Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu

Beef short rib lovers, rejoice! This Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu is a delightful dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. The rich flavors from the slowly braised beef, combined with fresh vegetables and herbs, create a sauce that’s deeply satisfying. Whether tossed with pappardelle pasta or served over creamy polenta, this ragu is sure to impress your guests and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The slow braising process allows the beef to absorb all the delicious flavors from herbs and vegetables.
• Comforting Dish: Perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions, this ragu embodies Italian comfort food.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve it over pappardelle, gnocchi, or even polenta for a meal that suits any palate.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep; you can store it in the fridge or freeze for later use.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves 10-12 people, making it great for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make the preparation effortless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Liquid measuring cup
• Kitchen twine (optional)
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Its heavy base provides even heat distribution, crucial for browning meat and simmering sauces without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots and helps scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and removing hot ingredients safely from the pot.

Ingredients

For the Ragu

• 4 pounds English cut beef short ribs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup dry apple vinegar
• one (1) 0.75-ounce package fresh poultry herb blend (or approx. 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 4 sprigs fresh sage leaves and 12 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• optional: 1 parmesan rind
• 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth/stock or water
• kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

For Serving

• 24 ounces pappardelle or pasta of choice, such as casarecce, bucatini, or gnocchi
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• for serving: grated parmesan, finely chopped fresh herbs, etc.

How to Make Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu

Step 1: Sear the Beef Short Ribs

1. Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Pat the beef short ribs dry using a paper towel.
3. Season them generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
4. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the ribs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate when done.

Step 2: Prepare the Soffritto

1. In the same pot used for searing ribs, add diced carrots, onion, and celery.
2. Season with salt and pepper; cook until deeply browned (15–20 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic and Tomato Paste

1. Add garlic to the soffritto; cook until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).
2. Stir in tomato paste; let it brown slightly (2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Deglaze with Apple Vinegar

1. Increase heat to medium-high; pour in apple vinegar.
2. Stir constantly while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Cook until almost completely absorbed (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Tie together herbs using kitchen twine; add along with bay leaves and parmesan rind if using.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth; stir well.
3. Return seared short ribs to pot; bring mixture to boil before reducing heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer for 2½ – 3 hours until ribs are tender.

Step 6: Shred Short Ribs

1. Remove short ribs from pot onto a plate; discard spent herbs.
2. Shred meat into bite-sized pieces using tongs or forks; return shredded meat back into pot.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil; add pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining pasta—do not rinse!

Step 8: Combine Pasta with Ragu

1. While pasta cooks, bring ragu back up to a simmer; stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese.
2. Add cooked pasta directly into ragu sauce; toss well to combine.

Step 9: Final Touches

1. If needed, adjust consistency with reserved pasta water or more parmesan cheese as desired.
2. Allow everything to meld together on medium heat for about 1–2 minutes.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

1. Portion into bowls; top with additional grated parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
2. Enjoy your hearty Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu!

How to Serve Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu

The flavors of Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

Over Pasta

• Pappardelle: The wide ribbons of pappardelle are perfect for holding onto the rich ragu sauce.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato gnocchi pairs beautifully with the hearty beef ragu, absorbing its flavors.
• Bucatini: The hollow center of bucatini allows for a delightful sauce-to-pasta ratio.

With Polenta

• Creamy Polenta: Serve the ragu on a bed of creamy polenta for a comforting and filling dish.
• Grilled Polenta Cakes: For a twist, serve slices of grilled polenta cakes topped with the ragu.

As a Filling

• Stuffed Peppers: Use the ragu as a filling for roasted bell peppers, combining flavors for a hearty meal.
• Lasagna: Layer the beef ragu between sheets of pasta with béchamel and cheese to create a delicious lasagna.

Garnished

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for an aromatic finish.
• Grated Parmesan: Add an extra layer of flavor with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

How to Perfect Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu

Creating the perfect Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu takes time and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and deep flavor.

• Sear the Meat Well: Take your time to brown the short ribs properly. This step builds flavor through caramelization.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t match. Always opt for fresh when possible.
• Monitor Liquid Levels: Keep an eye on the cooking liquid; add more broth or water if necessary to avoid drying out the ragu.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the ragu rest before serving. This helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
• Adjust Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking. A pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference.

Best Side Dishes for Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu

Pairing sides with your Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this rich dish.

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy loaf spread with garlic butter complements the richness of the ragu perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while balancing out the hearty ragu.
3. Simple Salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of beef short rib.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a wonderful base to soak up any extra sauce from your ragu.
5. Sautéed Greens: Sautéed spinach or kale provides a nutritious side that pairs well with rich flavors.
6. Herbed Rice: Fragrant herbed rice is an excellent option for soaking up all those delicious juices from the ragu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes may affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not Browning the Meat Properly: Failing to achieve a good sear on the beef can lead to less depth of flavor. Ensure the oil is hot enough and avoid overcrowding the pot.
• Skipping the Soffritto: The soffritto adds essential flavor to your ragu. Don’t rush this step; allow it to caramelize properly for 15-20 minutes for the best results.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Rushing the braising process will result in tough ribs. Follow the recommended cooking time of 2 1/2 to 3 hours for tender, fall-apart meat.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Quality matters! Choose fresh herbs, good-quality tomatoes, and flavorful broth to enhance your ragu’s taste.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasoning as you go is key. Don’t forget to check for salt and pepper before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the ragu to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer ragu to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place ragu in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between sessions.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through. Add water or broth as needed if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu?

Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu is a rich and hearty sauce made from tender beef short ribs cooked with vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes until they fall apart.

How do I serve Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu?

You can serve this ragu over pappardelle pasta, polenta, or gnocchi. It’s perfect topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ragu in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat before serving.

What are some variations for Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu?

Feel free to customize by adding different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different types of pasta.

Final Thoughts

Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction. Its versatility allows you to pair it with various pastas or sides while offering room for customization based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!