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Short Rib Ragù – Slow-Simmered, Rich & Deeply Comforting

Few dishes feel as luxurious and comforting as a well-made Short Rib Ragù. This slow-simmered sauce is rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, made with tender beef short ribs that melt into a thick, velvety sauce. Every bite delivers depth, warmth, and classic comfort, making it perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or an elevated weekend meal. Unlike quick sauces, this ragù is all about patience. Low and slow cooking allows the beef to become fall-apart tender while the sauce develops layers of savory richness. The result is a dish that tastes like it came from a traditional kitchen—rustic, satisfying, and unforgettable.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Carefully selected to create a bold slow-cooked ragù without alcohol or pork.
  • Beef short ribs bone-in
  • Olive oil
  • Onion finely chopped
  • Carrots finely diced
  • Celery finely diced
  • Garlic cloves minced
  • Tomato paste
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Beef broth low-sodium
  • Bay leaf
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for finishing)
  • Parmesan-style hard cheese grated (for serving)

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Sear the short ribs
  1. Pat the beef short ribs dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear short ribs on all sides until deeply browned.
  4. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the flavor base
  1. Reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot.
  3. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 3: Add tomato paste
  1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  2. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
Step 4: Create the sauce
  1. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
  2. Stir in oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
  3. Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.
Step 5: Slow simmer
  1. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Cover and cook on low heat for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fork-tender.
Step 6: Shred the beef
  1. Remove short ribs from the pot.
  2. Discard bones and shred the meat finely.
  3. Return shredded beef to the sauce and stir well.
Step 7: Finish
  1. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth if needed.
🥄 Variations
Ways to adapt while keeping the classic ragù soul:
Extra Rich: Add more tomato paste for deeper flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms for earthiness.
Chunky Style: Leave beef in larger pieces.
Spice Touch: Add a pinch of mild chili flakes.
Pasta Pairing: Serve with wide pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle.
❓ 10 FAQs
What makes ragù different from regular sauce?
Ragù is meat-forward and slow-cooked for depth.
Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes, but bone-in adds more flavor.
Is this recipe heavy?
Rich but balanced—perfect comfort food.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, it’s mild and savory.
Why sear the meat first?
It builds deep flavor in the sauce.
Does it need to cook that long?
Yes, slow cooking makes the beef tender.
Can I make it a day ahead?
Yes—flavor improves overnight.
Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, as it simmers uncovered.
Is cheese required?
Optional, but adds richness.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
🏁 Conclusion
This Short Rib Ragù is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort dish—rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With tender beef, a robust sauce, and classic flavors, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable. Perfect for sharing, savoring, and making again and again, this ragù is comfort food at its finest.