–10 minutes).
Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Return short ribs to pot along with bay leaf and thyme.
Cover and braise in the oven for about 2 hours or until meat is tender.
Shred the meat off the bones and return it to the pot.
Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
Toss cooked pasta into ragu until well coated; adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.